Friday, April 30, 2010
Another God Thoughts Wired Article.
THE AGE OF TOLERANCE
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Today, as I write this, the United States of America has entered into what I call, an "Age of Tolerance."* Practically, this "tolerance" reflects a rejection of any absolute moral authority.
Proponents of "tolerance" suggest that there are no moral absolutes and therefore, encourage us to accept all forms of moral devotion, no matter how perverse. The mantra of tolerance is, "to each his own."
What do I think about the, "Age of Tolerance?" Well, I do know that we are not the first country to try it.
"In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes."
Judges 17:6; 21:25
And God warns, "You shall not do at all what we are doing here today, every man doing what ever is right in his own eyes" (Deuteronomy 12:8).
And God predicts, "There is a way which seems right to man, but its end is the way of death" (Proverbs 14:2;16:25).
And God declares, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes" (Proverbs 12:15).
Who does God think He is anyway?!
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Thursday, April 29, 2010
God Thoughts Article Part 3
This is the third part of an article publihed in an ezine called "God Thoughts Wired". If you want to read more of their stuff you can go to www.godthoughtswired.com.
Speaking the Truth in Love
PART 3
Does belief in ultimate truth, imply “intolerance?” I would suggest no. For example, it has been scientifically demonstrated that human beings cannot live without breathing in oxygen. Frankly, I believe it. Does that make me intolerant? Is it rational to deem people intolerant because they affirm certain truths? Of course not! Human beings need oxygen to live. It is a fact, an absolute truth. Accepting such a reality doesn’t make one tolerant or intolerant. It simple makes them…CORRECT!
An objective look at “relativism” (the belief that there is no absolute truth) reveals, “The relativist stands on the pinnacle of an absolute truth and wants to relativize everything else.”
Indeed, an unbiased glance shows the world to be absolutely full of absolute truths. However, for relativism to be true, it would require a world full of contradictions. I say, “That’s a candy bar.” You say, “No, that’s a goat.” If we’re both right, then the candy bar is the goat at the same time, but, of course, that’s impossible (yet, today’s tolerance suggests, “That’s ok, as long as it’s true for you”). So, for truth to be relative ,the impossible…must not be.
Again, the Christian says, “There is a God,” and the atheist proclaims, “There is no God.” Relativism and today’s “tolerance” suggests that both are true. Indeed, it is as Geisler suggests,
If truth is relative, then no one is ever wrong –
even when they are.
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Speaking the Truth in Love
PART 3
Does belief in ultimate truth, imply “intolerance?” I would suggest no. For example, it has been scientifically demonstrated that human beings cannot live without breathing in oxygen. Frankly, I believe it. Does that make me intolerant? Is it rational to deem people intolerant because they affirm certain truths? Of course not! Human beings need oxygen to live. It is a fact, an absolute truth. Accepting such a reality doesn’t make one tolerant or intolerant. It simple makes them…CORRECT!
An objective look at “relativism” (the belief that there is no absolute truth) reveals, “The relativist stands on the pinnacle of an absolute truth and wants to relativize everything else.”
Indeed, an unbiased glance shows the world to be absolutely full of absolute truths. However, for relativism to be true, it would require a world full of contradictions. I say, “That’s a candy bar.” You say, “No, that’s a goat.” If we’re both right, then the candy bar is the goat at the same time, but, of course, that’s impossible (yet, today’s tolerance suggests, “That’s ok, as long as it’s true for you”). So, for truth to be relative ,the impossible…must not be.
Again, the Christian says, “There is a God,” and the atheist proclaims, “There is no God.” Relativism and today’s “tolerance” suggests that both are true. Indeed, it is as Geisler suggests,
If truth is relative, then no one is ever wrong –
even when they are.
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Wednesday, April 28, 2010
A great article written for "God Thoughts Wired"
I could not say it better my self, so I have pasted this here for others to read. If you want to read more you can go to www.godthoughtswired.com.
SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE
"Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him whi is the head, even Christ."
Ephesians 4:15
What Does the Bible Say About "Tolerance?"*
This has become an extremely important and controversial topic today. Indeed, it has become a point of divisiveness and conflict for many. Webster's New World Dictionary defines the word "tolerate" as follows:
"To respect others beliefs, practices, etc.
without sharing them."
Ok. so far, so good. Biblically, we are called to love all people without condition. Indeed, this is the way God loves us. We can't do anything so good as to make Him love us any more than He already does, nor can we do something so bad as to cause Him to love us any less.
His love for people is unconditional and unchanging, and we are called to love one another in precisely the same way. Indeed, this concept is affirmed in the great love chapter (1 Corinthians 13) where the apostle Paul declared, "Love...endures all things" (1 Corinthians 13:7).
However, twenty-first century America is redefining "tolerance" in radically different ways than previously described. Consider the following definition from Thomas A. Helmbock, the executive vice-president of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity,
"The definition of new...tolerance is that
every individual's beliefs, lifestyle, and perception
of truth claims are equal...
Your beliefs and my beliefs are equal,
and all truth is relative."
Such perspectives are gaining popularity rapidly despite their incredible nature. It's highly probable that you've heard the phrase, "all truth is relative" (or something like it) before. You may well have also heard something along the lines of "there is no such thing as absolute truth." Yet, logic dictates that for such statement a statement to be true...it must be false. That is to say that the statement itself assumes at least one "absolute truth" (the statement itself), therby invalidating its original premise.
Christians are increasingly accused of "intolerance" because of their biblically based beliefs in ultimate truth (see exibit A, below), right and wrong.
Is this assertion reasonable? Does belief in ultimate truth imply "intolerance?"
Stay tuned.
EXIBIT A. The model of Jesus.
"Jesus showed the tax gatherers and prostitutes
‘unconditional’ LOVE, not tolerance."
-Linda York, Moraga, CA
According to the Bible, Mrs. York is absolutely right. A classic example is found in John, chapter 8 and the story of the woman caught in adultery. The text reads as follows:
"The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery...they said to Him (Jesus), 'What, then, do You say?'...'He who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her...'When they heard it, they began to go out one by one...Jesus said to her, 'Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?...Neither do I condemn you. From now on sin no more.'" -John 8:3-11
What a marvelous example of unconditional love...and uncompromising truth. The love? "Neither do I condemn you." "There is therefore, no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (see Romans 8:1). The truth? "From now on sin no more." "He who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the only begotten Son of God" (see John 3:17). As Mrs. York so eloquently intimates, the truth about the love of God is this:
Jesus ALWAYS loves sinners unconditionally,
and He NEVER tolerates sin irregardlessly.
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SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE
"Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him whi is the head, even Christ."
Ephesians 4:15
What Does the Bible Say About "Tolerance?"*
This has become an extremely important and controversial topic today. Indeed, it has become a point of divisiveness and conflict for many. Webster's New World Dictionary defines the word "tolerate" as follows:
"To respect others beliefs, practices, etc.
without sharing them."
Ok. so far, so good. Biblically, we are called to love all people without condition. Indeed, this is the way God loves us. We can't do anything so good as to make Him love us any more than He already does, nor can we do something so bad as to cause Him to love us any less.
His love for people is unconditional and unchanging, and we are called to love one another in precisely the same way. Indeed, this concept is affirmed in the great love chapter (1 Corinthians 13) where the apostle Paul declared, "Love...endures all things" (1 Corinthians 13:7).
However, twenty-first century America is redefining "tolerance" in radically different ways than previously described. Consider the following definition from Thomas A. Helmbock, the executive vice-president of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity,
"The definition of new...tolerance is that
every individual's beliefs, lifestyle, and perception
of truth claims are equal...
Your beliefs and my beliefs are equal,
and all truth is relative."
Such perspectives are gaining popularity rapidly despite their incredible nature. It's highly probable that you've heard the phrase, "all truth is relative" (or something like it) before. You may well have also heard something along the lines of "there is no such thing as absolute truth." Yet, logic dictates that for such statement a statement to be true...it must be false. That is to say that the statement itself assumes at least one "absolute truth" (the statement itself), therby invalidating its original premise.
Christians are increasingly accused of "intolerance" because of their biblically based beliefs in ultimate truth (see exibit A, below), right and wrong.
Is this assertion reasonable? Does belief in ultimate truth imply "intolerance?"
Stay tuned.
EXIBIT A. The model of Jesus.
"Jesus showed the tax gatherers and prostitutes
‘unconditional’ LOVE, not tolerance."
-Linda York, Moraga, CA
According to the Bible, Mrs. York is absolutely right. A classic example is found in John, chapter 8 and the story of the woman caught in adultery. The text reads as follows:
"The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery...they said to Him (Jesus), 'What, then, do You say?'...'He who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her...'When they heard it, they began to go out one by one...Jesus said to her, 'Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?...Neither do I condemn you. From now on sin no more.'" -John 8:3-11
What a marvelous example of unconditional love...and uncompromising truth. The love? "Neither do I condemn you." "There is therefore, no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (see Romans 8:1). The truth? "From now on sin no more." "He who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the only begotten Son of God" (see John 3:17). As Mrs. York so eloquently intimates, the truth about the love of God is this:
Jesus ALWAYS loves sinners unconditionally,
and He NEVER tolerates sin irregardlessly.
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Location:N 50 W,West Lafayette,United States
Monday, April 26, 2010
God Thoughts Wired Article
AN ETERNAL TRAGEDY
"Not everyone who says to Me 'Lord, Lord,'
will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord,'
did we not prophesy in Your name,
and in Your name cast out demons,
and in Your name perform many miracles?
And then I will declare to them,
'I never knew you; depart from Me,
you who practice lawlessness."
Matthew 7:21-23 (BOLD MINE)
Have you ever really studied this passage of scripture? Do you understand its implications? This isn't a warning to the world...it is a rebuke to the church!
-Where do you find people who have no problem calling Jesus "Lord"? That's right, in the church!
-And where do you find people involved in prophecy, deliverance, and miracles? That's right, in the church!
In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus is talking to the "many" people in the church who think they are saved...but are not!
And HOW IN THE WORLD IS THIS POSSIBLE? How could this happen? How could such sincere individuals be so deceived?
"For false Christs and false prophets will arise
and will show great signs and wonders,
so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect."
Matthew 24:24
Do you know what "false Christs" and "false prophets" produce?
False gospels (see 2 Timothy 4:3-4). By the way, "many" of today's most popular preachers are classic examples!
And do you know what "false gospels" produce?
That's right, people in the church who think they are saved...but are not.
It's An Eternal Tragedy.
*Remember to check out pastor Brad on YouTube.com. Simply go to www.youtube.com and type in "GodThoughtslive!" in the search box. We'd love to hear your feedback.
•If you enjoyed this blog, thank an iPhone•
"Not everyone who says to Me 'Lord, Lord,'
will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord,'
did we not prophesy in Your name,
and in Your name cast out demons,
and in Your name perform many miracles?
And then I will declare to them,
'I never knew you; depart from Me,
you who practice lawlessness."
Matthew 7:21-23 (BOLD MINE)
Have you ever really studied this passage of scripture? Do you understand its implications? This isn't a warning to the world...it is a rebuke to the church!
-Where do you find people who have no problem calling Jesus "Lord"? That's right, in the church!
-And where do you find people involved in prophecy, deliverance, and miracles? That's right, in the church!
In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus is talking to the "many" people in the church who think they are saved...but are not!
And HOW IN THE WORLD IS THIS POSSIBLE? How could this happen? How could such sincere individuals be so deceived?
"For false Christs and false prophets will arise
and will show great signs and wonders,
so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect."
Matthew 24:24
Do you know what "false Christs" and "false prophets" produce?
False gospels (see 2 Timothy 4:3-4). By the way, "many" of today's most popular preachers are classic examples!
And do you know what "false gospels" produce?
That's right, people in the church who think they are saved...but are not.
It's An Eternal Tragedy.
*Remember to check out pastor Brad on YouTube.com. Simply go to www.youtube.com and type in "GodThoughtslive!" in the search box. We'd love to hear your feedback.
•If you enjoyed this blog, thank an iPhone•
Location:N 50 W,West Lafayette,United States
Monday, April 12, 2010
Sick so no exercise likely
Well I got the spring cold that's traveling around. So I'm not sure I'll be exercising this week. I need to get better for this weekend. All the kids are home and Beckys at the ladies retreat, so I hbe to be on my A game.
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Tuesday, April 6, 2010
FAT update
Well it's week one and I'm at 267.3 pounds. That's cool. I lost this week. Yesssss
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