Choose Your Battles

Last night I chose a battle I will have with my children if they should ever bring it up. And a thought struck me: so many people defend themselves, "You have to choose your battles." But they've never decided how many they are able to fight. So they leave all but the most important (or easily won) battles in their eyes to the whims of their adversary.

My future-Marine brother was present, and we proposed a more military scenario. Suppose you are trying to conquer an archipelago in the middle of the ocean, and you decided to take a stand on only two of hundreds of islands. You are thrilled to have won the two battles, but you could have used your forces better and made more progress toward your goal. As it is, with hundreds of islands remaining in enemy hands, even though some are very small, you have lost the war.

How much more tragic to decide there are only a few battles to fight with your children. You take a stand against violence but let them play video games for long periods of time. You take a stand against fornication but give in on what they wear. You take a stand against hanging out with 'really bad' friends, but you let them gossip. In the end, you have a subversively wicked child who has no respect for you, but who looks remarkably like... the rest of the culture.

So the battle I chose yesterday is on teasing. My little boys will know that teasing little girls is a serious offense. Why? Because taunting is so opposite of what a girl needs from a boy. She looks to him for leadership and defense and courtesy - especially emotional, since girls are such inherently emotional creatures. By choosing this battle my children will be on the path to understanding each other, a skill needed for many things later in life (like getting married and building a marriage).

To God be all glory.

My Thoughts on the Emergent Church

In case you haven't determined from my other posts, especially those about "Changing Church," I have some serious concerns about the evangelical Christian Church in America. A year ago I led a Bible study. And it is a symptom of the problems with evangelicalism that I must clarify: that means we took passages of the Bible and studied them. We figured out what the words meant, how the passages were connected with other parts of Scripture, and how to apply them. The topic was spiritual gifts. One of the primary passages on spiritual gifts in the Bible is 1 Corinthians. Typically a theologian would point you to select verses in chapter 12. However, spiritual gifts are the topic throughout 12, 13, and 14. This information fits because, in context, we saw that spiritual gifts are (this is so obvious) part of Church structure and purpose. Our group ended up discussing and discovering a lot about how the Church was intended to "run."

"from Whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." - Ephesians 4:16

Ephesians 4, also a defining passage for the Church, is another chapter describing spiritual gifts. There are also passages in Romans and 1 Peter. In none of these do we see church buildings. The four-point sermon is not described, nor the "invitation." Come to think of it, a weekly offering wasn't part of the instructions. There is no gift for "treasury," though there is one for "giving."

To some extent, I am still trying to figure out what the Bible teaches about the design for the Church. What did Paul tell Timothy the Church should look like? How should the assemblies go? Who should assemble; when; where; how often? Is it like a network of small groups that interact and overlap? How do elders fit in? What does an elder do? How many elders did God plan for churches? Do they need to be formally ordained? Does a teacher have to be an elder? Does an elder have to teach? If they do, is it every week?

*Deep breath* I have a lot of questions. And I have some ideas I'm exploring. Some might ask how relevant my search is to real life. Occasionally God reminds me He is more important than a completely worked-out theology. He'll teach me what I need to know. Mostly I need to know I should trust Him.

So I read up on these things. And I try to have an application-oriented study. But I'm not pragmatic. Truth is more important to me than success. I won't take a group that "does it right" without believing the right thing. I'd rather not be part of a church that is high on creeds and low on follow-through. For one thing, that is my tendency, and I need influences to counter my laziness.

I'm not alone in my dissatisfaction with the Church. A lot of people my age leave, and I can't entirely blame them. For one thing, my friends and I want challenged. We want examples. We need interaction across generations that is generally unavailable to us at traditional churches. Some who leave their childhood churches gather with others craving spiritual experiences though they were raised outside of church. An overall term for these gatherings is the "emergent church."

This church and its leaders tend to have embraced a unique philosophy/theology. It is unitarian, communal, experiential: meaning respectively that there could be many roads to salvation and a relationship with God, evangelism and the Christian life should be more about serving the poor and building real there-for-you relationships, and worship must be a multi-sensory encounter.

One of the most frequent things I hear is an emphasis, almost a demand, for "alternative worship." There is also contemplative prayer. The idea that conversion is a process can be found. In a book I am currently reading, a missionary is encouraging Muslim converts to keep the Koran, keep the the mosques, and be "Messianic Muslims."

Here's the thing. Most of these emergent believers and former evangelicals (and some others: family-integrated church members, some house churches, other conservative "fundamentalist" movements) are identifying real problems in the Church. The difference is the source of their solution.

I am searching for a back-to-the-Bible approach such as advocated by the New Testament Reformation Fellowship. The other options would be slight reform (as explained in the Purpose Driven Church and other such books) or theological abdication for what works. These alternatives are man-centered, offering either that which appeals and entertains men, or that which men think will work, borrowing "truth" from "wherever it can be found," including pagan religions, popular psychology, New Age spirituality, Hollywood, and ancient mysticism.

Back to the topic of spiritual gifts, one oft-overlooked and even supressed gift is that of discernment. "Discerning of spirits," can mean telling whether a spirit (message or soul) is from God or not. John MacArthur has compiled an entire book on the subject for contemporary issues, entitled Fool's Gold. There are websites like Let Us Reason, Apprising Ministries, and the Christian Research Net. I believe this is one of my gifts as well as a topic I believe to be vital to the Church.

So I feel obligated to warn you about reliance on The Message paraphrase of the Bible, Brennan Manning's writings, Rick Warren's writings, anything Emergent Church or "Christian mysticism." The argument that one must have read a book to denounce it, or have met a person to know that they are false teachers is invalid. The spiritual gift of discernment comes from God, and is primarily a testing of spirits against the pure, absolutely true Word of God. For specifics of why these people, books, movements, and ideas are unbiblical, please consult the links above. I have personally had exposure to each of these, but not immersion. However, the links provided do go into detail, with quotes and point-by-point refutations.

To summarize: the Church has problems. The solution to these problems can be found in the Bible, and the cause in how we have sold out to our culture and human philosophies rather than believing the instructions God gave. Some people who recognize these same problems and are very insightful in how they are related to each other and to statistics coming out about the Church have resorted to unbiblical "solutions," which will cause more harm than good. Christians must be on their guard against these philosophies and practices. This is done by being solidly grounded in the Bible, and testing every movement against it.

Colossians 2:6-8, "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."

To God be all glory.

Iowa State University Astronomer Denied Tenure

In further intelligent design supression news, I just found this article by Ken Connor concerning an Iowa State professor who was denied tenure due to, according to available information, his belief in (not teaching of) intelligent design. His peer-reviewed papers, which are required for tenure consideration, did not deal with the intelligent design premises. He is a published author, writing on the evidence for design he discovered in his field of astronomy. The book is titled Privileged Planet.

My thoughts are:

1. Censoring professors for a legitimate scientific conclusion at an educational institution is disturbing. Are they teaching students objective thinking or dogma?
2. If the evolutionary establishment is so concerned about the threat to their theory from intelligent design that they cannot allow a believer in it to enter their privileged ranks, what does that say about the confidence they have in their own conclusions?
3. I must acknowledge, however, that as it is illogical to believe in a theory without true supporting evidence, a coherent definition, or consistency - it would be unfair to expect these believers to act logically toward a colleague.

We most hope reason will shine through (the evolutionists will see the evidence for design) and justice will prevail (the professor will be esteemed and rewarded for his intelligence and hard work).

Meanwhile, Dr. Paleo has informed the blog world that the Institute for Creation Research will be launching a scientific journal soon, in which exiled members of the scientific community can engage in intellectually honest productive research sharing for the benefit of our world.

To God be all glory.

For Memorial Day

I want to remind you to remember what we Memorialize. Don't just barbecue and play and shop. This is a costly holiday, bought with men's years, their blood, and their lives.

A long time ago I wrote a little story about the choices made by soldiers. I posted it on When the Pen Flows if you're interested.

To God be all glory.

Neat Skirts!

Crystal linked to a modest online clothing store (mostly skirts) this week. I just visited the site, and I want almost every one of their skirts. There's a beautiful denim one... Anyway, unlike many 'modest' clothing sites, these skirts don't look only prairie or Amish. They're stylish, graceful, and fun. Crystal calls them reasonably priced. I figure they look like the prices you'd pay for a non-sale item like it at Target. Thrift stores really mess up my sense of value!

Called New Creation Women's Apparel, if you're in that category, I recommend you at least go look at the pretty styles.

To God be all glory.

Changing Church Part XXI

“I have a question my family came across this week,” began a middle-aged businessman whose wife worked at a bank and left their daughter and son at daycare during the week. “We’re very busy and this hour is the only one we can make during the week here at church. We count on it being a time for our kids to learn Bible stories. What are we supposed to do?”

Will refused either to stand on man’s opinion or to back away when he knew what the Bible said. After all, as Paul wrote, whom was he trying to please? “God doesn’t leave room for excuses. First, He has given the responsibility of children’s spiritual training to parents, not Sunday school teachers. Second, perhaps you might look at what things are keeping you from fellowship with God’s people and ask whether they are the priorities God would have you embrace. Anne and I have agreed that we will teach our children the Bible at home, as well as expecting them to pay attention in church as soon as they are able.

“If we teach kids that church and God are an hour on Sundays, we’re failing them. They won’t see the point. I don’t see the point. Jesus died to redeem our whole lives, to give us life. We owe Him. We owe each other. Owe no man anything but to love one another.”

The man and his wife were clearly offended. Will watched them steadily, unwilling to give the impression that he was ashamed of the truths he had spoken.

A young man still in college tried to ease the tension by speaking himself. “I have a question. In classes where there is a lot of discussion at school, there tend to be times when everything breaks down into debate or argument. How do we prevent that?”

Anne marveled at the real questions being asked. The young man was sincere. No one was challenging the format. They were curious. Will was gathering his thoughts to move on from his last answer. A deacon stood up before he could begin. “Love. Are we not commanded to love? Let our words be gracious? If we really want to know and practice the truth, and for others’ sakes want them to do the same, that should guard at least the atmosphere of debate.” His wife gave him a go-ahead look. “We have been struggling with that in our home. We like to complain about how things are done: at church, at work, to each other at home. Discussion needs to happen for things to change. This week, we decided to try Pastor Will’s recommendation and do family devotions. My wife, Bette, suggested we spend a week on 1 Corinthians 13. It has been awesome. Let me read it. ‘Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels…’ “ He read the whole chapter. Then he continued, “We have by no means arrived, but Bette and I and our family have committed to transforming our attitudes. The motives behind what we speak must demonstrably be love. Love defined like this. Seeks not her own. Is not rude. Things like that.”

“Our family as well,” a young dad continued. “Except we were studying Philippians. Chapter 2 just says it, about how we’re supposed to do everything selflessly, like Jesus did. There’s no complaining then, or grumbling. And then we shine as lights in this world. No one argues this world needs light.”

Will sat back in his seat and borrowed Anne’s pen. He wrote out a one-word note to her. “Wow.” Their heads turned in sync, watching the testimonies and instruction.

To God be all glory.

See the index for first and additional chapters.

When the Pen Flows

Announcing a new website, initiated by me, at the moment very young and lacking in posts. It is called When the Pen Flows, and is, as the site will itself explain, a forum for mine and my friends' short stories to be published. If your interested in some varied narrative, head over occasionally to see the newest chapters and tales.

Don't forget to comment over there if you visit!

To God be all glory.

Made for the Tropics

Genesis 2:6-8, "But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground. And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed."

I tend to be cold often. Some say it is because there is no fat on my bones. It could be that I do almost no cardiovascular conditioning. Blankets are some of my favorite things to collect. Quilts, throws, soft, warm - I have stacks in my room. If I were in charge of the thermostat, it would stay above 75 degrees Farenheit. And a summer day is very pleasant if it lingers around 80 degrees.

My theory for this is taken from the verses above. In the beginning the earth, creation scientists speculate, was entirely tropical. The climate was high-pressure, humid, warm, and stable. In this world, God planted a pleasant garden. The word paradise is an ancient Persian word meaning "enclosed garden." Into this place, God put man. There He created woman.

After Adam and Eve's sin, they were banished from the garden. But the world, covered in a layer of water vapor, functioned still like a greenhouse, leaving the whole world a place to be happily inhabited. Yet the wickedness of man grew, and God unleashed the fountains of the great deep, rained down the water vapor canopy, and left us with the broken climate, atmospheric conditions changing from place to place and over time.

Now there are few regions in which the climate is tropical. These are places I, at least, avoid due to the renowned bugs and diseases present. (The dangers of these bugs and diseases were also caused by the Curse on Adam for his sin.) So I live in Colorado, where the temperature ranges from 10 below zero to the low 100's. And I am cold a lot of days.

But I have a good excuse. As our souls were created for immortality, so our bodies were created for the tropics.

To God be all glory.

History of Israel

The history of the chosen people and their nation is so long I wouldn't think of troubling you with the whole thing in one blog post. I do, however, advise you to acquaint yourself with the history. Read the Bible. Familiarize yourself with intertestamental history and through Jesus' resurrection and the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Then at least study the 20th century, so that you can understand the gathering of the Jews back to the Promised Land, and the wars they waged defending their existence. With this you'll have a grasp on international politics, prophecy, the Middle East, and even terrorism. Israel is the expert on terrorism from the victim standpoint; they've experienced it since even before their independence.



The president of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is quoted in Imprimus as saying of the holocaust, "So we ask you [the West], if you indeed commited this great crime, why should the oppressed people of Palestine be punished for it? If you committed a crime, you yourselves should pay for it." He shows an ignorance (perhaps willful) of history. All of the West did not perpetrate the holocaust, the occurrence of which he has also denied, but rather Nazi Germany (who was allied with Arabs in British Mandate Palestine, who did and still do want to drive all Jews into the sea). Did I say British Mandate? Indeed I did. Great Britain still owned the land on which Israel and palestine are situated. The English, after the holocaust and World War II, kept a promise given years back to grant the Jewish people a homeland there. So the palestinians were not "paying" for the Jewish people to have their own land.


In fact, there were very few Palestinians when Israel became a nation, and they were not oppressed. Rather, as soon as British troops withdrew, surrounding Arab nations and the indiginous (or recently arrived and settled) Arabs made violent war on the brand new nation. Israel miraculously survived and became established as a country, yea, even a democracy, in the Middle East. Since then there have been more Jews returning to the Promised Land (there is extensive documentation that of living people groups, the Jews have the oldest claim to the land - see the Bible). There have also been more attacks, whether from murderous bombers strapping explosives to themselves in order to simply kill and maim as many innocents as possible, or from neighboring countries like Egypt and her allies in 1967 and the more recent offensives from Lebanon and the palestinian mandate.



Joel Rosenberg has a short history of the Soviet aspect of the Six Day War in 1967 on his blog right now. It sparks my imagination to hear of secret diplomatic threats and negotiations, quiet redirection of troops, and declassified information that Russia was instigating the entire war. Go read it for a fascinating bite of history. You may also read this Charles Krauthammer article about the Six Day War.



And keep reading more. Don't let the media or the Islam-directed propaganda machine tell you the history of the Middle East. Read actual history. Be able to discern the lies. In this way, know whom you can trust. If, for example, the president of Iran is telling you lies about history, what makes you believe that he is telling the truth when he says his country wants nuclear power for peaceful purposes?

You must be educated. You must know history. I'm not saying you have to know every name and date and city. Study the big events and the philosophies or pressures that drove them.



To God be all glory.

Quotes: Bible, Alcott, Chesterton, MacDonald...

Just now I found this verse via the view from the juniper tree that struck me as extremely relevant. Don't you wish citizens of the kingdom lived this way, lived like the pilgrims (Hebrews 11:13) they are?

Romans 14:17 "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."

This verse is a song that used to play on the radio (before 'contemporary' Christian music moved beyond singing Scripture in a simple, memorable way). The chorus went in a sort of Jamaican rhythm, "Righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost; that's the kingdom of God. Don't you want to be part of the kingdom... Come on everybody!"

Another verse nearby is my favorite definition of sin (as in most functional and convicting in my life): Romans 14:23, "...for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. "

On a different subject, I found this wonderful advice given by Marmee in Lousia May Alcott's Little Women:

“Leave these things to time; make this home happy, so that you may be fit for homes of your own, if they are offered you, and contented here if they are not. One thing remember, my girls: mother is always ready to be your confidant, father to be your friend; and both of us trust and hope that our daughters, whether married or single, will be the pride and comfort of our lives.”

By the way, I can never decide to which of the March girls I most relate. Meg is the oldest, and her life is described in the quote. Jo loves to write, and finds she doesn't fit in anywhere. Beth likes to stay home, but not to be left behind. Amy likes things, and doesn't like being told what to do; she lets her mind balance her heart.

Moving on to more quotes I encountered recently, this one from G.K. Chesterton:
"Man seems to be capable of great virtues but not of small virtues; capable of defying his torturer but not of keeping his temper."

This one by George MacDonald, "Until we love the Lord so as to do what He tells us, we have no right to have an opinion about what one of those men [writers of the N.T. epistles] meant, for all they wrote about is about things beyond us," reminds me of the newsletter send by the Highland Study Center today, in which R.C. Sproul, Jr. reminds us about John 15's parable of the Vine, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. This, and not a laundry list of theological precision is how we ought to be judging ourselves. This, and not a laundry list of wisdom driven lifestyle choices is how we ought to be judging ourselves. Confessional purists who lack peace are in trouble. Head-covering homeschoolers who lack joy are in trouble. Head-covering, homescooling, confessional purists who lack gentleness, like me, are in a heap of trouble. The trouble won’t be solved by finding the right answers to the questions that vex us. It will only be solved by clinging to the Vine. "

This one is another George MacDonald, given me with the explanation by my friend, Christa: "God is easy to please, but hard to satisfy." Like a father extremely pleased with his little son's first step, yet unsatisfied until the stride is strong and confident, God is with us.

To God be all glory