Every American Christian MUST read this

http://townhall.com/Columnists/BobBurney/2007/10/30/a_shocking_%e2%80%9cconfession%e2%80%9d_from_willow_creek_community_church

Hey Family!
Dr. Smith (my New Testament Prof) mentioned this article in class on Thursday. he was unable to locate it, but through my AMAZING technical skils (HA!) I was able to find the article.
The sad part is I could have told them all of this without the millions of dollars that went into this study. We'll see what happens from here but at least this is a step in the right direction.
Be sure to share this with the ministers that you know who have opposed the "seeker friendly" mentality that leaves out who Jesus really is. These men and women have stood for doctrinal purity and soundness. They need the encouragement-They need to know that we love them for standing up for the TRUTH of the Gospel while still maintaining an attitude of Love. We owe them a HUGE thank you and a hearty God Bless! The need to know that we will contuinue to support them as they continue to Stand for the Real Jesus, the one who died to set us free from sin. They need to know that they were not wrong or backwards for doing what is right. We also must continue to keep them in our prayers. pray for their strength in the Lord as they continue to do God's work.

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If you are a Sox fan, no explanation needed.

Why I love Seminary

As you all may know, I recently graduated from a public University in the Northeast and am now attending a prominent Evangelical Southern Baptist Seminary in the Southeast.
Here are the Top Ten Reasons why I love Seminary
1. The leadership still believes in the Word of God as the Word of God. As in, They still believe that the Word of God (The Bible) is inspired, and inerrant.
2. We open every class in prayer.
3. Chapel Three days a week.
4. The Food is better here than at the public University
5. The Seminary Professors actually interact with the Students, unlike at many other schools.
6. The Seminary President is a genuine, warm, and caring individual who loves God and Loves Others.
7. I can have a discussion with other students in which I disagree with everyone else at the table and still walk away feeling edified.
8. The dress code-As a Young man, it is so refreshing to see young ladies dress MODESTLY. One does not see that much at Public Universities.
9. The Professors challenge the way we think about things while still affirming the Inspiration and Inerrancy of the Bible. They Challenge to honor God with our minds as well as with our hearts.
10. Most of the professors here have actual ministerial experience. Theyr'e not simply creatures of the "Ivory Tower" who have no practical knowledge of what public ministry is like, both in its joys and its struggles.

A Ladies' Man?

I was sitting having lunch yesterday with a few friends. One of them, a young lady, said, "So, some mutual friends told me that you were ladies' man. Is that true?" Talk about AWKWARD!!!!!
For the record: I am not now, nor have ever been, nor will I ever be a "ladies' man." If I am not a "ladies' man," that what am I? Well, I would categorize myself as a Gentleman. I do all I can to treat the women around me with the respect and honor that they are due. I would also add that I am outgoing, and friendly, and an all around nice guy who is also completely awkward and clueless when it comes to women. In fact, several people have said that I remind them of the Kevin James Character in "Hitch." I would agree with that assessment.
I refuse to be a ladies' man because the term "ladies' man" is similar to the term "player." I do not wish to play that game because in the end someone always ends up with their heart broken. As Christians, we are to walk in Agape Love. Being a "player" is antithetical to who I am called to be as a follower of Christ.
I know that these guys meant well- these are the same guys who have decided that it is their job to "find me a wife", which is pretty funny if you stop and think about it. I am perfectly happy being single. If God chooses to bless with with a wife, all the better, but I do not need a young lady to "Complete Me." Only Jesus can do that and I am trusting that He is in fact Completing me. Not to say that I want to stay single forever, but God will bring about everything in His right time.

The Presidential Candidates

Hey Y'all
I know I am ridiculously late on this post, but here are my thoughts on the Presidential Candidates in 2008. I will break the three or four biggest candidates down by parties.
Democrats:
Hilary Clinton: Her husband was the second worst President in the last half of the twentieth century (Worst was Jimmy Carter), So why is she gonna be any different? Also I disagree with just about everything that she stands for-She is pro-choice, opposed to the Federal Marriage Amendment, and she (along with most of the other Dems) is in the back pocket of the loony left.
Barak Obama: Handsome, intelligent, a good public speaker, but his voting record is very liberal.
John Edwards: TRIAL LAWYER, Need I say more? also goes around talking about "Two Americas" while living in his HUGE mansion. He condemns everyone else for for doing exactly what he is doing.
Republicans:
John McCain: not all that conservative, proponent of open borders and amnesty, co sponsored the Campaign Finance Reform Bill that has been used to prevent preachers from speaking on political matters
Mitt Romney: MORMON- HUGE red flag there. Also, he is trying to pass himself off as really pro family, but I'm not sure he is really as conservative as he says he is.
Rudy Gulianni: LEFT OF OBAMA AND HILARY on social issues
Fred Thompson: the only one of the Big Seven that I might vote for. Socially He is probably the most conservative of them. I would vote for him over the other Big Seven.
They guy I really want is Sam Brownback out of Kansas. Social Conservative with many distinguished years in the Senate.
If it comes down to Hilary, and Gulianni, I will vote a third party candidate. I cannot in good conscience vote for any of the the big three Dems or three of the big four Republicans. In fact, it may get so bad that I may not vote. I hope it does not happen, but it just might.

New posts tonight!

Hey all... I know I've promised a post on the Presidential Candidates , and I will post that later this evening, along with some other random things I've been thinking on lately.
Talk to you tonight!
Compassionate Conservative

Election, Free Will, and Roger Olsen Vs. John Piper

Hey Y'all!
This evening I would like to take some time with one of the most difficult theological questions of our day, that of the doctrines of election and free will.
To begin, let us define Election and Free will. Quotations are taken from Evangelical Dictionary of Theology.
Election-"Election is a Sovereign , eternal decree of God." "The Most common New Testament Reference to election is God's Eternal election of certain persons to salvation in Jesus Christ."
Election, then, is the doctrine that God, by His will, chooses those whom He will save. Election is similar to predestination.
Free Will is the doctrine that We choose salvation in Christ as an act of Our will.
Now that we have the definitions, Let us examine to see if one or the other (or perhaps both of these doctrines are Biblical. That is, Are either of these two doctrines affirmed in the Word of God?
Election is Biblical- Romans 8:28-11:35, and Ephesians 1:3-11 both speak of election. The latter reference reads:
Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Eph 1:8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
Eph 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Eph 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Eph 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Free will is also Biblical- Joshua 24:15, and Revelation 22:8. Revelation 22:17 says
Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
The word will in the King James is translated in other versions as "Wants to or wishes to." The verse is saying that all those who wish to follow Jesus are invited to do so.
The Biblical Evidence supports the claim that BOTH election and Free will are doctrinally sound. Wait a minute! How can this be? Isn't that a contradiction? No, and here's why. God chooses us and we choose Him. Do I fully understand that? No, and I don't think I ever really can until I get to heaven. This kind of question is why Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1:25 "...the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men."
Now, while we know that both the doctrine of free will and election are Biblical, both doctrines can lead into dangerous territory if taken too far.
If one takes the doctrine of election and predestination too far, man's responsibility to hear and respond to the Call of Christ is totally negated. In fact, it does not matter what one does because if they were "predestined" to be saved God will work it out. If they were "predestined" to go to hell, it does not matter if they served God all their lives and had a saving faith in Jesus. It's a "Damned if you do, Damned if you don't" scenario.
If one takes the doctrine of free will too far, you get what was said by the by a professor at Baylor Baptist Seminary about the bridge collapse in Minnesota... Read the article Here. Dr. Olsen is preaching a sort of Open Theism, which says that because humans have free will, God cannot know the future. This doctrine is very much UnBiblical, most obviously for two reasons. First it denies the sovereignty of God, saying that God is not in total control, and secondly, it casts doubt on Prophesy, much of which is God revealing what is going to happen on the future.
In answer to the question posed by Stan from Birds of the Air, no, not every Baptist believes what Dr. Olsen is teaching. I attend a prominent evangelical Southern Baptist Seminary in Virginia, and my New Testament professor said that Dr. Olsen and the Baylor Seminary are NOT indicative of what Evangelical Baptists actually think or believe.
I agree with John Piper's assessment that God was not surprised by the tragedy in Minnesota. God knew it was going to happen, and He allowed it to happen. Do I know why? No- I am not God, and I do not wish to be God. I went back and Read Piper's original article. You can read it Here. Piper did not say, as Dr. Olsen contends, that God caused the bridge to collapse- he says that God knew it was going to happen, as He is omniscient, and that He allowed it to happen for His Divine will. Do we always like God's plans? No, but just because we don't like God's plans does NOT mean that that they are not, in actuality, His plans.
The Bottom line is that God is still in complete and total control and He allows us limited free will. He allows us to make the choice to follow Him. He knows which way we will choose, but that does not mean that He forces us to make the choices that we do. God did not force Adam and Eve to fall, and He does not force us to follow Him. We make the choice to do so. (See Joshua 24:15)
I hope this helps to clarify that not every Baptist, and not everyone who believes in free will, believes the heresy spewed by Dr. Olsen.

The Jewish Nation and True Christianity-An Open Letter from An Evangelical Christian Part 2a-Who is Jesus?

Hey Y'all I know it's been a while since I last posted, but here is the second part of my Open Letter series:
Greetings in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! This is part two of my open letter that discusses the relationship between Christianity and Judaism. Part 1 discussed the Jewish roots of Fundamental Christian Doctrines. Part 2a will discuss the person of Jesus-Who is He?
Who is Jesus?
As an evangelical Christian, I believe that Jesus was and is the Messiah (Christ in Greek), the anointed of God. He was both fully God and fully man.
As the Messiah, Jesus fulfilled many prophesies in the TaNaKH (The Hebrew Scriptures, also known as Old Testament). These prophesies give many details about the life of the Messiah. I will now outline 17 specific prophesies (promises) given in the TaNaKH and their fulfillment in the life of Christ as given in the New Testament
1. The Messiah was to be born of a virgin:
Promise: Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Fulfillment: Matthew 1:22-23: Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Some have said that Mary, Jesus' mother, was not really a virgin, because the Hebrew word translated “virgin” in English was not the word that was typically used for virgin in the TaNaKH. This is true: however, the word used in Isaiah 7:14 refers specifically to a young woman who was still a virgin. This displays the sovereignty of God. He was saying that the woman that He would choose to bear the Messiah was going to be a young virgin. The other, more common word for virgin could refer to a woman of any age.
2. The Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem
Promise: Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Fulfillment: Matthew Chapter 2:1-6 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
3. The Messiah would live in Egypt as a Child
Promise: Hosea 11:1When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.
Fulfillment: Matthew 2:13-15 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
4. The Messiah would live in Narareth, a small town in the region of Gallilee:
Promise: Isaiah 9:1-2 Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
Fulfillment: Matthew 2:23 And he, [Joseph, Jesus' earthly father] came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene. Also Matthew 4:13:16 And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
5-6. The Messiah would be a descendant of Abraham
Promises: Genesis 12:1-3 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed
Genesis 15:1-6 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
Fulfillment: Matthew Chapter 1
Matthew Chapter 1 lists the genealogy of Jesus Christ. He begins with Abraham, because he was writing to a primarily Jewish audience and he was attempting to prove that Jesus Christ came from the seed of Abraham, Issac and Jacob.
7.The Messiah would be a descendant of Isaac, not Ishmael
Promise: Genesis 21:12 And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.
Fulfillment: Matthew Chapter 1 (see above explanation)
Romans 9:7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
8. The Messiah would be a descendant of Judah, grandson of Isaac, son of Jacob
Promise: Genesis 49:8-12 Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee. Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes: His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.
Fulfillment: Matthew 1, Luke 2
Luke 2 contains a separate genealogy of Jesus, that lists Mary's family, which also descended from Abraham, Issac, Jacob, and Judah. Luke's genealogy goes all the way back to Adam and Eve, displaying the complete humanity of the Messiah
9-10.The Messiah would be a royal descendant of King David, who was a descendant of Judah
Promises: Psalm 89:3-4 I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.
Isaiah 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots
Jesse was David's father- See I Samuel 16
Fulfillments: Matthew 1 and Luke 2
Both Matthew and Luke list King David as an ancestor of Jesus. Mary and Joseph were both descendants of King David. Joseph was part of the kingly line as listed in Matthew Chapter 1
Additionally, There are three separate instances in the Gospel accounts of others referring to Jesus as the “Son of David.” The first two of these references are Matthew 9:27 and Matthew 15:22. The final instance of someone referring to Jesus as the “Son of David” is recorded in all three of the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke and refered to as the Synoptic Gospels). This is the account of Blind Bartimaeus. It is found in Matthew 20, Mark 10 and Luke 18.
11. The Messiah would enter Jerusalem as a King
Promise: Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
Fulfillment: Matthew 21:1-5 And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. See also Luke 19, Mark 11, and John 12.
12. Messiah's death-The Messiah was to be tortured, beaten, and executed in a horrific manner
Promises: Psalm 22 is an accurate medical description of a crucifixion and the anguish that Christ went through.. Isaiah 53 also describes the death of the Messiah: Isaiah 53:3-5 He [Messiah] is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Daniel 9:26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
Fulfillment: The Gospel accounts give testimony that Jesus was scourged before he was crucified at the hands of the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. See Matthew 27, Mark 15, and John 19. He was then crucified on a wooden cross.
13-14. Messiah's death would serve as the atonement for the sin of mankind
Promises: Daniel 9:26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself
Isaiah 53:8-12 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Fulfillment: Romans 5:6-8 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
We take a break for a quick sidebar to answer the question of “Who killed Christ?” My Jewish History Professor at the public university I attended for undergraduate schooling is an greatly respected scholar in the field of Judaic Studies, and a man that I greatly admire. In the following article "The Question, Not The Answer, is the Problem (PDF form) Dr. Miller suggests that very question of who killed Christ is Anti- Semitic because it automatically presumes that someone has to be blamed, and most often, the Jews are the ones who are indeed blamed for Jesus' death. I completely understand his argument, but I disagree that the question of who killed Christ is inherently Anti-Semitic. I think that the answer that I have for that question removes the question from any Anti- Semitism- Who Killed Christ? No one. Christ was not killed. He laid His life down (See John 15:13, I John 3:16, and Romans 5:6-8). As for the question of who caused Him to lay His life down, I did. It was MY sin that caused Jesus to die on the cross. He laid down his life for ME. for MY sins. If I was the only man to ever exist, I would still need Jesus to come and die for ME. If we were sinless Christ would not have had to die, and we would be able to get to heaven some other way.
15. Messiah was not to suffer any broken bones during his execution
Promise: Psalm 34:19-20 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
Fulfillment: John 19:30-36 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.
16. Messiah was to be be buried in a rich man's tomb
Promise: Isaiah 53:9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
Fulfillment: Matthew 27:57-60 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
17. Messiah would rise from the dead
Promise: Psalm 16:10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Fulfillment: Acts 2:22-32 [Peter at the feast of Pentecost speaking to the Jews who were in Jerusalem for the feast]: Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
These 17 Prophecies are only a part of the more than 100 different prophecies that Christ fulfilled during his 33 years on this planet. I hope that you will look into these and other prophecies, and see that Christ really is who he claimed to be.
There are other Prophecies about the the Messiah that are yet to be fulfilled, but will be.
That's all for now!
Talk to you soon!
Compassionate Conservative

Liberal Bias in the Media?

Breaking News! There's Liberal Bias in the News Media!
Tell us some thing we don't know. Conservatives have known this for years, but now that we actually have proof, it will be interesting to see how the media's coverage of events and certain people and issues changes. For example, the media has not been kind to prominent conservatives over the years-Conservatives such as President Bush, and Dr. Falwell and the Moral Majority. It would be interesting to see if the coverage changes. I doubt it will, but We'll see.
As to the fact that journalists gave to Liberal causes over conservative causes at a ratio of 9:1, I say, that's their right, but while they have the right to give money to causes that they believe in, they also have the responsiblity to be impartial, and many journalists are not impartial at all. Some are, but there are many who are in the tank for one side of the political spectrum or the other.
I found the comments of my friend James Zipadelli to be very interesting. James is a grad student who is studying journalism up in Boston. He has some great insights as a journalist, and his column on this issue is a good read. He argues that journalist should not give to any political campaign, and I agree with him, but how can you stop someone from giving money to organizations that they agree with? How can you do that when we in America have the freedom to do with our money what we want?

Gone Home- Ruth Graham

Mrs. Ruth Graham, Wife of Billy Graham and mother of Franklin Graham, was called home to be with our Jesus today.

I can't help but feel that with her passing so close to that of Dr Falwell that the American Church has lost some giants of the faith recently-giants who may not be replaced. Are we willing to risk everything to follow Jesus? These were, but I fear many in the American Church today are not.

Jesus, make us your willing vessels. Lord, if I am not willing to risk everything to serve You, I want to be willing. I ask that You would make me willing. I am willing to be made willing. Thank You for the examples of willing servants You provided in the lives of Dr. Falwell and Mrs. Graham. Please watch over their families. Watch over Billy and Franklin and the rest of the Graham family and comfort them in thier time of need.
Holy Father, Raise up Your Sevants to carry on the work of spreading Your Gospel, and anoint us with the Holy Spirit as we tell others the Good News of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
In Jesus Name I pray
Amen and Amen

Updates Coming!

Hey everyone!
I know it's been a while, and I promise more posts are coming soon! As a teaser, look for my thoughts on the 2008 Presidential Candidates and More of my Open Letter Series...
While you're here, check out the new links I have posted in my sidebar... Silence or Music? and A Walk in My Shoes are written by two dear brothers in Christ from college. Also, take a look at Curt Schilling's blog, 38 Pitches. It's a fantastic read, especially if you are a Baseball fan in general and a Sox fan in particular.
That's all for now!
Grace and peace!
Compassionate Conservative

RIP Dr. Jerry Falwell

Tonight as I sit at the computer, I mourn the loss of a great Christian leader. Dr. Jerry Falwell, 73, founder of Liberty University and the Moral Majority, died today of an apparent heart attack.
The American Church will miss his leadership and his courage to say what is true in spite of everyone around him telling lies and falsehood. Dr. Falwell, We love you and you will be greatly missed.
In Honor of Dr. Falwell I would like to share two Bible verses and a poem.
John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live
Job19:25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 26And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.

The poem, "Go Down Death", is part of a series of seven poems, called God's Trombones, written by the African American American poet, James Weldon Johnson in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. I have modified it slightly.
Go Down Death
"Weep not, weep not, he is not dead; He's resting in the bosom of Jesus. Heart-broken wife--weep no more; Grief-stricken son--weep no more; Left-lonesome daughter--weep no more;he's only just gone home.
This very morning ,God was looking down from his great, high heaven ,Looking down on all his children, And his eye fell on Brother Jerry Falwell,Tossing on his bed of pain. And God's big heart was touched with pity,With the everlasting pity.
And God sat back on his throne, And he commanded that tall, bright angel standing at his right hand: Call me Death! And that tall, bright angel cried in a voice That broke like a clap of thunder: Call Death!--Call Death! And the echo sounded down the streets of heaven Till it reached away back to that shadowy place, Where Death waits with his pale, white horses.
And Death heard the summons, And he leaped on his fastest horse, Pale as a heet in the moonlight. Up the golden street Death galloped, And the hoofs of his horse struck fire from the gold,But they didn't make no sound. Up Death rode to the Great White Throne, And waited for God's command.
And God said: Go down, Death, go down, Go down to Lynchburg, Virginia, Down at Liberty University And find Brother Jerry Falwell. He's borne the burden and heat of the day, he's labored long in my vineyard, And he's tired--he's weary ---Go down, Death, and bring him to me.
And Death didn't say a word, But he loosed the reins on his pale, white horse, And he clamped the spurs to his bloodless sides, And out and down he rode, Through heaven's pearly gates, Past suns and moons and stars; On Death rode, And the foam from his horse was like a comet in the sky; On Death rode,Leaving the lightning's flash behind; Straight on down he came.
While we were watching round his bed,he turned his eyes and looked away ,he saw what we couldn't see: he saw Old Death. he saw Old Death Coming like a falling star. But Death didn't frighten Brother Jerry Falwell; He looked to him like a welcome friend. And he whispered to us: I'm going home, And he smiled and closed his eyes.
And Death took him up like a baby, And he lay in his icy arms, But he didn't feel no chill. And Death began to ride again--Up beyond the evening star, Out beyond the morning star, Into the glittering light of glory, On to the Great white Throne. And there he laid Brother Jerry Falwell On the loving breast of Jesus....Weep not--weep not, he is not dead; he's resting in the bosom of Jesus."
Amen and Amen

New Posts Coming!

Hey everyone...
I know it's been a while since I last posted, but I promise that I will have new posts up within the next week, including part 2 of my open letter series...I've been really busy the past few weeks with finals and graduation and such... Yes, it is official. I am a college alumnus (Wow that sounds weird!).
Love y'all and I'll talk to you soon!
Compassionate Conservative

The Jewish Nation and True Christianity-An Open Letter from An Evangelical Christian Part 1

(I apologize in advance for the length of this. I've been working on it for about a month!)
Hello Family and Friends!
Tonight, I sit at my computer and write about one of the the most important issues in the history of Christianity-the relationship between Christians and the Jewish people. In this set of of four open letters, I want to do three things.
1. I want to show my brothers and sisters in the Christian community just how important Judaism is to our faith,
2. I want to show my Jewish friends who Jesus Christ is and how He fits into the plan that God has for His Chosen People, the Jews
3. I also want to expose some myths about Christianity and the Apostle Paul's writing about grace and the Law.
4. The Fourth letter will discuss how a true Christian should treat the Jewish people from a Biblical perspective.
Each letter will focus on one one of these issues.
I must begin, in the interest of full disclosure, by stating that I am a fundamentalist evangelical Christian. What does that mean? It means basically that I believe that Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, Fully man and Fully God, was born of a Jewish virgin, that He lived a sinless life here on earth for thirty-three years, that he was crucified on a Roman Cross, that He bodily resurrected from the Grave on the Third Day, that He ascended in to heaven, and that He will return to this planet as the King of the Ages. I believe that Jesus is the only way for anyone to get into heaven. I believe that the Blood that Jesus shed on the Cross was the only way that man can be freed from sin. I believe that His death was the atoning sacrifice that is needed for man to freed from sin. I also believe that it my privilege and in fact, my responsibility to tell those around me about Jesus Christ and the forgiveness and grace that He alone can supply.
Now on to the first topic I want to discuss-the Basics of the Christian Faith and their roots in Judaism. We as Christians owe a huge debt to the Jewish nation and the Jewish people. Jesus was an observant Jew, as were all of the apostles. Every writer of the New Testament with the exception of Luke the physician were Jews (Matthew, Mark, John, Paul, James, Peter, and Jude.) Additionally, every major doctrine that is believed by Christians first appears in the TaNaKH, or the Old Testament.
Here is a list of 12 Doctrines that I believe are universal in all of Orthodox Christianity. Following the list will be series of Scriptures from both the TaNaKH and the New Testament for each basic tenet.
1. Salvation and justification by Faith in God alone
2. Man's sin nature
3. God's Love and Mercy
4. God's Holiness
5. The Followers of God called to be Holy
6. Love-The greatest Law (Commandment)
7. God's Immutability
8. Faith evidenced by Good works
9. The Resurrection of the Dead
10. the Divine Messiah (Christ in Greek)
11. The Messiah (Christ) as King and Priest
12. One God, In Three Persons-The Trinity
1. Salvation and Justification by Faith in God (Jesus) alone, Not by any amount of Good works.
New Testament:
Romans 1:16-17 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”
Romans 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ...
Galatians 3:6-9 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen [Gentiles] through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
Romans 4:1-3 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? or if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Acts 16:29-31 Then he [the Philippian jailer] called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
TaNaKH:
Habbakkuk 2:4b but the just shall live by his faith.
Genesis 15:6 And he [Abraham] believed in the LORD; and he [the LORD] counted it to him [Abraham] for righteousness.
2. Man's Sin Nature-i.e. Man is born in sin
New Testament
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
TaNaKH
Psalm 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
3. God's Love and Mercy
New Testament
John 4:8 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
TaNaKH
There are Thirty Three Separate verses in the Psalms alone that state “his mercy endures forever” Three Psalms (106, 107, and 136) begin by proclaiming, “ O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” Psalm 118 Begins O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.” and ends “O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”
Additionally there are eight other verses in the TaNaKH that state “His [The Lord's] Mercy endureth forever. They are located in 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra and Jeremiah.
4. God's Holiness
New Testament
Revelation 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
TaNaKH
Isaiah 6: 1-3 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
5. God's people called to be Holy
New Testament
I Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
I Peter 1:15-16 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
TaNaKH
Leviticus 20:7 Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.
Exodus 19:3-6 “And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.”
6. The greatest commandment is Love
New Testament
Matthew 22:35-40 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Romans 13:8-10 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
Galatians 5:13-14 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
TaNaKH
Leviticus19:18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.
Additionally, As my Judaic Studies professor pointed out, much of the Jewish Law given at Sinai deals with Man's relationship with his fellow man. Out of the Ten Commandments, Four deal with loving God will all one's heart, soul, mind and Strength. The last six deal with loving one's fellow man.
7. God's Immutability
New Testament
Hewbrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
TaNaKH
Malachai 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
8. Faith evidenced by good works
New Testament
James 2:14 -23 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
TaNaKH
In the TaNaKH, The evidence of a man's faith is his actions. How do we know Abraham had faith? Because He OBEYED the calling of God-He left his home, and later he was willing to sacrifice Isaac at the command of God. How do we know Noah had faith? Because he OBEYED the LORD and built the ark. How do we know that Shadrach, Meshach and Abenego had faith? Because they OBEYED God and NOT Nebuchadnezzar. In each of these cases, The actions these individual took reflected their inward faith that they had.
9. The Resurrection of the dead
New Testament
I Corinthians 15:12-22 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Acts 2:22-27 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
TaNaKH
Psalm 16:8-11 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
10. The Divine Messiah (Christ)
New Testament
Matthew 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Matthew 1:22-23 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
TaNaKH
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
11. The Messiah (Christ) as King and Priest
New Testament
1 Timothy 6:14-15 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
Hebrews 7:14 -17 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
TaNaKH
Psalm 110:1-4 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
12. One God, in Three Persons
New Testament
1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
TaNaKH
Because we have established the belief in a divine Messiah, We need to prove the Concept of the Holy Spirit as existing in the TaNaKH
Isaiah 11:1-2 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
Psalm 51:10-11 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
The twelve doctrines I have chosen to discuss here only scratch the surface when it comes to the Study of the parallels between the New Testament and the TaNaKH. I encourage anyone who is interested in this issue to go beyond what I have written here.
I wrote this to show that without Judaism and the TaNaKH, Christianity would not be possible. As I said earlier Jesus was an observant Jew and the majority of the writers of the New Testament were Jewish followers of Jesus. The writers of the New Testament used the TaNaKH as the basis for their doctrinal positions. I believe that we as Christians should study the TaNaKH in order to get a better understanding of the New Testament
My next Letter will deal with the question of Jesus and how He fits into God's plan for the Jews, His Chosen people
That's all for Now! God Bless and have a good night!

More Updates to come

Hey everyone!
Sorry I havent posted in a while.. I will post something substantial soon... it's gonna be worth the wait promise!
See you soon!
Compassionate Conservative

Lessons From Exodus

Hello again!
As was discussed in my last post, I am taking a class in Jewish literature this semester. Just as the last post gave lessons from Genesis, this post will give lessons from Exodus and rest of the Torah
Lesson #1
Moses, the hero of Exodus, is unlike Noah and Abraham in that he originally balks at God's Command, but he does obey and in fact it is Moses who receives the name of God at the Burning bush-YHWH- I AM THAT I AM!
Lesson #2
Throughout the Torah, God reaches out to man in incredible ways-He makes the first move at the Burning Bush by starting the fire
Lesson #3
God refers to Himself as I AM THAT I AM-God is not just the God of Abraham Issac and Jacob, He is Our God still today. He is not Just the God of yesterday or the God of tomorrow, but He is the God of our Todays. He cares about what we are going through right now, and He is in control- a comforting thought.
Lesson # 4
The Ten Plauges of Egypt were "a battle of the Gods"- God Reveals His Supremacy over Pharaoh, who is considered to be a god by turning Aaron's rod into a serpent-Moses, unlike the Pharaoh's magicians, doesn't use sorcery. Additionally Each of the Ten plagues messes with a particular deity of Egypt. God was revealing His Power in a way that spoke to Both the Egyptians and the Israelites.
Lesson #5
“Pharaoh's Cardiac Problem”- At the Burning Bush, God tells Moses that He will “harden Pharaoh's heart” The term God uses has the meaning of making Pharaoh's heart “heavy”, as well as the sense of stubbornness normally associated with the term hardness of heart. The Egyptians would weigh the heart of the king after he died. If the heart was heavier than what was on the other side of the scale, it would bad for the king in the after life. Pharaoh was going to pay for his wicked cruelty towards the Children of Israel. Pharaoh hardens his own heart in the sense that he stubbornly refuses to let the “children of Israel go”
Lesson #6
Exodus 19-2o (the Giving of the Law at Sinai) is THE Defining Moment in the Book of the Exodus. Without the giving of the Law, the escape from Egypt would have lost much of its significance. God calls The Israelites to be a Kingdom of Priests, and a Holy Nation (Exodus 19:5-6: Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. ) What does that bring to Mind? I Peter 2:9- "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light". God's standards for His people is the same in both the Old and New Testaments. In Both Covenants, God shows His power to His People by delivering them-Physically from Egypt in Exodus, Spiritually from Sin and Hell in the New Testament. Because He has set us free, we are called to be a "royal Priesthood and a Holy Nation" that reflects his glory to Those around us
Lesson # 7
I referred earlier to the concept of God's Covenant with his people. The Ten Commandments are in fact the beginnings of a covenant. The Ten Commandments explain how Israel is to become the Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation. Can You name ALL of The Ten Commandments? (Bonus points if you don't look them up)With the Ten Commandments, Israel is entering a covenant with God This covenant was different from other covenants. 1. This covenant is eternal, because God is eternal 2. This Covenant is between God and man, but It deals with not only man's relationship with God, but also man's relationship with his fellow man-.To mistreat man is to sin against God, because man is created in the image of God
In the Ten Commandments There is no difference between the relationship between God and man and man and man This is also laid out in the New Testament In the Gospel Of Matthew
Matthew 22:35-40
35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,
36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
The first 5 Commandments deal with God and Man. The last 5 deal with man and his fellow man. Additionally, God uses the personal you in Commandments 6-10, making those commandments personal to each person hearing Moses
The Ten Commandments are a call to action, because man is created in the image of God
The Ten Commandments are not the end of the Law- They are the Beginning of a greater law code-some 613 laws, which are given in Leviticus and Deuteronomy
The Laws of the Torah were to be memorized by all of the people (see Psalm 119:11)
Lesson #8
The Tabernacle. God Directs Moses to build the Tabernacle in Exodus 25. The Tabernacle was the travelling Temple. Like other Temples in the Ancient World The Tabernacle had a Holy of Holies, where only the high priest could go to perform their religious duties. Unlike other Temples, the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle did not contain an image of the god being worshiped. Instead the Holy of Holies contained the Ark of the Covenant , which contained The Ten Commandments and the Torah. The message of the Tabernacle is two fold. First, God is always with his people (Matthew 28:20) and Secondly, The way to get close to God is to keep His Words (See John 14:15) When Israel sinned, it was a violation of the Tabernacle, which is why the Tabernacle had to be purified every year at Yom Kippur with Sacrifices
Lesson # 9
Sacrifices were a way to get close to the gods in many ancient cultures. In Israel, though, sacrifices were only to be held in the Tabernacle (later the Temple after it was constructed), because that was where God chose to reveal Himself in a tangible way. Additionally, It wasn't THAT one sacrificed, it was HOW one sacrificed. Sacrifices occurred, When one was in need When one wished to thank God. When one transgressed Sacrifices for transgressions were made only after restitution was given to the wronged party (see Psalm 51)
These are the lessons that I have learned from my Jewish literature class. Hope you enjoy them!

Lessons from Genesis

Hello everybody
I'm back on my campus for my final semester (Praise the Lord!), and one of the classes I am taking is Jewish Literature and Civilization. The course is taught by an Orthodox Jew who is absolutely brilliant, if a little arrogant. Anyway, we started the semester by reading through the Torah, beginning, naturally, with Genesis, and we are in Exodus right now. God has used the course to give me some fresh insights into many Scriptural things. So without further ado, here are the lessons that I have learned
1. The Word for God in Genesis 1 is Elohim, which is a plural word. However, In Genesis 1 Elohim is used in the singular. I find this to be an early reference to the Trinity...God is one, and yet is more than one... This pattern continues with the quote, "let us make man in our image." (emphasis mine). The professor termed Genesis 1 to be what he called "The Monotheistic Revolution." Unlike the rest of the creation stories from the Middle East, There is one God who creates the world. The things that man think are gods, (the earth, the sky, the sea monsters, the waters) are not gods-in fact they are created by this God. When Moses wrote this down, this was radical. ONE God?-This was a departure from the polytheism of the neighbors of the Israelites.
2. Significantly, This One God creates man in His image...Man is the climax of His creation. After man is removed from the Garden of Eden, his purpose is to learn how to live in the image of God .
3. "Ethical Monotheism"-The God of the Jews is associated with morality, ethics and the difference between right and wrong. This is why Abraham intercedes on behalf of Sodom and Gommorah in Genesis 18 (more on that episode later) In this chapter, Abraham makes the point that God destroys the cities and there are righteous men there, then He is violating His own sense of ethics.
4. God's sense of right and wrong compels Him to destroy the earth with the Flood. He does not do this for capricious reasons like the gods in other Flood stories from the Middle East, but because the people are wicked, and are not listening to Him
5. Noah and Abraham are both referred to "just and perfect" before the Lord. The word "just" means righteous. Perfect (blameless in the Jewish Publication Society's translation of the TaNaKH (The TaNaKH is the Jewish term for the Old Testament)) means something slightly different. Perfect has the connotation of wholeheartedness. Both Abraham and Noah served God Wholeheartedly.
6. As we were discussing the story of Sodom and Gommorah, the Professor asked and interesting question. When interceding for the cities, why does Abraham stop at 10 men? why not go all the way to one?
The answer to this question was an interesting one. As my professor put it, Abraham stopped at 10 because he knew what the people in Sodom and Gomorrah were like. In fact, if we recall, he rescued the Sodomite king in Genesis 14. Abraham also knew that his nephew Lot, while he was more righteous than the rest of Sodom, he was not blameless the way Abraham and Noah were. First of all, instead of trusting God to provide for him and his family, he chose the easy way out when he decided to move there after the quarrel between his servants and Abraham's servants. Secondly, instead of trusting God to rescue the two angels when they were attacked by the men of Sodom he offered his daughters to be gang raped. Lastly, he and his family had to be dragged out of the city, and his wife looked back. The professor stated that Lot was rescued from Sodom only because of Uncle Abraham's relationship with God.
Lot is a picture of a lukewarm Christian. Although The Bible does refer to him as a "righteous man dwelling among them (the men of Sodom), [who] in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds" (I Peter 2:8), Lot's righteousness only went so far. He did not have the kind of saving faith in God that Abraham had. He was unable or unwilling to trust God all the way.

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!!!! URGENT!!!!!! ALERT!!!! CALL OR EMAIL YOUR SENATORS TODAY!

Hey Everyone!

As Americans, and as Christians, we have a Constitutional Right to know what our elected officials are up to. The Newly elected Senate is trying hard to silence our voices as well as keep us in the dark about what is going on politically in Washington. The Senate Bill 1, aimed ostensibly at limiting the power of lobyists, has a clause in it (section 220) that would make it extremely difficult for grassroots organizations, (such as the American Family Association, Focus on the Family, Concerned Women for America) to report to their members what bills are heading for a vote in Congress. This Bill Specifically targets Conservative organizations as groups like MoveON.org are exempted from this legislation. Read This article in The Church Report for more information. Then, Call Your Senators!!! DO NOT LET THEM GET AWAY WITH DESTROYING OUR RIGHT AS AMERICANS TO BE INFORMED ABOUT WHAT OUR GOVERNMENT IS UP TO!!!!!!!!!

Update 4:10 pm. Here is a better article on the Bill from the American Family Association http://www.afa.net/senatebill1.asp

Happy New Year!

Hello everybody! Happy New Year!
I hope everyone had an enjoyable Christmas- I know I did. Anyway, as we head into 2007, here is my resolution:
I resolve to walk in the Love of Jesus all day, every day.
Thats the most important thing that anyone of us can do-Jesus said it best in Matthew 22:
"Mat 22:35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Did anyone else see the Boise State-Oklahoma game last night in Arizona? That was possibly the greatest Bowl game EVER. Oklahoma was down 28-10 and scored 25 straight points-including a tipped pass for a touchdown, a crazy two point conversion, and an interception return for a touchdown to take a 35-28 lead, and it all happenend in less than 20 seconds. BSU got the ball with 54 seconds left. On Fourth and 18, with 20 seconds left in regulation, Boise State ran and hook and ladder play to perfection for a tying score. (A Hook and ladder play is one in which the QB throws a pass to a wide receiver, who laterals the ball to another wide receiver who on this particular play, scored the tying touchdown). OU had the ball first in Overtime and Adrian Perterson scored on the first play. On the ensuing BSU drive on a fourth and two, BSU ran a halfback pass to score a touchdown, and decided to go for two and the win instead of for the tying extra point. They called a fake Statue of Liberty and handed the ball off to halfback Ian Johnson who walked untouched over the goal line for the two points and the win. Right after the game Johnson proposed to his girlfriend, a cheerleader for BSU, on national television. She said yes, capping the most amazing day in that guy's life.
Two fourth quarter comebacks, three trick plays, and a proposal. What a game.