Below is an article I found on the Fox website. I know this is an extreme example of how some in the world think, but it is a reminder to me that there are many we know who think along these same lines. I heard an excerpt from an radio show featuring Rosie O’Donnell (I know another far left, liberal individual) where she described “true” Christianity as inclusive of all people and distorted Jesus’ true loving nature.
Sometimes extreme examples help us see the slight (but just as destructive) errors that lead to a distorted biblical worldview. We must know, believe, and defend the true gospel message and the true nature of God as given in the Bible. Many people know a little about the Bible, but pick and choose what they want to believe. Many fixate on one aspect of the Bible and ignore those things that confuse, challenge, or convict them. We must be careful that we don’t do this AND we must recognize this in others and seek to lead them into the truth.
Please don’t take articles like this lightly thinking only “crazy” people would believe things like this. Our culture is influenced by these kinds of thoughts. Our children, co-workers, friends, and neighbors hear things like this and “buy into” this kind of thinking. How are you going to respond? How will you make a difference?
Specifically from this article – Jesus was and is “loving and forgiving” and wants us to be so also. But He also repeatedly called for people to obey His commands and sin no more. Love and forgiveness does not equate to living however you please or experiencing no consequences (temporal and eternal) for your actions. Let’s not disgrace Jesus by bringing Him down to our level of thinking and living, but challenge ourselves to strive for the perfection (completion and maturity) found only in Him. Philippians 3:1-21.
Elton John says Jesus was a "super-intelligent gay man"
Posted By FOX 411 On February 18, 2010 @ 1:27 pm In Entertainment, Music, News & Gossip No Comments
oFncAd.getAd("300x250,336x280","fnc", "frame1");
Elton John and Lady Gaga perform at the 2010 Grammy Awards. (Reuters)
Elton John gave an interview to Parade magazine in which he described his cocaine use and past treatment of young men, and said he thought that Jesus Christ was a homosexual.
"I think Jesus was a compassionate, super-intelligent gay man who understood human problems," John told the Sunday supplement. "On the cross, he forgave the people who crucified him. Jesus wanted us to be loving and forgiving. I don't know what makes people so cruel. Try being a gay woman in the Middle East -- you're as good as dead."
The openly gay star, whose duet with Lady Gaga was one of the highlights of this year's Grammy Awards, said he often chose young men to be with in the past, but it never worked out.
"I'd always choose someone younger. I wanted to smother them with love. I'd take them around the world, try to educate them. One after another they got a Cartier watch, a Versace outfit, maybe a sports car," he said. "I did this repeatedly. In six months they were bored and hated my guts because I'd taken their lives and self-worth away. I hadn't intended to."
John is now married to his longtime partner, David Furnish.
John also said his addiction to cocaine had been all consuming. "For some people a gram of cocaine can last a month. Not me," he said. "I have to do the lot, and then I want more. At the end of the day, all it led to was heartache."
John said his experience with drugs is one of the life experiences that led to his current philanthropic efforts.
"I set up my foundation because I wanted to make amends for the years I was a drug addict," hd said. "People with HIV are still stigmatized. The infection rates are going up. People are dying. The political response is appalling. The sadness of it, the waste."
The new Parade comes out on February 19.
For more excerpts from John's interview, go to Parade.com.
Seeking and Serving Christ, Dan
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Some Thoughts about Faith
http://www.waaytv.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?clipId1=4534248&flvUri=&partnerclipid=&at1=News&vt1=v&h1=Focus%20On%20Faith%3A%20Jerry%20Gleason&d1=149167&redirUrl=&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage&clipFormat=flv&rnd=20112707
I saw this short story this morning and it got me to thinking about what faith really is, especially within the context of a biblical worldview.
A couple of disclaimers first:
1. I appreciate the focus channel 31 does on stories about faith. They are positive and encouraging.
2. I understand that channel 31 is a secular media outlet and, therefore, does not filter their stories through a biblical worldview. I have only seen a couple of these stories, so have little to judge the variety and overall focus of stories they do.
With that said, let me give you my thoughts as I watched this video.
I am impressed by the fact that a 71 year old man would even want to compete in a tri-athalon ironman race. His story and dedication are inspiring. I pray that I can have that kind of energy and ambition if I reach that age. He can serve as a role model for many who seek to remain physically fit and mentally motivated.
What struck me about this piece was the loose definition of faith. I know some would consider this nitpicking, but as a Christian I believe faith is more than a strong will or belief in just something. Faith is trusting in God’s Word and will for your life. Hebrews 11 is the most immediate place we go to gain an understanding of what faith is. Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” If scripture just left it at that then this story and many others would qualify as biblical faith, but the text goes on to explain that it is faith in God that really matters. The “ancients” were not commended for just believing in something, but believing in the one true, living God.
I have said before that everyone lives by faith. Faith in something-self, science, religion, government, family/relationships, etc.. Ultimately, if people are questioned about the basis for how or why they live as they do, they come to the point where they have to stake their thoughts and lives on something that is beyond their knowledge or control. As followers of Christ we build on the truth of God’s Word and the evidence of God in the world around us. We do not have a blind faith, but a logical, revealed faith.
This story on Jerry Gleason reminded me that many in our society have too broad of a definition of faith. In this story, they just say he has faith. Faith in something beyond himself, but they never seek to define or explain what that means. Again I take nothing away from this man and his dedication or the positive nature of this story, but as a Christian seeking to live a biblical worldview I am challenged to not slip into a secular understanding of true faith. The things of this world are fading and capricious. My physical body’s well being is temporal and uncertain. My faith must be tied to what is sure and true-the Creator of this universe.
One of the things that prompted me to write this is that the lead-in to this segment (what initially caught my eye) is a picture of praying hands with candles in the background. This makes me think of a spiritual focus on God. This story falls short of that standard based on my biblical worldview. I am not being critical of channel 31, but challenging you and me to consider what real faith is. What biblical, God honoring faith is.
My pray is that we will consistently take a discerning view of the world. We need to continually seek to understand the world around us and hone our faith in God. I believe God will engage our minds so He can change our hearts which will impact the way we live. We need to be diligent to never fall prey to the biggest lies or to the slightest deviation from true reality as defined by God.
May God receive all the glory and honor.
I saw this short story this morning and it got me to thinking about what faith really is, especially within the context of a biblical worldview.
A couple of disclaimers first:
1. I appreciate the focus channel 31 does on stories about faith. They are positive and encouraging.
2. I understand that channel 31 is a secular media outlet and, therefore, does not filter their stories through a biblical worldview. I have only seen a couple of these stories, so have little to judge the variety and overall focus of stories they do.
With that said, let me give you my thoughts as I watched this video.
I am impressed by the fact that a 71 year old man would even want to compete in a tri-athalon ironman race. His story and dedication are inspiring. I pray that I can have that kind of energy and ambition if I reach that age. He can serve as a role model for many who seek to remain physically fit and mentally motivated.
What struck me about this piece was the loose definition of faith. I know some would consider this nitpicking, but as a Christian I believe faith is more than a strong will or belief in just something. Faith is trusting in God’s Word and will for your life. Hebrews 11 is the most immediate place we go to gain an understanding of what faith is. Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” If scripture just left it at that then this story and many others would qualify as biblical faith, but the text goes on to explain that it is faith in God that really matters. The “ancients” were not commended for just believing in something, but believing in the one true, living God.
I have said before that everyone lives by faith. Faith in something-self, science, religion, government, family/relationships, etc.. Ultimately, if people are questioned about the basis for how or why they live as they do, they come to the point where they have to stake their thoughts and lives on something that is beyond their knowledge or control. As followers of Christ we build on the truth of God’s Word and the evidence of God in the world around us. We do not have a blind faith, but a logical, revealed faith.
This story on Jerry Gleason reminded me that many in our society have too broad of a definition of faith. In this story, they just say he has faith. Faith in something beyond himself, but they never seek to define or explain what that means. Again I take nothing away from this man and his dedication or the positive nature of this story, but as a Christian seeking to live a biblical worldview I am challenged to not slip into a secular understanding of true faith. The things of this world are fading and capricious. My physical body’s well being is temporal and uncertain. My faith must be tied to what is sure and true-the Creator of this universe.
One of the things that prompted me to write this is that the lead-in to this segment (what initially caught my eye) is a picture of praying hands with candles in the background. This makes me think of a spiritual focus on God. This story falls short of that standard based on my biblical worldview. I am not being critical of channel 31, but challenging you and me to consider what real faith is. What biblical, God honoring faith is.
My pray is that we will consistently take a discerning view of the world. We need to continually seek to understand the world around us and hone our faith in God. I believe God will engage our minds so He can change our hearts which will impact the way we live. We need to be diligent to never fall prey to the biggest lies or to the slightest deviation from true reality as defined by God.
May God receive all the glory and honor.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Train up a child in the way he(she) should go . . .
http://cnn.com/video/?/video/world/2010/02/03/amanpour.mother.daughter.seg.cnn
This link is to a video about Yvonne Ridley, a female Scottish journalist, who converted from Christianity to Islam after being taken captive in Afghanistan. She discusses her conversion with her mother, Joyce. I will admit that I watch such videos with skepticism. I look for the bias or slant that the producer has, just as I try to understand my biases. I encourage you to watch this as a means of challenging what you know and believe.
Several questions and observations I had as I watched this:
How much of grounding did she have in the Christian faith before converting to Islam? She doesn’t say anything about having read the Bible only the Koran. How much do you or I know about the Koran? How do or would we respond to this woman about the truth of her faith?
One thing I noticed is that they did not talk about truth, but about feelings and lifestyles. Many religions offer practices, beliefs, and commands that are appealing to our senses and desires; but the question does not rest on this but the truth. We as Christians fall short of our calling to share the good news of Jesus Christ when we focus solely on the physical appeals of Christianity and not the truth of His reality.
We follow Christ because He is who He says He is-attested to through historical events and scriptural evidence.
Stories like this remind me of the importance I have as a husband and father to teach my children the truth of what I believe. I must know what I believe and why I believe it and why I don’t believe other things. It is more than a matter of telling them that they should believe as I do, but showing them why. I am a sinful and inconsistent man who does not and will not live up to all that the Bible teaches in the way of lifestyle commands, so if I just leave how I live my life as the example for my children I will fail them in their spiritual education-their quest for truth. I must instill in them the truth that faith in the one true God is not about me, but about Him. I strive to live a life that reflects Christ and will serve as an example to others, but ultimately everything rests on His truth.
I am saddened by this story because it shows the path many people will take when they do not know the truth. They may not choose Islam. It may be new age philosophy or Unitarian teachings or any number of other religions or even no religion at all. The point for me is that we must know what and why we believe so that we can share and persuade others to know that truth as well. In Colossians 1:28-29 Paul says, “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.”
Our children converting to Islam may not be a strong concern for us here in north Alabama, but they are and will be confronted with other worldviews on a daily basis. What do we or will say to them as we seek to lead them to embrace a proper biblical worldview?
Seeking and Serving Christ,
Dan
This link is to a video about Yvonne Ridley, a female Scottish journalist, who converted from Christianity to Islam after being taken captive in Afghanistan. She discusses her conversion with her mother, Joyce. I will admit that I watch such videos with skepticism. I look for the bias or slant that the producer has, just as I try to understand my biases. I encourage you to watch this as a means of challenging what you know and believe.
Several questions and observations I had as I watched this:
How much of grounding did she have in the Christian faith before converting to Islam? She doesn’t say anything about having read the Bible only the Koran. How much do you or I know about the Koran? How do or would we respond to this woman about the truth of her faith?
One thing I noticed is that they did not talk about truth, but about feelings and lifestyles. Many religions offer practices, beliefs, and commands that are appealing to our senses and desires; but the question does not rest on this but the truth. We as Christians fall short of our calling to share the good news of Jesus Christ when we focus solely on the physical appeals of Christianity and not the truth of His reality.
We follow Christ because He is who He says He is-attested to through historical events and scriptural evidence.
Stories like this remind me of the importance I have as a husband and father to teach my children the truth of what I believe. I must know what I believe and why I believe it and why I don’t believe other things. It is more than a matter of telling them that they should believe as I do, but showing them why. I am a sinful and inconsistent man who does not and will not live up to all that the Bible teaches in the way of lifestyle commands, so if I just leave how I live my life as the example for my children I will fail them in their spiritual education-their quest for truth. I must instill in them the truth that faith in the one true God is not about me, but about Him. I strive to live a life that reflects Christ and will serve as an example to others, but ultimately everything rests on His truth.
I am saddened by this story because it shows the path many people will take when they do not know the truth. They may not choose Islam. It may be new age philosophy or Unitarian teachings or any number of other religions or even no religion at all. The point for me is that we must know what and why we believe so that we can share and persuade others to know that truth as well. In Colossians 1:28-29 Paul says, “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.”
Our children converting to Islam may not be a strong concern for us here in north Alabama, but they are and will be confronted with other worldviews on a daily basis. What do we or will say to them as we seek to lead them to embrace a proper biblical worldview?
Seeking and Serving Christ,
Dan
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Thoughts about the world we live in
Some of my thoughts about the world we live in and other beliefs that are out there.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,584500,00.html?test=latestnews - This article challenged me to investigate further the beliefs of wiccans.
http://www.wicca.com/celtic/wicca/wicca.htm - a little bit longer article, but a quick read will reveal that this is all about "looking in the box" for all the answers. In the section "What Witchcraft is not" the author denies the reality of Satan portraying him as an immature Christian notion. He states that their goal to try to do the right thing for the right reason. Humans are basically good or can be good if they try hard enough. Have we heard that somewhere before?
http://www.religioustolerance.org/witchcra.htm - this article gives some links to other sources. I found this article seeks to "soften" the negative view of wiccans describing them as a loose knit group of believers who focus on the earth. They may not promote harm or even demonic worship, but they have bought into the lie that we worship the "box" rather than the creator of the "box."
http://www.religioustolerance.org/wic_intr.htm - this comes from the previous article - it is the one marked “introduction” please read this first – so I did. I found this interesting in its attempt to describe who or what they worship. Basically, it ends up (if this author is correct) that you can worship anything, everything, or nothing. There is no absolute truth or understanding. Pick what you like, what feels right, or what fits your fancy for the day and go with it.
Many people are being drawn to this kind of thinking because it is so loosely organized. You can believe what you want. It focuses on what an individual can perceive, conceive, or believe. It appeals to the politically correct, pseudo-tolerant society we live in by focusing on connecting with nature and yourself. Do your own thing, be your own person - peace, love, and joy are all we really need. Sounds a lot like what the hippies were talking about in the 60's and 70's.
We do not need to belittle or dismiss this thinking, but understand it and seek to show the truth of God's Word-His Son, Jesus. Those who have bought into this "pernicious" lie have been taken captive by the world rather than the true Creator of this world. This world and the things of this world are passing away, lets point people to what's eternal not what's temporal (1 John 2:15-17).
I would love to hear your thoughts on this, especially as it relates to our study. Also, any interactions you have had with people who believe this way. How can we share the truth of Christ in a positive, God-honoring way with individuals who believe this?
One prayer I have for the Truth Project is that it will spur us on to engage more with our culture. Seeking to understand the thoughts of others and being prepared to respond intelligently based on Biblical truth.
Seeking and Serving Him,
Dan
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,584500,00.html?test=latestnews - This article challenged me to investigate further the beliefs of wiccans.
http://www.wicca.com/celtic/wicca/wicca.htm - a little bit longer article, but a quick read will reveal that this is all about "looking in the box" for all the answers. In the section "What Witchcraft is not" the author denies the reality of Satan portraying him as an immature Christian notion. He states that their goal to try to do the right thing for the right reason. Humans are basically good or can be good if they try hard enough. Have we heard that somewhere before?
http://www.religioustolerance.org/witchcra.htm - this article gives some links to other sources. I found this article seeks to "soften" the negative view of wiccans describing them as a loose knit group of believers who focus on the earth. They may not promote harm or even demonic worship, but they have bought into the lie that we worship the "box" rather than the creator of the "box."
http://www.religioustolerance.org/wic_intr.htm - this comes from the previous article - it is the one marked “introduction” please read this first – so I did. I found this interesting in its attempt to describe who or what they worship. Basically, it ends up (if this author is correct) that you can worship anything, everything, or nothing. There is no absolute truth or understanding. Pick what you like, what feels right, or what fits your fancy for the day and go with it.
Many people are being drawn to this kind of thinking because it is so loosely organized. You can believe what you want. It focuses on what an individual can perceive, conceive, or believe. It appeals to the politically correct, pseudo-tolerant society we live in by focusing on connecting with nature and yourself. Do your own thing, be your own person - peace, love, and joy are all we really need. Sounds a lot like what the hippies were talking about in the 60's and 70's.
We do not need to belittle or dismiss this thinking, but understand it and seek to show the truth of God's Word-His Son, Jesus. Those who have bought into this "pernicious" lie have been taken captive by the world rather than the true Creator of this world. This world and the things of this world are passing away, lets point people to what's eternal not what's temporal (1 John 2:15-17).
I would love to hear your thoughts on this, especially as it relates to our study. Also, any interactions you have had with people who believe this way. How can we share the truth of Christ in a positive, God-honoring way with individuals who believe this?
One prayer I have for the Truth Project is that it will spur us on to engage more with our culture. Seeking to understand the thoughts of others and being prepared to respond intelligently based on Biblical truth.
Seeking and Serving Him,
Dan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)