So this is what writers block feels like.
Since last monday, I have worked 9 days straight. And not just 8 hour days mind you, I'm talking 10-16 hour days. That's a long time. I've worked over 110 hours since last monday. For my foreign friends, that means working on a holiday that everyone else and their mother get's off. But not me.
All that has left me with this....I have nothing to say.
Maybe I'm too tired. Maybe I'm just not creative and ten blogs was about my limit. Who knows?
I know this. When I work this much, I'm no good. I fight with my wife because I'm pissy. I completely neglect my walk with God. I don't stay in touch with friends and I eat shabbily.
So, no more workey. Need sleepy. Need fluff pillow.
5.30.2006
5.20.2006
The Christian Code...
Last night my wife and I went to one of our favorite places for dinner: Chipotle! I love their burrito bol. Yum Yum. Anywho, the one we went to is right in front of Sunset Station, a local casino here in Vegas. This casino houses one of the many movie theaters showing "The DaVinci Code." (I feel like there should be music going "duh duh duh" in a dark and sinister way...) When we were parking the car, we noticed some people standing on the corner protesting. They were saying what we all probably expect them to be saying. "The Davinci Code mocks Jesus." "The Davinci Code dishoners my Savior."
At first I had my normal reaction anytime I see Christians protesting. "Get a life," I thought. "Quit giving Christians a bad name."
But the more I thought about it, the more it bothered me. I'm not sure why, but I think I can narrow it down to one of two things.
First, is the aforementioned reason above. Something about Christians crying out against culture bothers me. I guess the way I look at it is this: I have a dog named Athena. She is a 2 year old boxer. Boxers are a very hyper breed. Every single time I let her in when I get home from work, it's like she hasn't seen me in years. She is so excited and runs and runs and runs untill she just collapses from exhaustion. I love our little routine. Dogs are great because you can train them. Athena's not the brightest of the bunch, so she takes a little patience, but she's getting there. The other night, I heard her barking at the door. Usually this means she wants out, but as I rounded the corner to head to the door, a funky odor came over me. I knew immediately this would be bad for me. Sure enough, a fresh, steamy pile of dookie lay under the pool table. Of course I was mad. Of course I told her she was a bad dog, but inside it didn't really bother me that much. Why you ask? Well, because she is a dog. I mean, it's not like my best friend came over and dropped some heat under my pool table. More than likely she pawed at the door and I just didn't hear her. My point is this. Most of the world is lost. What do we really expect? Do we really expect them to care if the movie, "dishonors our Lord"? Sometimes a dog poops in the house. Sometimes the world doesn't get theology quite right. Not a reason to protest in my opinion.
On the other hand, something about seeing them take a stand for Jesus is kind of motivating. When was the last time I did something that blatenly said, "I stand for Jesus and everything he says and even if it makes me look like a fool, I am willing to do it for him." Let me see......yeah, a long, long time. Something about the word 'dishonor' really got me. I like people who hold Jesus in a high regard. I remember one time going to an episcapalean service (I know I butchered that one, but bear with me okay?). I just remember being blown away by the amount of reverance they had for God. When they started the service, these altar boys carried in these giant banners the praised God. I thought, "now this is cool." What these people were saying was, "this hurts me to see God thought any less than what he is." And really, how do I argue with that?
I can't really say I've come to a conclusion on anything. I don't expect the world to understand us or our Jesus. But I find myself also longing to be in that picket line holding a sign that says, "I dishonor my Savior."
At first I had my normal reaction anytime I see Christians protesting. "Get a life," I thought. "Quit giving Christians a bad name."
But the more I thought about it, the more it bothered me. I'm not sure why, but I think I can narrow it down to one of two things.
First, is the aforementioned reason above. Something about Christians crying out against culture bothers me. I guess the way I look at it is this: I have a dog named Athena. She is a 2 year old boxer. Boxers are a very hyper breed. Every single time I let her in when I get home from work, it's like she hasn't seen me in years. She is so excited and runs and runs and runs untill she just collapses from exhaustion. I love our little routine. Dogs are great because you can train them. Athena's not the brightest of the bunch, so she takes a little patience, but she's getting there. The other night, I heard her barking at the door. Usually this means she wants out, but as I rounded the corner to head to the door, a funky odor came over me. I knew immediately this would be bad for me. Sure enough, a fresh, steamy pile of dookie lay under the pool table. Of course I was mad. Of course I told her she was a bad dog, but inside it didn't really bother me that much. Why you ask? Well, because she is a dog. I mean, it's not like my best friend came over and dropped some heat under my pool table. More than likely she pawed at the door and I just didn't hear her. My point is this. Most of the world is lost. What do we really expect? Do we really expect them to care if the movie, "dishonors our Lord"? Sometimes a dog poops in the house. Sometimes the world doesn't get theology quite right. Not a reason to protest in my opinion.
On the other hand, something about seeing them take a stand for Jesus is kind of motivating. When was the last time I did something that blatenly said, "I stand for Jesus and everything he says and even if it makes me look like a fool, I am willing to do it for him." Let me see......yeah, a long, long time. Something about the word 'dishonor' really got me. I like people who hold Jesus in a high regard. I remember one time going to an episcapalean service (I know I butchered that one, but bear with me okay?). I just remember being blown away by the amount of reverance they had for God. When they started the service, these altar boys carried in these giant banners the praised God. I thought, "now this is cool." What these people were saying was, "this hurts me to see God thought any less than what he is." And really, how do I argue with that?
I can't really say I've come to a conclusion on anything. I don't expect the world to understand us or our Jesus. But I find myself also longing to be in that picket line holding a sign that says, "I dishonor my Savior."
5.18.2006
A Time is Coming...
"Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we’ll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open;
We shall tread the streets of gold."
"When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!"
I grew up singing this song. It's a good song. We used to sing it A LOT. But I think it all to often reflects the total mindset of Christians.
Here's what I mean. When Christ was on this earth, he seemed to press a lot about the kingdom of God. And he didn't always say it as what was to come. As a matter of fact, he said it like it was already here. When the woman at the well asked about where to worship, he said, "A time is coming, and has now come..." I don't think Jesus meant for us to wait till he returns to be a part of his kingdom. I think he was more concerned about what was going on right now.
I'm not making any huge theological points here. There's no grand secret to anything I am saying. I just think too often we think that there will be a day when we have a victory. There will be a day when we finally get to see Jesus.
I think that time is coming and has now come.
If we wait until Armageddon to see Jesus then maybe we're still blind.
If we wait till judgement day to claim our victory, then maybe we've already lost.
Soon His beauty we’ll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open;
We shall tread the streets of gold."
"When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!"
I grew up singing this song. It's a good song. We used to sing it A LOT. But I think it all to often reflects the total mindset of Christians.
Here's what I mean. When Christ was on this earth, he seemed to press a lot about the kingdom of God. And he didn't always say it as what was to come. As a matter of fact, he said it like it was already here. When the woman at the well asked about where to worship, he said, "A time is coming, and has now come..." I don't think Jesus meant for us to wait till he returns to be a part of his kingdom. I think he was more concerned about what was going on right now.
I'm not making any huge theological points here. There's no grand secret to anything I am saying. I just think too often we think that there will be a day when we have a victory. There will be a day when we finally get to see Jesus.
I think that time is coming and has now come.
If we wait until Armageddon to see Jesus then maybe we're still blind.
If we wait till judgement day to claim our victory, then maybe we've already lost.
5.04.2006
The Bride...
A friend and I have been carrying on a conversation on my Myspace page about the church. It seems to me that there is a growing number of people who are dissatisfied with the current situation of the church...at least here in America. It isn't limited to young people either. I've had conversations with people in their 50's who have been Christians for years. The disappointment in what she has become is spread far and wide. I think that's why so many people are willing to do church plants. But sooner or later, it seems even they turn into the same old same old. In his last email, my friend asked me what the church would look like if I could start from scratch. I find this interesting because that's pretty much the situation I find myself in. But, even in my perfect world, there is a difference between desire and reality. So, I won't go over where we are, but more where I would like to be.
First, the thought of a church conjures up images of community. I was talking with my Dad earlier this year about the church and I asked him why the church doesn't look like it did in early Acts. I was talking about the whole selling of possesions and sharing everything. He said that they did that out of necessity. That it had to be their way of life to survive. I like the thought of that. That it becomes a way of life, living in the church. A way of survival. So much so, that if we don't, somehow the essential message of Jesus will be lost. This is always a tough sell though, because the more growth that occurs the less community seems to happen. How do we balance this? I don't know.
Second, the thought of church conjures up ancient rituals. Baptism, candles, chants, scripture memorization, prayers, incense, meditation, and communion. I like the thought of connecting with Christ the same way some of it's early fouders did. If this is what they did only centries after he left, why can't we use them milliniums later? I'm not even opposed to some of that stuff that has been in the news lately. There's a secret (oooh, doesn't that sound appealing?) organization called 'Opus Dei'. The Davinci Code paints these people as the keeper of the secret of Christ's bloodline. But the cool part is, they really do exist. Basically, they use pain as a way of connecting with God. They wear this bob-wire type of bracelet around their thigh for a couple of hours a day. They use a cat-o'-nine-tails type whip to help them in their meditation. Now, most use this one made of yarn and other harmless materials, but the founder of the sect used a much more realistic one that would make him bleed EVERYTIME! Crazy!
Thirdly, the thought of church makes me want to give, both monitarily and personally. I think of encouraging Christians in Muslim countries. I think of inviting homeless people into our home. I think of people who realize that this world is temporary, and so are their possesions. This is one I struggle with a lot. We live so comfortable. We give 10% to the church, and we still have plenty. It would be hard for me to give that up. Really, really hard. I think of the rich young ruler. We always assume that he couldn't do it. I like to think he did. I like to think he struggled with it. That the look on Jesus's face was burned into his psyche until he couldn't help it. Maybe it wasn't till years and years later, when death was approaching and he looked over his land with tears in his eyes and knew he had missed out on so much that the Lord was wanting to do for him.
D, the thought of church reminds me of worship. I know, I know, there are all different ways to worship. But it seems from the Israelites to the early Church, corporate worship was a big part of what they did. What if we took the phrase, "everything I do for God is worship" and made it, "worship is everything." What if maybe one week there wasn't a sermon. But the worship was the sermon. I dont know, but I know that I have been starved for worship ever since I left the mainstream church and I miss it deeply.
The church should also be a place of confession. Yes, confession. Maybe this falls into the ancient stuff or not, I don't know, but I know it's needed. I think one of the biggest ways Satan binds us is with the thought of being judged. You know what? We need to be judged. We need to have someone else who is imperfect look into our lives and help us clean it up. I know I recently went through something like this, and while it scared me to death, when it was all said and done, it was one of the best experiences of my life. To be able to say to others, I SIN, and know that they love you and want to help restore your walk with God, well, that's the church.
These are just a few of my ideas, but I wanted to get this post out because it has been gnawing inside of me.
First, the thought of a church conjures up images of community. I was talking with my Dad earlier this year about the church and I asked him why the church doesn't look like it did in early Acts. I was talking about the whole selling of possesions and sharing everything. He said that they did that out of necessity. That it had to be their way of life to survive. I like the thought of that. That it becomes a way of life, living in the church. A way of survival. So much so, that if we don't, somehow the essential message of Jesus will be lost. This is always a tough sell though, because the more growth that occurs the less community seems to happen. How do we balance this? I don't know.
Second, the thought of church conjures up ancient rituals. Baptism, candles, chants, scripture memorization, prayers, incense, meditation, and communion. I like the thought of connecting with Christ the same way some of it's early fouders did. If this is what they did only centries after he left, why can't we use them milliniums later? I'm not even opposed to some of that stuff that has been in the news lately. There's a secret (oooh, doesn't that sound appealing?) organization called 'Opus Dei'. The Davinci Code paints these people as the keeper of the secret of Christ's bloodline. But the cool part is, they really do exist. Basically, they use pain as a way of connecting with God. They wear this bob-wire type of bracelet around their thigh for a couple of hours a day. They use a cat-o'-nine-tails type whip to help them in their meditation. Now, most use this one made of yarn and other harmless materials, but the founder of the sect used a much more realistic one that would make him bleed EVERYTIME! Crazy!
Thirdly, the thought of church makes me want to give, both monitarily and personally. I think of encouraging Christians in Muslim countries. I think of inviting homeless people into our home. I think of people who realize that this world is temporary, and so are their possesions. This is one I struggle with a lot. We live so comfortable. We give 10% to the church, and we still have plenty. It would be hard for me to give that up. Really, really hard. I think of the rich young ruler. We always assume that he couldn't do it. I like to think he did. I like to think he struggled with it. That the look on Jesus's face was burned into his psyche until he couldn't help it. Maybe it wasn't till years and years later, when death was approaching and he looked over his land with tears in his eyes and knew he had missed out on so much that the Lord was wanting to do for him.
D, the thought of church reminds me of worship. I know, I know, there are all different ways to worship. But it seems from the Israelites to the early Church, corporate worship was a big part of what they did. What if we took the phrase, "everything I do for God is worship" and made it, "worship is everything." What if maybe one week there wasn't a sermon. But the worship was the sermon. I dont know, but I know that I have been starved for worship ever since I left the mainstream church and I miss it deeply.
The church should also be a place of confession. Yes, confession. Maybe this falls into the ancient stuff or not, I don't know, but I know it's needed. I think one of the biggest ways Satan binds us is with the thought of being judged. You know what? We need to be judged. We need to have someone else who is imperfect look into our lives and help us clean it up. I know I recently went through something like this, and while it scared me to death, when it was all said and done, it was one of the best experiences of my life. To be able to say to others, I SIN, and know that they love you and want to help restore your walk with God, well, that's the church.
These are just a few of my ideas, but I wanted to get this post out because it has been gnawing inside of me.
5.02.2006
Voice Crying Out in the Wilderness...
I just read an incredible article about Christian music. Sorry if this offends anyone...
5.01.2006
the best of Myspace...
A couple of months ago, I posted my first blog on my Myspace page. I thought to be complete that I would bring it over here. So, enjoy...
I just had a really interesting weekend. Two of my uncles came into town. I love those guys. They are so funny. We had a great time playing golf, watching movies, seeing the sights, and of course, playing poker. A couple of months ago, I had a chance to go back home to see the Colts play the Steelers in Indy. While I was there, we took the time time to go see my Mamaw and Papaw. My Mamaw was all upset about a letter that she had recieved from one of her sons. Basically, the letter said how he rejected everything he had been taught about God and Christ and that it was just impossible for him to believe it anymore. Well, the son that wrote that letter was one of my uncles in town visiting. I had been looking forward for them coming to visit for many reasons, but one of which was hoping for the chance to get into a discussion with Him about what he believes. He basically said that he believes there is a God, but that God doesn't care about us. He created us, and now, he's left us alone. We had a great conversation. I really enjoy talking with people who are more intelligent than myself, and this was no exception. He really made me think. One of the things he said was, "if you were born in the middle of Iran, would you be a Christian?" I just think it's a really good point. I wonder how many of us believe what we believe just because it's what's popular. Just because we were born in America. That bothers me. I told him that even if the God who created us doesn't care about us, that he deserves our worship just for creating us. That he deserves to have our lives just because of who he is. Then I think we got to the real issue for both of us. I said how I was tired of churches saying they care about people, but really meaning that they care about people's money. I told him I couldn't justify working at a church and getting paid. I said that I think Jesus cared a lot more for the poor and elderly and outcasts and rebels and homeless and diseased then we do. He said if I really believed that, then I wouldn't be building houses in las vegas. WHAMMY!!! Problem is, he's right. So the question is: Do I really believe that or not? Or maybe: Do I believe that, but decide that my life is more important than giving it to Jesus? Either way, I'm not sure that I like the answer I arrive at. This really puts baggage on my soul. Baggage for a destination unknown.
I just had a really interesting weekend. Two of my uncles came into town. I love those guys. They are so funny. We had a great time playing golf, watching movies, seeing the sights, and of course, playing poker. A couple of months ago, I had a chance to go back home to see the Colts play the Steelers in Indy. While I was there, we took the time time to go see my Mamaw and Papaw. My Mamaw was all upset about a letter that she had recieved from one of her sons. Basically, the letter said how he rejected everything he had been taught about God and Christ and that it was just impossible for him to believe it anymore. Well, the son that wrote that letter was one of my uncles in town visiting. I had been looking forward for them coming to visit for many reasons, but one of which was hoping for the chance to get into a discussion with Him about what he believes. He basically said that he believes there is a God, but that God doesn't care about us. He created us, and now, he's left us alone. We had a great conversation. I really enjoy talking with people who are more intelligent than myself, and this was no exception. He really made me think. One of the things he said was, "if you were born in the middle of Iran, would you be a Christian?" I just think it's a really good point. I wonder how many of us believe what we believe just because it's what's popular. Just because we were born in America. That bothers me. I told him that even if the God who created us doesn't care about us, that he deserves our worship just for creating us. That he deserves to have our lives just because of who he is. Then I think we got to the real issue for both of us. I said how I was tired of churches saying they care about people, but really meaning that they care about people's money. I told him I couldn't justify working at a church and getting paid. I said that I think Jesus cared a lot more for the poor and elderly and outcasts and rebels and homeless and diseased then we do. He said if I really believed that, then I wouldn't be building houses in las vegas. WHAMMY!!! Problem is, he's right. So the question is: Do I really believe that or not? Or maybe: Do I believe that, but decide that my life is more important than giving it to Jesus? Either way, I'm not sure that I like the answer I arrive at. This really puts baggage on my soul. Baggage for a destination unknown.
May Day...
I'm not sure how I feel, really. It started with a sleepover I was at on Saturday. Well, it wasn't supposed to be a sleepover, but it sure seemed like one. We just finished our six mile walk where I feel like we raised a lot of publicity for the cause. Then we all gathered in the back parking lot of a church and wrote letters to our senators and the president. All fine and dandy. But listening to some of the conversations made me feel strange about a lot of things. First of all, almost everyone there was trashing the President about the war in Iraq. Now, of course, no one likes war. No one is really happy about the fact that we have young men and women dying daily. But, you know what, when the war started, I was all for it. So I don't feel like I have the right to all of the sudden change my position. As an American, I don't think I have the luxury. But of course, we were there to raise awareness about the situation in Uganda. So what do these people think were going ot happen? We were going to send a peace delegation to Uganda hoping the LRA will just lay down their arms because we are the U.S.? If the war is going to end in Uganda, it will take bloodshed. Some of theirs, some of ours. No one wants that, but some evils are better than others. That's how Rwanda ended. When one side won. It's not pretty. It's reality. And so today, thousands of illegal and legal aliens are on the march. And thousands and thousands of retarded bigots will scream "GO HOME MEXICANS!" then return to their home which was built by...yeah, you guessed it. This is our world people! Things are just going to change because we want them to. Because we do a march or because we write a letter. Get involved or shut up. I almost feel worse for going on the walk and sleepover then if I hadn't. I feel like I've associated with a bunch of whiners and feel goodies who think that we actually made a difference. No, the three guys who went to Uganda made a difference. Why? Because the sacrifice they made was real. But I simply have a sore back from the concrete. I know this is all a bunch of rambling, but what are we to do? How are we to feel? The reality is, our would is a messy place and we've been living with butlers and maids for too long that have been wiping our asses and telling us what good looking ones they are at that until we became too fat to move or care about anything but ourselves and where we were getting our next meal.
And I'm one of them.
And I'm one of them.
4.26.2006
16 Questions...
I often wonder what would happen if God intervened in a more supernatural way. I mean, I believe he has the power to. And I believe sometimes he does, in small ways that can most of the time be explained away in a scientific or medical manner. But I'm talking about, what if God sent a prophet, someone who had a connection with God deeper than anyone we'd seen in awhile? And what if this guy was more than a good preacher? What if he was more than convicting? What if he could do more than predict the future and pray for you? I'm talking what if he could confront God's enemies and bring literal hell fire and brimstone (I don't even know what brimstone is, but I know it's bad and you don't want it) upon their heads? What if the poor could bring them their sick because hospitals are too expensive, and he would heal them? And what if he came from some poor town in Africa and didn't speak our language? What if he condemned America and told us if we didn't start caring more about the world (and I don't just mean about the countries that might have the nucular power to bring us down, I'm referring mostly to those that don't) then God would stop caring about us? What if he said that everyone who made more than $30,000 better start giving away half of it, or we'd be in danger of losing our salvation? I wonder if we would listen. Sure we might hear about it, but would we really listen? Or would we say, that's just some poor black guy pissed at the world? Would we be willing to invade Iran, not in the military sense, but with bibles and the willingness, not just to die, but to suffer for the kingdom of God? Would we do it? The Bible says that Jesus was prevented from doing miracles in his hometown because of their lack of faith. The Bible also says that though we are faithless, he is faithful. But could our lack of faith be preventing him from reaching in and interfearing with our world? Or, does he do it and our lack of faith keeps us from recognizing it more?
There's no place like...
Last Friday, my wife and I attended a wedding. Well, I should say I attended, my wife was in it. Let me tell you something. A wedding is boring enough when you have your best friend next to you to crack jokes with. It's REALLY boring by yourself. But, in all fairness, after the wedding was over, the post wedding extravaganza was incredible. Lots of food, beer, and dancing. Two of my favorite things (I'll let you decide which one doesn't belong...). Anywho, as boring as weddings are, there is always one part that I enjoy. It was the most anticipated part for me at my wedding, so I'm always interested at other's weddings. It's the part when the bride comes around the corner for the very first time and the groom is seeing his bride in all her glory. What an amazing momment. I had seen my wife a million times before our wedding day, but I had never seen her more beautiful. What a perfect momment. In that momment, nothing else matters. You may have argued in the days leading up to the big one about flowers or DJs or mother-in-laws. You may have fought over the honeymoon destination or the mother-in-law (are you noticing a theme here?). But in that momment, all is right. You don't think of those things. All you can think of (besides the other thing) is how right everything is. I think there is a reason for that. I think there is a reason that you finally feel like you are becoming one. I think it's because you are home. You see, when you are dating, there comes a point on every date where you must go home. After the movie and dinner and making out, no matter how late you stay up or stay out, there comes a time when you go back to where you live and she goes back to where she lives. I think this is why God made man a companion, because it's not good to go home alone. But more than that, it reminds me that we still aren't home. That some day, there will be a time when we are presented in a white dress to our bridegroom. That one day we will be shining in Glory. And on that day, we will be home.
4.20.2006
When Baptism Isn't Enough...
I recently came accross this article on Christians and global warming. Apparently some Christians actually believe that if you care about the earth, you're going to hell! Crazy! I think this Joel Hunter makes some sense. I especially like when he talks about working with corporations who have worked with Planned Parenthood in the past. I seem to be noticing a trend of Christians who are tired of the rote Christianity that has been handed them. Like if you are a Christian then you are a republican who hates gays and stem cell research. Now, don't get me wrong. I think there are times to say wrong is wrong. But for too long, I think we've expected too much of non-christians and not enough of Christians. How could Christianity not be leading the charge against global warming? Some have argued that global warming doesn't even exist. That it is something 'science' is making up. Even if that is true, shouldn't we above all people still lead the charge to PREVENT it? Of all people we should be the most grateful for this giant playground that he has given us. My wife and I recently took our dog Athena for a road trip. About 20 minutes outside of Vegas is Red Rock National Conservation Area. 
I was wowed by the beauty of this place. To think that God created that millions of years ago knowing that someday I would take my out of shape body and try and climb up places I have no business attempting. It was wonderful. So, even if it's selfish. Even if it has nothing to do with obeying his command to take care of the earth, shouldn't we just do it because it's cool to see the Grand Canyon and swim in the Pacific?
tah
I was wowed by the beauty of this place. To think that God created that millions of years ago knowing that someday I would take my out of shape body and try and climb up places I have no business attempting. It was wonderful. So, even if it's selfish. Even if it has nothing to do with obeying his command to take care of the earth, shouldn't we just do it because it's cool to see the Grand Canyon and swim in the Pacific? tah
What's The Use?
My friend recently found this article about baptism in America. He has since posted three times because of some of the responses to his blogs. Here was my response to his second blog:
I think the problem is probably all semantics. Don't you love the English language! I think there are a lot of people who would say baptism is essential for salvation. But I think if you changed just one word in that sentance, almost everyone who professes Christ would agree with that statement. Because you're right about several things, one of which is that baptism is commanded. Both by Christ and by Paul, I think there would be few who would argue with that. So the question is this, when God commanded Abram to circumcise himself to join in the covenant with him, was it the literal removal of the foreskin that made that covenant a covenant? No, of course not, it was the Word of God. The same is true here. Is it the actual dipping in the water that produces eternal life (both now and forever)? No, it was the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. The shedding of blood by the perfect Lamb of God. By His wounds we are made whole. So what word should we change? We could change 'baptism' with 'obedience". Would you say obedience is essential for salvation? Hmmm...no, this debate is about baptism, so let's leave that in there. What about th word essential? No, that's the whole debate...And salvation is at the core of what we're talking about. So, how about this: Baptism is essential TO salvation. See what I did there? Kept salvation and baptism and essential in there, but didn't hinge salvation ON baptism, but made it seem incomplete without it. Man am I clever. But seriously, what if we think of it this way. What if for a momment we put Baptism in the same catagory as Repentence. I don't think this is so far a stretch since that one time when the church was just getting going and no body knew anything about nothing so everybody was confused and they figured that that guy who's yelling at them just spent three years with the Son of God, so he just maybe might know something about the subject of eternal life, so they decided to ask him what it took for salvation. They had already believed (since they had been cut to the heart as the good book says) so now what? Well the Rock pulls this one out saying, "REPENT and be BAPTIZED for the forgiveness of your sins." So there's several ways to look at this. On one hand, someone would say, "SEE to be saved you have to do these two things!" Bill Wolf the heretic would say, "no no no, since their sins have been forgiven, they need to repent and be baptized." Well Paul asks this question, "Should we just keep on sinning, knowing that there is nothing in the whole world that we could ever do to seperate us from Christ?" How would you feel when they catch the guys that raped that stripper at Duke if their excuse was, "Well, Jesus will forgive me, so I figured it wasn't that big of a deal." Probably feel a lot like we do when we think of the terrorists who flew planes into the world trade center for the Glory of God. Something's a bit off. Something doesn't match up. So what gives? Well, I think you'd say a follower of Christ would have to be repentant of their sins. That repentance was a basic lesson taught by Christ himself (just ask the woman caught in adultry). I certainly wouldn't want to be the guy standing in front of God on judgement day who accepted him, but then raped and molested little children because he knew Jesus would forgive them. Whether or not God puts him on the right or left, well, frankley that's up to God. But I sure wouldn't want to be in those shoes. Can't like those odds. So then, I think it would be safe to say that anyone who is serious about their relationship with Christ would be serious about their repentance. They would claim it was essential to their faith. That it would be impossible for them to follow Jesus without repentace. That without repentance, their conversion wasn't really serious. That without repentance, the words they said didn't really have any meaning. So take everything I just wrote and insert Baptism into it. On the issue of essential FOR salvation, won't touch it with a seven hundred and seventy seven foot pole. But if you want to ask if it is essential TO salvation...well, I think he's already spoken.
tah
I think the problem is probably all semantics. Don't you love the English language! I think there are a lot of people who would say baptism is essential for salvation. But I think if you changed just one word in that sentance, almost everyone who professes Christ would agree with that statement. Because you're right about several things, one of which is that baptism is commanded. Both by Christ and by Paul, I think there would be few who would argue with that. So the question is this, when God commanded Abram to circumcise himself to join in the covenant with him, was it the literal removal of the foreskin that made that covenant a covenant? No, of course not, it was the Word of God. The same is true here. Is it the actual dipping in the water that produces eternal life (both now and forever)? No, it was the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. The shedding of blood by the perfect Lamb of God. By His wounds we are made whole. So what word should we change? We could change 'baptism' with 'obedience". Would you say obedience is essential for salvation? Hmmm...no, this debate is about baptism, so let's leave that in there. What about th word essential? No, that's the whole debate...And salvation is at the core of what we're talking about. So, how about this: Baptism is essential TO salvation. See what I did there? Kept salvation and baptism and essential in there, but didn't hinge salvation ON baptism, but made it seem incomplete without it. Man am I clever. But seriously, what if we think of it this way. What if for a momment we put Baptism in the same catagory as Repentence. I don't think this is so far a stretch since that one time when the church was just getting going and no body knew anything about nothing so everybody was confused and they figured that that guy who's yelling at them just spent three years with the Son of God, so he just maybe might know something about the subject of eternal life, so they decided to ask him what it took for salvation. They had already believed (since they had been cut to the heart as the good book says) so now what? Well the Rock pulls this one out saying, "REPENT and be BAPTIZED for the forgiveness of your sins." So there's several ways to look at this. On one hand, someone would say, "SEE to be saved you have to do these two things!" Bill Wolf the heretic would say, "no no no, since their sins have been forgiven, they need to repent and be baptized." Well Paul asks this question, "Should we just keep on sinning, knowing that there is nothing in the whole world that we could ever do to seperate us from Christ?" How would you feel when they catch the guys that raped that stripper at Duke if their excuse was, "Well, Jesus will forgive me, so I figured it wasn't that big of a deal." Probably feel a lot like we do when we think of the terrorists who flew planes into the world trade center for the Glory of God. Something's a bit off. Something doesn't match up. So what gives? Well, I think you'd say a follower of Christ would have to be repentant of their sins. That repentance was a basic lesson taught by Christ himself (just ask the woman caught in adultry). I certainly wouldn't want to be the guy standing in front of God on judgement day who accepted him, but then raped and molested little children because he knew Jesus would forgive them. Whether or not God puts him on the right or left, well, frankley that's up to God. But I sure wouldn't want to be in those shoes. Can't like those odds. So then, I think it would be safe to say that anyone who is serious about their relationship with Christ would be serious about their repentance. They would claim it was essential to their faith. That it would be impossible for them to follow Jesus without repentace. That without repentance, their conversion wasn't really serious. That without repentance, the words they said didn't really have any meaning. So take everything I just wrote and insert Baptism into it. On the issue of essential FOR salvation, won't touch it with a seven hundred and seventy seven foot pole. But if you want to ask if it is essential TO salvation...well, I think he's already spoken.
tah
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