Random Stuff

This is the second or third time since school began that I'm posting on some random stuff in my life...I think I'm losing my edge.

I spent the weekend with some really good friends up in Dayton, Ohio. Thank you to the Shaf's for housing me for a few days--to Aaron for some great theological discussions and Stacia for her great cooking and hospitality (especially for the lemon poppyseed loaf!). I got to spend time with my good friends Steve and Anna--one of my favorite couples and my fashion consultants until God gives me a wife. And I got to see Mitchel and his sweet wife Megan. Thanks Mitch for allowing me the privilege of speaking on Tuesday night--even without much prep, I had fun, and I hope that it was beneficial for those who heard me deliver a message from Romans 12. And Chris and Matt, thanks for allowing me to hang out with you at Subway. And I also got to see Todd Leroy and Erin before they head out for a couple of years. I didn't get as much homework done as I needed to there, but I actually had fun--I guess I need that now and then.

September 30 is my mother's and my aunt's birthday (they're identical twins--it was kind of weird when I was a kid going out with my aunt and having people mistake her for my mother, and having people we don't know talk to us because they think my mom is my aunt). So, happy birthday to them both.

not Iscariot had some time together in Nick's basement today. I'll have more on this soon, but reunion might be in the air. And yes, my hands are quite sore after playing rock music for the first time in quite some time. To hear some of n.I.'s old recordings, check out http://www.nicknye.com/ under music--and you can hear some of Nick's solo stuff as well. And I got to preview the Foo Fighters latest cd at Nick's--so I bought it. It's definitely a unique cd set for them, and it's a progression in music for them. I'm usually way behind in buying cds that I want because I don't want to waste the money, but I thought I'd get it.

I've been reading quite a lot for classes. I'm going to be writing a paper for my Ministry of Leadership class on church conflict, and so I've been reading a bunch about that. One book I'm reading is Managing Church Conflict by Hugh Halverstadt. The book has some good points to it, but the guy is definitely liberal in his theology (you can tell fromthe first paragraph of the book). Here's an example of what he says:

"Another faith meaning informing a negotiating process is the belief that God's creative Spirit may dwell in and transform good faith transactions between human beings. A win/win negotiating process presumes to trust in God's mysterious way of indwelling social processes." That's pretty good; but the next words in the paragraph are awful!

"Like the feeding of the five thousand, when principals pool their meager personal resources for a common good, all parties may be miraculously fed" (158).
Argh! That's so awfully modernist/naturalist. So, this is not a book that I would suggest anyone read, at least without practicing extreme discernment.

I am reading a great book by Derek Prime titled The Ascension: The Shout of a King for my Systematic 3 paper which will be about the Ascension and how that relates to our salvation. Prime is correct to note that the ascension (and I'd say the resurrection as well) are downplayed and almost forgotten when it comes to modern gospel presentations--this is quite unhealthy. The gospel of the kingdom demands the preaching of the resurrected/vindicated King/Priest and His continual priesthood and kingship over the cosmos.

I've only read half of this book, but I can't 'speak it up' enough--this is a must read. It's practicality is evident on every page. For example:

In reference to Romans 8:34, "The background seems clear: accepted as we are by the Father, at His own initiative, through the work of his Son, we nevertheless still sin, and, sadly, often dishonour Him. The office of our Lord Jesus as Advocate has particular reference therefore to our sins after our conversion, for which Satan accuses us in the court of heaven. He has the audacity to appeal to God's justice that we ought to be punished. In our absence, our glorious Advocate takes up our cause. He takes our part before the Father as the Judge of all the earth, and argues against Satan on the ground of His atoning owrk at Calvary. He does not deny our crims, but He argues His substitution. He does not deny God's justice, but claims it for us because the price has been paid for our sins. He neither ignores our guilt nor neglects God's law, but through His unique satisfying of God's justice against our sin by His atoning death, and through the power of His advocacy--and here again it does need to be vocal, for His presence as our Saviour at God's right hand declares all that needs to be said--our opponent is thwarted, and God the Father's justice and mercy are honoured" (66-67).

And as for the gospel, I feel like such a legalist lately. There are times when I want to share and the enemy or my flesh convinces me against sharing because I think/feel like I am not living up to the standard/I'm doing something that isn't blatantly normally thought of as American-Christian (like listening to DC Talk or helping an old woman across the street--though what I am doing is not wrong). I know that I am not alone in this thinking, otherwise they wouldn't have covered that this is wrong thinking in my Evangelism class. I need to bust out of the Christian bubble and get back to my zealous pursuit of the lost. Father be gracious! Thank You for Your grace on account of my Advocate!

And one more thing, I will be posting some theological stuff soon--so for those of you who actually enjoy my excessively long/theological posts, I'm already working on one--and Mike Ward, this one will be for you!

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The Last Say

It seems to me that when I post comments on people's weblogs, probably 50% of the time my comment tends to be the last one. Even if the post is the hottest thing in blogdom, as soon as I post, usually the only other person to post might be the originator of it. Is it just that my comments are the "end all" and that nothing more needs to be said, or do people just think, "Oh, Lenny commented on this post...yea, that's not cool anymore...time to move on"?

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Got Graven Image?

Does Anybody else see anything wrong here?

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Random...for a change

So I just thought that I'd post something to post something...and watch, people will probably read this more than my theological posts.

So Tropicana Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice is amazingly delicious. I wish it was on sale every week. Fresh squeezed orange juice tastes about 1000 times better than concentrate.

If somebody switched your regular popcorn for burnt popcorn, and you weren't told in advance, you'd be able to tell the difference. Burnt popcorn tastes and smells nasty!

John and I walked to see Nikki Tatom in concert--Nikki is always good. I was able to go because we parked zero cars at Valare. Yes, count them...zero. This was by far our worst night we've had--we were told that they didn't need us at 7:15 and we started at six (the parking lot had quite a few open spaces--usually its full because Valare is a happenin' place--seriously, if you've never gone, you should go sometime). But anyways, John and I went to Java and did some homework while Nikki played. Uche came because he was locked out of the apartment. And on the way back I sang the "walking" song.

And as for the rubber plant (Robbie the Rubber Plant), I can't tell if it is doing better or not--we got it a new pot and new dirt.

I'll be working 9 hours Saturday at school and then at Valare in place of Will (Will has good reason for not working tomorrow night).

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Give the Guy a Chance!

I write this in light of the extraordinary number of relationships related posts I have recently seen. I figure that I can take a moment away from theological posts (don't worry, it'll be in here) and write upon things from the perspective of the great hordes of single men out there--hopefully soli deo gloria. So women, this post is for you.

If a guy asks you out on a date (probably to get coffee, of which you may have had more coffee in this past week with guys you don't really know than you would ever want), consider that a great honor. This man is willing to sacrifice of his time (at least a few hours) to get to know YOU better. He could have done a number of other things with his time, including, 1) homework, 2)work and earn some money, 3)hang out with his guy friends, 4)exercise, 5)go buy himself a new rifle. But he is willing to go out and most likely spend money on you.

Most likely when he asks his speech is not going to be eloquent--rather, he may sound like Porky Pig studdering over every other word that proceeds from his mouth. Don't hold that against him; that is merely anxiety over the enormous task of what can seem like walking into a lion's den with nothing more than a leotard between him and the lion (it sometimes seems to men, usually fallaciously, that women are just prowling around waiting to bite your head off). If nothing else, understand that if you say 'no' or if the relationship ends up not working out, our boy here is going to be at the least a little crushed--and who knows how long he may have liked you and gotten up the nerve to ask you on one 3 hour date.

I know of guys who are quite afraid to ask women on dates. These are men of whom the world is not worthy--men who love God, bear the fruit of the Spirit, will love their wives more and more everyday until they die... and who aren't that bad looking. Who knows when it could be one of these godly men who is asking you for one date. Men like this are quite rare. I'm going to be frank right now and say that you are probably not worthy of him--after all, you are a sinner who deserves hell, saved by grace alone (though I must make clear that this is a two-sided coin, this man is also a wretched sinner saved by grace, and so he is not worthy of you either--humility is a quality that is needed on both sides here). A man who will treat you like a queen is not what you deserve.

If you have homework/work to do, or whatever else you have to do, then do that and let him know. But don't just make excuses (guys may be slow, but we can still see through excuses). Let him know that you would be willing to do something with him at a later time. And also, most guys are pretty flexible with when you could do stuff together. They'll make time in their schedules for you. So when they ask you when you'd like to do something, don't think that they are being passive, rather, they're probably being kind (a quality worth looking for).

Now, if you really think the guy is that bad and you really dislike him that much, then gently just say 'no,' when you are asked. I'm also not suggesting that you just give anyone a chance. If you are in hearty disagreement with a man over issues you see as important (i.e. theology, life philosophy, etc), then it probably would be better to just say 'no.' Also, I'm not suggesting that you go out with the 'hanger-outer boys', who without a doubt will ask you out--but I'd imagine that they are quite easily identifiable. I'm not suggesting that you go on a date with just anybody who asks you out, but if the man seems nice, genuine, godly (this is addressed primarily to Christian women), respectful, sweet (i.e. opens the doors for you, speaks kindly, asks how your day went), and you don't think he's drop-dead ugly, then give him at least one date--who knows, you may just find the diamond in the rough.

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It's a Little Scary When It Happens Close to Home

I just happend to look on foxnews.com to see what was going on in our world today and I saw an article that quickly caught my attention: Eleven Kids Found Living in Cages in Ohio. That caught my attention for two reasons: 1) That is an awful sounding display of cruelty to children (read the story and you'll see that it truly was!), and 2) It is dealing with my home state.

What was really alarming to find out is that this occurred in Wakeman, Ohio. This would not be so alarming if it happend in Parma, Euclid, Lorain, or Cleveland--but Wakeman...one-stop-light-Wakeman, which has such a small population that it is considered a village? I went to elementary school in Wakeman; I used to walk the streets of Wakeman with some of my good high school friends; I've dated people from Wakeman; my home church meets down the road from Wakeman. Wakeman is one of the last places on earth that you'd expect something like this to happen.

This just goes to show the breadth and the depth of human depravity and sinfulness. That this would happen is an abhorrent and utterly dispicable show of humanity's fallen state. That it would happen in Wakeman, Ohio shows the extent to which sinfulness has affected humanity. No person, anywhere is free from the disgusting ravages of sin. Sin is the problem of humanity that causes disgraceful actions throughout the world--from small villages to big cities, from Jew to Gentile (cf. Romans 1:18-3:23), whether in America or Iraq--mankind is utterly sinful--and each member thereof, without distinction or exception. The only way to escape the damning effects of sin is to be found judicially pardoned in Christ Jesus, through faith, and to be given the Spirit of Christ, by whom we are freed from the bondage to sin (cf. The Bible).

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The Lost Shock-Value of the Gospel

So many people have heard such a dumbed-down version of the gospel that it has been quite stripped of its shock-value. People today expect God to be gracious--they presume upon His goodness and grow upset when everything does not go their way, as if God owes them goodness.

Where's the shock value of Romans in today's preaching of the gospel? Romans 1-3 indicts and condemns everyone, whether Gentile or Jew, of being in a desolate state of grotesque depravity before God. Paul shows both how those who have received the Law and those who have not will both be found without a saving excuse at the final judgment. Not even being of the "elect" people of God can save a person--circumcision becomes uncircumcision when one fails to keep the whole Law (2:25-26). No one can possibly be saved by works (3:20). No one in the whole world is righteous and able to stand before the holy tribunal of God (3:10-12). Yet, in light of this, God's righteousness and faithfulness are revealed apart from the Law. God has made propitiation for sin. Those who are justified are thus justified by the gift of imputed righteousness merited by Christ "in His blood," and this is received by being found in Christ--that is, through faith (3:24-26). Now that's shock!

Where's the shock of Revelation 5? Where's the amazement at God's wisdom and the shouts of joy at the triumph of Christ? John wept bitterly "because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it"! God's redemptive plans and reign in history were on the line. We should be apalled at ourselves that no one in the universe was worthy to open the seals and the scroll! We should be ashamed of the fallen state in which we live. We should be absolutely stopped in our tracks when John is told, "Behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals." And yet the Lion's means of conquering were not orthodox. The Lion did not devour His prey. Rather, He died as the sacrificial Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. The Lamb was slain, and yet He was standing in victory! He purchased a people for God to be "a kingdom and priests." This is gospel. This is unheard of!

Where's the awestruck-jaw-dropping-can't-believe-your-eyes-amazement when we hear that the Christ has defeated death and has risen from the dead? Why isn't is stunning when we hear that the blind have received sight, the lame walk, and the forgiveness of sins is preached? Have we utterly forgotten our sinful estate?

Where's the gaze of disbelief when Jesus tells a young man who is probably far more righteous in his conduct than anyone we know, "One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come follow Me" (Luke 18:22). Have we neglected to recognize the diffuculty with which one must enter the Kingdom? Why do we not exclaim with the disciples, "Then who can be saved?" We should be floored at the cost of discipleship. We should be astonished at Jesus' rejection of this Pharisee-like man and His acceptance of the publicans Bartimaeus and Zaccheus (Luke 18:9-19:10). Where's the amazement at grace?

Instead of letting the gospel shock people as they see God's grace in light of our wretched sinfulness, we settle for cheap tricks and what one of my dear friends likes to call "smoke and lights." Rather than weeping for joy that God would send a substitutional-Mediator to save us from the wrath to come, we seek shock-value in saying unorthodox gibberish and trying to challenge people's (correct) views concerning God (open theism and the new perspective on Paul, for instance). Isn't it enough that God would reject the wisdom of this age and choose the weak things of this world?

If we were really honest with ourselves, we'd admit that we don't even believe that the gospel comes in the power of the Spirit. The gospel is the power of God for salvation. We don't need anymore strobe-light-death-metal-David Copperfield-side-show preaching. We need the rock solid message of the gospel--the Kingdom has come in Christ, and He is returning to bring it in its fullness--repent and trust in Christ and know life in Him, or else face the judgment now, and when Christ returns, the unbridled wrath of God.

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Lenny vs. Polhill: The Fight over Galatians 3:20!

Galatians 3:15-22

Brethren, I speak in terms of human relations: even though it is only a man’s covenant, yet when it has been ratified, no one sets it aside or adds conditions to it. Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, “and to seeds,” as referring to many, but rather to one, “And to your seed,” that is, Christ. What I am saying is this: the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. For if the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise.

Why the Law then? It was added because of transgressions, having been ordained through angels by the agency of a mediator, until the seed would come to whom the promise has been made. Now a mediator is not for one party only; whereas God is only one. Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law. But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

My interpretation of this passage differed from that of John Polhill (or at least of v. 20). I do not know if both views are tenable when held in conjunction, but here it is.

Polhill and I both agree that the central idea in this text is that “God’s faith-covenant with Abraham is inviolable. The law, which was given 430 years later to Moses, can in no way abrogate God’s prior covenant with Abraham.”[1] The promise to Abraham, as Paul makes clear, is fulfilled in the “Seed,” that is, Christ.

Paul then speaks of the inferiority of the Law to the covenant of promise. The Law was given through a mediator by the administration of angels (cf. Hebrews 2:1-2).

Polhill then says, Paul “noted that a mediator implies more than one party. But God is one. God thus cannot have two covenants—a covenant of promise and a covenant of law. There can only be the one covenant, and that is the single covenant for all people which the one God made with Abraham.”[2] Polhill here stresses the prior part of the passage in understanding why Paul inserts “whereas God is only one.” His understanding would go like this: “What I am saying is this: the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise.” This is because “God is only one,” and so He cannot have two covenants. Thus the Law is not the ratified covenant, but it does still serve a twofold purpose, which Paul states in vv. 21-22.

My interpretation was based more upon the immediate flow of the text. The Seed has come, and so the covenant is being fulfilled. There was a mediator for the Law, thus it is inferior to the covenant. The Law was given for the twofold purpose outlined in 21-22, and it was given “until the seed would come to whom the promise had been made.” However, “a mediator is not for one party only.” There is no mediator necessary for the fulfillment of the covenant of promise to Abraham to the Seed. The Seed has come, no mediator is necessary, for there is now only one party involved—“God is only one.” My stress here is upon the Seed and God being one—thus no mediator is necessary—it seemed to me as though this was a quite explicit proclamation of Chris’s Deity by Paul.

After consulting with Dr. Schreiner and my good friend Jason, I am going to stand on my interpretation of this passage--that God Himself has fulfilled the covenant is the emphasis of this verse.

---

[1] John Polhill, Paul and His Letters, 148-9.

[2] Ibid. 149.

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From Riding "the Bus" to probably Ridiculous

I thought I would just post some random things that have happend/are happening currently in my life, and some less theologically deep things that I have been considering.

The first thing I'd like to do is give a shout out to my roommate, John McClure. A few nights ago while conversing in John's room, I was getting quite tired. I said I was going to get going, so that I could go to bed, and John along with the others in his room told me that it was good of me to drop by. I said it was no problem and in my lame excuse for humor, said that I was going to have to catch the bus home (my room is across the hall from John's). John picked up on my humor, got down on all fours and said, "Hop on." So I got on John's back and rode into my room. If you weren't there, what I described is probably not funny to you in the least, and I will make no attempt to redeem my story.

I also thought that, since it seems like most people tell about what they are currently reading on their weblog, I thought I'd go ahead and do the same.
1) Spiritual Leadership by J. Osawld Sanders--for class.
2)The Greek New Testament--for class
3)John: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, by Andreas Kostenberger--for class
4)The Gospel According to John: An Introduction and Commentary, Pillar New Testament Commentary, by D.A. Carson--pseudo for class
5)Paul and His Letters, by John Polhill--for class
6)The Death of Death in the Death of Christ, by John Owen
7)Becoming Conversant with the Emerging Church, by D.A. Carson
8)The Kingdom of Christ: The New Evangelical Perspective, by Russell Moore--for class
9)The Holy Trinity, by Robert Letham--for class

These are my current reads. In case you are considering seminary, realize that you will be reading similar amounts (Seriously, these are "current reads," as I have already read about as many books and I still have as many books, if not more, to read this semester.) Do not undertake seminary lightly.

And for something I was thinking about; last night I was thinking about how I would like to raise my children. Here is the gist of my thoughts.

At a young age (2-7ish), start the child in learning Greek and in memorizing Scripture verses/passages that will be beneficial throughout life (such as Proverbs 3:5-6, the Ten Commandments, John 3:16, etc). Read to the child, especially stories of faith and from Scripture, and have the child read through the entirety of the Bible in this time.

At around 7-9/10, or so, continue with Greek and start teaching the child Hebrew. At this time have the child read more meaty books, while continuing to read with the child, and read through the whole Bible during this time. Continue the memorization of new Scriptures and refresh the ones that have already been learned (at these ages, 1-2 memory verses/passages a week is probably enough).

Then at around 10-12, have the child reading Greek well and progressing in Hebrew--perhaps start a modern language if the child has not started one already). At this time, have him/her start learning a catechism--maybe 2 questions/answers per week, and memorizing one Scripture verse/passage a week. Try to get the child to memorize a whole book of the Bible during this time. The Child should also read the whole of Scripture in this time, and be able to focus on some OT books. This would also be a good time to have the child start learning some sort of Biblical/Systematic Theology. The child should really be taught to consider what is being specifically addressed in the catechism/theology and how this applies. Throughout all of this, parents should be participating with their children. This will be quite possible if the television is kept to a minimum. This really shouldn't take more than 1 hour a day, and it is great for family time, in fulfilment of Deut. 6. Also, children should be playing outside during all of these years.

Then at high school age, the child should know Greek and Hebrew quite well, perhaps even surpassing the parent. The child can now read more substantial Christian works, should be able to apply what the catechism/theology has taught to the Christian life, and should be able to concentrate well on the NT (perhaps start with the Gospels, then move to the Pauline Epistles, then to the remainder of the NT through this time). During this time, the catechism should be reviewed, perhaps a confession should be studied, and the child should really be taught in the areas of evangelism and apologetics. Listening to good sermons throughout these years is a must.

All of this will prepare the child for stepping out on his/her own in college and to be able to be a good and faithful witness of Christ. This will give the child a solid Biblical foundation for studying more in depth, and it will enrich the child's relationship with the parent.

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Eight Cars, Chips & Salsa, and Phileo

Last night my good friend Mike and I went to Chiles after I finished work (we only worked for three hours because we only parked eight cars--and valeting eight cars is not a good night, we normally park around twenty). Mike was craving some chips and salsa because he didn't have any when he was overseas this summer.

All that we got at Chiles was chips and salsa, and a couple of waters, and just sat and talked with some guys at the bar. We talked to a guy named Tim who is in town for the weekend and to Joe, the bartender (Joe's a pretty good bartender, I might add). Life circumstances opened up the opportunity and the conversation for Mike and I to share the gospel with Tim, and Joe would join in momentarily. Tim was/is an agnostic who, like most Americans, never gives much thought to the existence of God. Joe had obviously thought through some issues and brought up some good points, such as, if you are going to embrace Christianity, you can't just half-heartedly accept from the Bible what you want to accept, but you must embrace everything that the Bible says. All in all, we had a great, civilized conversation and we were able to share the good news of the salvation that has been offered by God through Christ to all, so that those who repent and believe by the working of the Spirit will be spared from the wrath in the judgment to come. We didn't go to Chiles for the purpose of sharing the gospel (that it is always at the very least, an option), but it is a good reminder to me that we are to be ready to preach the Word, in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2).

And now for my third header topic, the love of God. Now, I have heard people say (far more commonly than I'd like) that agapao is God's special love. I have heard people say that this is the same love that God has for the Son, and that since John uses it in John 3:16, we see that the Father has the same love for the world that He has for the Son. This is an exegetical fallacy par excelence. I have previously posted on how John uses phileo and agapao interchangeably, and today as I read through John 5:16-30 in the Greek Testament I was reminded again of John's literal style. In v. 20 we read "For the Father loves (philei) the Son and He shows to Him all that He Himself does/is doing, and He will show to Him greater works [than] these ones, so that you all will wonder (marvel)" (my translation). John here uses the Greek word phileo to refer to the Father's love for the Son, and elsewhere He uses agapao. Thus, the only conclusion that is reasonable to draw is that John is not using agapao as some special kind of love, but rather in a manner interchangable with phileo--unless you want to make the ridiculous claim that the Father loves the Son in some brotherly manner, and that is why He gives Him life in Himself and the right to judge.

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Katrina, Iraq, and the War of the Kingdoms

I regret my inability to find time to post anything meaningful on the events that have been occurring throughout the world. This past week has been crazy, emotional, and extremely busy. Through it all I have been able to learn much—in fact, I have been experiencing an information overload as I have been constantly reading for school, taking in all that has been taught in class (which has clashed with prior ways that I have been taught of understanding Scripture and God (the Bible is becoming far more holistic to me and tough passages are making far more sense than ever before)), and I have been trying to work and wade through the issues of life. So writing this comes upon the heals of great anticipation and concern.

There is nowhere to turn this week without coming face to face with the fallen-state of the world in which we live. China has recently been hit by a typhoon; Iraqi’s have faced a catastrophe of unprecedented loss of innocent lives; and here in the United States the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has shown the depths of human depravity and the destructive forces of a world that is out of its proper order—under the lordship of mankind (cf. Hebrews 2:5-8).

I have little reason to inform you (and so I will keep this part short) of the state of Louisiana and Mississippi. An entire city has virtually been submerged under floodwaters. The people who remain there and are alive have been forced to evacuate the city amidst polluted waters and dangerous conditions. The National Guard along with supplies had to be sent in to provide relief in this suffering. The loss of human life appears to still not be known—though the numbers are sure to be haunting and a grim reminder to all of us that life is merely a fleeting vapor. Those who survived are being relocated to other cities and into conditions which will have to temporarily make-do—though they are hardly conditions in which humans should ever have to live.

Amidst the aftermath we see chaos. Without the common grace of government the utter corruption of humans is being made clearly manifest. People are being shot for nothing more than a bag of ice. Looting, mugging, and raping are forcing people to go to desperate extremes just to remain alive and unshamed. This is truly a disgraceful show for humanity—and it should show us the depths of sin—that we normal humans, left to our own ways, are unrighteous and evil—and yes, it is normal people who have done these deeds of licentiousness. This disaster must remind us that judgment is coming; and this gives us a picture of a lesser degree as to the suffering awaiting sinful humans in hell.

Of course there have been shows of God’s common grace to humanity. People are reaching out, National Guardsmen are risking health and possibly even life to help those in distress, and churches in the areas the people are fleeing are providing assistance (a show of uncommon grace).

Yet leaving the Southern US we see more signs of the disgrace of Eden. In Iraq, approximately 1000 Shiite Muslims died gruesomely by be trampled during a religious observance. This brings great pain to my heart, being a Christian who has compassion upon humans, being in the image of God, and for the lost and their eternal estate. The Bible makes clear that none can come to God except through Jesus Christ, the Mediator (John 14:6, Acts 4:12, 1 Timothy 2:5-6). It is in light of this that I we Christians must view this horrible incident. Because Muslims reject Christ as Lord and God, they will face an unfavorable judgment. Thus, 1000 people (though perhaps not the extremely young children—in light of their natural inability) have died and now stand before their Maker and Judge (Hebrews 9:27)—and to stand before Him to bear the punishment for their own sin. Either Christ takes the wrath of God as your substitution, or you will face the wrath to come at the final judgment on your own.

This brings me to my main points.

1. To those who are currently not trusting Christ alone for salvation: “Do you suppose that these” in Iraq who were trampled to death “were greater sinners than all other” people, including yourself? “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or do you suppose that those” in New Orleans “were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem,” or in America, or throughout the world? “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Taken from Luke 13:2-5, adapted to meet the context). Jesus is speaking concerning the final judgment to come. These people who have faced these disasters are no worse than you. You have the same sinfulness in yourself, being restrained by God’s common grace, as has been shown here. Repent of your sinfulness and believe in Christ—trust in Him and be found in Him. Flee from the wrath of God that is coming upon those who remain in their sinfulness!

2. To believers: Pray for those in these tribulations. Pray for the common grace of governmental order to be restored. Pray that true churches would open their doors and hearts to accommodate and comfort those who are hurting. Also provide for those in need at the sacrifice of your own desires (cf. 2 Corinthians 8-9; 1 John 3:17 4:8). Pray that God would stay the storms so that no more would hit these areas in the midst of the cleanup efforts. Also, pray the Lord of the harvest to send more laborers in light of this for the furthering of the gospel. Pray for the nations—as 1000 people in Iraq (we do not know how many in New Orleans) have died without submission to the gospel. Pray for God to help those who are helping out in relief efforts. Pray for wisdom for those who are leading the efforts for relief.

3. God's absolute control in all of this: I am not going to make any comments on this, but I am going to put the links of two other times I have posted on this topic in similar situations. Post 1, Post 2

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Television as Decor!

There sits my television...it seems like it merely takes up space in the living room. Rabbit ears sticking up, cherry-finished stand underneath, and that big beautiful black reflective screen.

Not many years ago (maybe about 4-6) the television was in constant use. I used to play video games on it all the time, I watched movies somewhat frequently, and I actually had some clue as to what was on television. Not any more. Now the television sits in the living room of our apartment next to the rubber plant (which is not doing so well) for the mere purpose of adding decor--accept for the occasional usage if one of us wants to watch a movie, catch the news, or find out what is going on in the wide-world of TBN (I in no way endorse TBN, though sometimes they have good preachers on there).

I think the television works best as decor. The television brings countless hours of wasted time to Americans (and other peoples) every day and year. Time spent in front of the television could be spent in much better ways--such as praying (cf. Col. 4:3)--specifically now for those in Iraq and those in the Southern United States (I intend to post something about this later), making money to give to those in need, meditating upon Scripture, exercising, or spending quality time with the family (watching a movie is not quality time).

Not only does television waste our time, it also leads to the furtherance of our moral, emotional, and mental depravity. Sure the television can brings us good programs such as on the history or nature channels (though they have a naturalistic slant to them), yet these channels even lead to the wasting of time, money (to pay for cable), and to little good done for the kingdom (you may be able to better appreciate nature through them or to come up with a good sermon illustration from time to time--and I doubt there is a person alive who at the end of his/her life will look back and say, "Dang, I wish I had watched more of the discovery channel"). Yet I have read and heard that television has been shown to increase anxiety, depression, and a lack of comprehension and ability to concentrate (this is a fast post, so I'm not going to take time to document my sources--I'd have to find them first).

Furthermore, television brings to the click of a button graphic pornography (both visual and emotional--both for men and women) that does not need to be accessed, that was not quite so accessible or in such crude forms not so many years ago, and that Christians should guard against and stay as far away from as possible--not see how close they can get without getting burned (cf. Job 31:1-4) (I heard a good point this morning by one of my fellow classmates that since the enemy has power in this world, he will deceptively and secretly move the lines from where they were originally drawn over into his own territory. Thus, when you think that you have not crossed the line into unsafe territory, you are actually naively walking in the enemy's territory.)

Television is best kept as decor--and it makes a nice retro-postmodern piece of art. Don't be sucked in to the television's trap--fight against it, lest it suck you into its siren-like trance and pull you into some sort of debauchery of the mind and emotions.

"Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, NIV)

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