~ emerging thought in Montana ~

Jesus can wreck your life…

Yep, I said it. Now don’t get all bent out of shape and sending me hate messages…

Let me explain.

When I was a young man I was an up and coming “rock star”. I was good enough to play with the seniors when I was in ninth grade and sang and played guitar. Later I was in a band and was approached to record by and evangelist, yet nothing came of it.

I became a believer around age 16 and tried to get a “Christian” band together. I did… we rocked, yet could not get it together enough to record and tour. I hoped to get band together up until about age 25 but nothing would happen for me.

I then became very involved in ministry. I was a youth pastor and was on a rocket ride toward ordination. But, you see that is when God messed it all up and showed me His Grace. I was torn between going through with the ordination yet; the denomination at this time was strictly Arminian in persuasion. It seems they have lightened up a bit on this since then. I decided to not go through with it. I followed Jesus instead.

Two dreams in my life were gone. Jesus wrecked my life.

Since then I have only tried to follow God’s guiding. It is not easy. I was struggling in my 30’s for a time… knowing God would never leave me or forsake me. It was a dark time in my life and I tried many wrong things to just get away from God. I knew in my heart I could not, but I felt worthless and useless… I had three friends die in one year. One from a heart attack related to his diabetes. Two in head on motorcycle accidents. I preached at my best friend’s funeral… he was an atheist.

God is good though. One day I looked in the mirror and asked myself if I liked myself. I honestly did not. I asked myself what I needed to do to change that and God answered.

Funny when God answers one cannot answer dishonestly. God seems to corner you in the Light of His love and grace and overwhelm you with Kindness and mercy. I decided by His guidance to life my values.

Now, as I said it is not easy. I still must depend on Jesus every day to overcome my downfalls. I must press into Him to fight off my anger and my self pity. God is good. He is always there. Even in my darkest hours I sense His loving hand and kindness that draws me to Him. I wish I would not fail and displease Him and He reminds me Jesus already pleased Him and I dwell in Christ Jesus. God reminds me He does not see me and my sin, but sees me in Christ.

In tears I am reminded of the verse… a couple of verses that pull me through.

Philippians 1: 4-6 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5: 20-21. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

These are my prayers for you my readers. I pray that if you are in a dark time that you press in and know God is with you and will not forsake you. If you do not know the love of Jesus, I will say it is better to have a wrecked life in Him than to live life not knowing Him. Consider trusting Him today.

Be blessed,
iggy

Jim Bublitz and I have gone a round a bit. To say the exchange has not been a friendly one would be a slight understatement. Yet, it seems Jim is having health issues. In that he is a brother in Christ I ask for prayer in his time of need. Jim stated a letter to his readers you can read here.



It seems he needs some sort of transplant, so pray for his healing either by a miracle or by God guiding a doctors hands.

Blessings and God's best,


iggy

Now, before anyone thinks this is a "I hate Spurgeon!" rant it is not. I do not "hate" Spurgeon. In fact I enjoy some of his sermons and writing, though I disagree with some also. Spurgeon was just a man.

I found one of these the other day. It is a 1 billion dollar bill and it poses the question on the back:

"The billion dollar question: Will you go to Heaven? Here's a quick test. Have you ever told a lie, stolen anything, or used God's name in vain? Jesus said, "Whoever looks upon a woman to lust after her has committed adultery already with her in his heart." Have you looked with lust? Will you be guilty on Judgment Day? If you have done those things God sees you as a lying, thieving, blasphemous, adulterer at heart. The Bible warns that if you are guilty you will end up in Hell. That's not God's will. He sent His Son to suffer and die on the cross for you. Jesus took your punishment upon Himself -"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Then He rose from the dead and defeated death. Please, repent (turn from sin) today and trust in Jesus, and God will grant you everlasting life. Then read your Bible daily and obey it. "

Now, this is the question and Jesus is the answer, why is Spurgeon on the dollar and not Jesus? Also, Jesus overcame sin and death... God sent His Son to redeem an already condemned world. In the message I really do not have much disagreement. Yet, to see Spurgeon's image when it was Jesus on the Cross and who rose from the dead is a bit... well... strange. The other question is why was this in a newspaper rack in front of a casino... and how effective is this method?

Any thoughts?

iggy

Walking through Romans pt 17 chapter 16



Romans 16
1I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. 2I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me. 3Greet Priscilla[b] and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. 4They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. 5Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. 6Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. 7Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. 8Greet Ampliatus, whom I love in the Lord. 9Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. 10Greet Apelles, tested and approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. 11Greet Herodion, my relative. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. 12Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord. 13Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too. 14Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brothers with them. 15Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the saints with them. 16Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.
17I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.
20The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
21Timothy, my fellow worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my relatives.
22I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.
23Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings.
Erastus, who is the city's director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings.[c]
25Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him— 27to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.


Romans is a fantastic book. One can be carried away by the doctrines Paul teaches… and one can be carried away with knowledge Paul and forget that we must apply this book to our own life.

Some scholars seem to think that this chapter is either a second letter or a separate letter from the rest of the book. Yet, I see that it is part of the Book as the ones delivering would pass through Ephesus on their way to Rome. Here we see Paul greet many in Ephesus. Maybe, Paul had two motives here in doing this. One could be to greet and love on the people in Ephesus. The other would be to show the love of the churches outside of Rome to further encourage those in Rome toward unity in Christ.

Paul greets his “family”. Some may be blood relatives and others “Blood” relatives. It is heart warming to read the different greetings. Of interest for all the “doctrine” we have Phoebe who is referred to as a “Servant” but the word is the feminine form of “deacon”. This sets some who believe women should not be in leadership in the church on their heads. But it is worthy to notice for all the arguments, that Paul addresses this woman this way without issue.

Aquila and Priscilla, or the eagle and the woman as Aquila means eagle had eagle eyes that could find great men of God like Apollos (Acts 18) as well as Paul himself (Acts 18). These mighty workers of God were very important to Paul as they come up in a few other letters he writes. They seemed to be mentioned as equals and as a team. Man and wife who work side by side with each other and with Paul. They also placed themselves in danger to protect Paul.
Paul addresses Epainetus, whose name means “praised”, was his first convert in Achaia which is part of Greece.
Mariam, could possibly be the Mother of Jesus, who was with John. This is speculation as there are at least 6 Mary’s in the scripture. Yet, we do know Jesus told John to watch over His mother.
Noting that some names are gentiles and some are Jew should be a clue to this being a call for unity. Andronicus who name means “man of victory” was a Jew.
Junias which is a woman’s name is called an “apostle” in reading one way, yet it could also be read she was known by the apostles. It is not clear, be she notable as one or know by again a woman is held in high esteem by Paul.
Amplias which means “enlarged” is a Roman Christian meanin he was from Rome and also a gentile.
Skipping a few we find Herodion, a relative of paul and this phrase, “Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.” This seems to be a Roman official who had were believers.

I do not mean to not mention some. I wish I could write more on each person. Maybe someday I could.

One though that has an interesting story is Rufus. He was a disciple of Paul as thought in tradition, was Bishop of Avignon (though there is no hard evidence of this) though he was bishop to a few other churches. He later was living in Rome when Paul sent this greeting. During the persecution of Trajan, Polycarp speaks of Rufus and Ignatius of Antioch who were put to death in Rome, in his letter to the Philippians.
“17. I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18. for such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. 20. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”

This is some of the greatest advice. It seems futile to engage those who are divisive as they cannot see the harm they do others. As I have engaged these types of people I find that their own ambition clouds their ability to see that this does nothing for the Kingdom. It is best to avoid and ignore them. If only I would take my own advise! These people try to persuade the naïve with smooth talk and flattery and spread lies, rumors and slander others, so they can have personal gain be that monetary or the attention of others. The great danger is that they desire the accolades of men exchange it for the works of God. It is best to be ignorant of the evil of these people and leave them to God who will crush Satan under His feet. Giving room for God to work is the best advice I could give. Paul states that a blessing of Grace to those who encounter such people.
“I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.”

This can be confusing to the casual reader. Did not Paul write this book? Then why is this Tertius saying he did? Often one would dictate a letter and another would literally write the words down. This happens even today in business as a secretary will “take a letter” yet the letter is from the one who dictated the letter. So, there is no issue as to the authorship of Romans. Yet, even Tertius sends greeting also.
“25. Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26. but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him-- 27. to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.”

This salutation could take a whole chapter to unpack in and of it’s self.
Paul showed us a great mystery. This mystery was Christ Jesus Himself. It was revealed in the Gospel and proclamation of Jesus. Without Jesus the prophetic writings make little sense, yet with Jesus we can not only change on a personal level; we can also have power to reach the nations with the message of Jesus Christ. To this I agree with Paul that we give glory forever through Jesus Christ for God’s great wisdom.

Walking Through Romans pt 16 chapter 15

Romans 15

1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." 4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews n behalf of God's truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs 9so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: "Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to your name." 10Again, it says,

"Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people."

11And again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,

and sing praises to him, all you peoples."

12And again, Isaiah says,

"The Root of Jesse will spring up,

one who will arise to rule over the nations;

the Gentiles will hope in him."

13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

14I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another. 15I have written you quite boldly on some points, as if to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me 16to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

17Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. 18I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done— 19by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. 20It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation. 21Rather, as it is written:

"Those who were not told about him will see,

and those who have not heard will understand."

22This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you. 23But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to see you, 24I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to visit you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the saints there. 26For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. 27They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews' spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. 28So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this fruit, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. 29I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.

30I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. 31Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, 32so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed. 33The God of peace be with you all. Amen.
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In part this chapter need be connected with Romans 14 and if one is true to the author one should read it in one continuous read. Paul builds from honoring the weaker brother concerning meat, and build further that we need also treat our neighbor who may or may not know Christ in ways that may build them up. It is in doing good to others that one may lead or even earn the privilege to talk to someone about Jesus.

It is a privilege that we get to share the Gospel with anyone about Jesus our King! How great an honor it is sharing with someone the truth that is Jesus. Paul states it rather curiously though in that Jesus never sought His own pleasure that even the insults heaped upon us are on Him. Everything in the Bible that was already writing was for us to show us that Jesus is the Messiah and King. This news was so we could endure sufferings and to be encouraged that we are His and suffering is not in vain.

The Jews and Gentile have come down a long road with Paul. He has shown them that they are one in Christ and exhorts them to seek unity and stop the strife between them. This unity was not based on doctrines, though important, but on Christ Jesus. It should humble us that Jesus, King of all creation, humbly became a servant to the Jew so that a Gentile could be saved. In that this is true, as a Gentile we should rejoice in the loving kindness of God that He did not forsake us but also added the Gentile to the plan of salvation that was Jesus.

Paul speaks bold then and now. His words remind us of the urgency that we should have in keeping the truth of Christ Jesus and the Grace that comes through Him as central to our thoughts as a people of faith.

I believe Paul had confidence in the Roman believers to teach and instruct each other because Paul knew the Holy Spirit was the one teaching. Paul speaks of what God has done by the power of the Holy Spirit and boasts in that and not his own works and teachings. This should be as it is with one of faith. We need to not only boast of the working of the Holy Spirit, but depend on Him as we walk daily.

Paul must have had stories. In a way I wish he would have written the accounts of what God had done. Now, many stories are recorded in the Book of Acts, yet I suspect that there are so many more that Paul had to tell. His desire was to go where Christ Jesus had not yet been preached. This was a good plan as to build on a fresh foundation is much easier than trying to tear down old buildings to build afresh. Paul had worked hard in the regions he had already been and was still looking toward Spain. We do not know if he ever made it, but as one teacher I heard pointed out, God gives us the vision and the drive, and even if it is not we who make it to Spain thought that be our goal, the path was made ready to Spain to receive the Gospel and Jesus.

Walking through Romans pt 15 chapter 14


Romans 14

1. Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.
2. One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 3. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him.
4. Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 5. One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6. He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7. For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone.
8. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.
10. You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat.
11. It is written: "`As surely as I live,' says the Lord, `every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.'"
12. So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. 13. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. 14. As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. 15. If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. 16. Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. 17. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18. because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.
19. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. 22. So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23. But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.




Romans 14 has always had a special place in my heart. In it is such basic common sense and good advice it can almost be missed if one is not careful. Considering in the time of Paul that many Christians found themselves wondering what to do about meat sacrificed to idols. On one hand the best and most in expensive meat was the meat sacrifice in the pagan temples. Often in these temples which in some regard where like our modern day union meeting places, would sacrifice an animal to the god of their specific job title. The blacksmiths would sacrifice to the god of smithery and the construction builders would sacrifice to the god of building to over simplify this. Most probably did not believe it was to an actual “god”, but did it out of social and political motives as part of tradition in keeping with their job.

With this often priests were also “butchers” and would take the sacrifice and sell it right out the back door. This was fresh and often the best cuts so it was well sought after.

So even Christians would buy it and sometimes not know if it was from the temple or if it was just butchered without sacrificed.

Paul was questioned whether it was acceptable that one eat this meat. Yet, if Paul stated no, it could be taken as a legal law and requirement from him that would negate the very Grace he taught. Yet, to say yes, would leave many feeling condemned in their own minds and also cut across the teaching of the cleansing of Christ Jesus. Paul knew that to say one thing over the other would harm the faith.

Wisely, Paul also understood there was “no God but one” (1 Cor 8:4) and that being true, knew men were safe to eat as long as they recognized that all things are of God and if bless is blessed. Paul also realized that there were the “weaker” whose faith was not strong enough to see that there be but one God. Paul called those who see that there be One God to be gracious to those who were either lacking in the fullness of faith or of the fullness of understanding that God is One.

We must consider those who are not yet grown in the faith. Some be they young or even in the faith for years, are still immature in their understand should be treated with love and grace. If for example one has had trouble with alcohol, and you have reached the point that you can partake without self condemnation or falling into drunkenness. You are in fact “free” from the bondage. You should not push or put done the one who still has issue or struggles with the alcohol. This carries over into things like Christian rick music and so on.

We should not deny our own freedom and bow to other men over their will or weakness of their will, yet we should not lord over others our freedom.

Now, also we need be aware we should not judge those that are freer than we may be ourselves or judge those who are less free. Paul’s solution was that if it is a sin to you, don’t do it as it is a sin… if it is not a sin to you; you are free, but don’t judge your brother. The Kingdom of God is not about food. It is about righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. We need also remember that the Kingdom is not about music, or even Theology. We can argue and fight, yet if it is contrary to righteousness, peace and joy, it is contrary to the Kingdom.

Be blessed,
iggy

Isaiah 35
1. The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, 2. it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. 3. Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; 4. say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you." 5. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. 6. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. 7. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow. 8. And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it. 9. No lion will be there, nor will any ferocious beast get up on it; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, 10. and the ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

The Highway will be there. What a promise from God that is! In a land of parched earth and jackals, the land will become a pool giving life giving water to all. This Highway is Jesus.

I think it strange that many will quote that the the road is narrow. It is. Yet, it is a road that is set in safety to those on it. As with Highways now, this Highway gives one great speed to God. It is clear of all debris and obstacles.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth and The Life. He is the narrow Way. Do not think this Highway is anything else but the Living Savior Jesus. There is no other road. There is no other God that makes a path such as this to salvation.

Blessings,

iggy

I admit it has been silent around these parts for a time. Don’t worry or cheer too quickly as I am just taking a bit of a break. It has been hectic with work and starting the Kinship Groups at our church, yet, if that was not enough I have started or rather restarted my goal to get my Associates Degree in psychology through the University of Phoenix. They have an online department that I am taking two classes.

The classes are not that hard, though they are very much alike. I am often wondering which class the assignment is for! LOL!
I stated I started a kinship group in our church yet find that I am not that comfortable with the “group”. Don’t get me wrong it is not the people, but there are some interesting dynamic in this group that just do not seem a right fit for me and my wife. I see that with small children we are more in tune with the “family” crowd. What we are in now is a group that is quite interesting, yet comprises mostly of women, most of which are highly educated and hold multiple degrees. None of that bothers me, yet, I feel rather estrogen challenged.

As I was leading last Wednesday, I truly felt the Lord stating that one of the women there should be leading this particular group and I may need to move on to start another.

This is not a bad thing, as that is what we as leaders are to be doing. We are to keep our eyes open for someone else to be a leader, help, and encourage them to step up. It just seems this is on the accelerated course.

I do appreciate your prayers on the group and on my restarting education. Work will always be work and at times I am just ready to hand in my resignation yet know that the job is better paying than most out there. Mostly I pray that the job will change in areas it needs to change.

Be blessed,
iggy

When I was a young child my mother bought this book for me. Since it was about a princess, I was not that interested in it. I found the book on the floor as it has now been passed on to my own children.

Note that this book is more than a story about a Princess but it is a story of the gift of common sense. I read it and thought that this is a wonderful book. I now realize it was not just for me, but also for my own princes Ciana.

As I look at it now I wonder at how small of world that I had lived in as a child. My son seems to like as it has dragons and many other things to keep a boy interested.

A book and its cover. A book about a princess?

I see this as something I learned much later that just because something looks effeminate, it might not be. Later I came to realize Jesus was not that effeminate weakling He was often presented as being... yet I also learned that grace is not about being able to carry a book on one’s head without dropping it. Grace may seem effeminate and weak, yet exceptional strength is required in order to walk in it. This strength is far beyond our own abilities, and can only come from God who enables and gives us the strength to walk in His Grace.

Be blessed,
iggy

As you know (or maybe you don't) I have an online radio station. With that comes free music. Sometimes it is good and sometimes bad, yet sometimes it is very good!

Here are some artists I am playing or will be heard soon on iggyROCKS!

Blushing Well
This flesh I'm In

The first cut alone is worth the album. They sound a bit like Soundgarden meets Tool but less polished. Yet, even without the gloss of a high studio production Blushing Well stands on its own as a unique sound in Christian music. It is one I highly recommend.

Saint
Crime Scene Earth

Some of you might remember them from the eighties and nineties. They were best know for their darker presentation of the Bible. This has that Judas Priest feel and vocally Josh Kramer still seems in Metal form. It is petal to the metal from start to finish. The Judas in Me is one that I liked.

Scelerata
darkness and light

Brazil is bringing out the metal. Scelerata is bring the truth. They are hard hitting. Think Yngve Malmsteen meets Iron Maiden in high gear! Guitar playing on this effort is top notch and the drums are merciless.

Sandalinas
Living on the edge

This is one of my favorite listens right now. Rocking metal reminiscent of the nineties yet fresh. I believe this band is from Sweden and it is restoring metal to it former glory. The guitar playing is melodic and vocals are powerful.

And now for the softer side.

Carrie Newcomer
The Geography of Light

This is not just great music but great story telling. Every song on this CD brings some great imagery. The sound is folksy but don't let that stop you from checking this CD out. She is writing from the emerging church viewpoint and there is a depth that one will explore deeper and deeper with each song.

I have signed up to continue (feeling more like just starting) my psychology degree. It will only be my associates degree.

I am doing it online through University if Phoenix... at least until I get the associates.

It has been one of those weeks. TES, my wife was laid off her job at the Newspaper. They offered her severance pay or that she could take a different opening at the paper... They thought she would take the other position and pretty much planned it that way, but God had other ideas! LOL!

Just a couple of days before this TES went to an interview at St Vincent's Hospital and they offered her the job the day she was given the choice at the newspaper... when she told them she already had another job and would take the severance pay, they were shocked. I think they thought she would be desperate and take the other position and they could also have her still around to train her "boss". He seemed to freak out a bit that day.

I am still there (for now) so it will be interesting who it all plays out.

It all sort of reminded me of Survivor in how one person is so confident they are in control and then find they are voted off the island! God is good. TES will have about the same benefits but better pay. = )

All this though made me realize that I need to do something more. With that I decided to go back to college.

If you are squeamish you may not want to read further.

The other thing that happened this week was that as I was showering I found a golf ball sized bump under my left arm! FREAKED ME OUT!!!!

It seems it was a cyst as there was drained a whole bunch of yucky pus and stuff out. It seemed to drain for two days! As i was working I just felt gross... nauseous and some muscle pains in my left arm and across my chest...

Yes it sounds like a heart attack but I didn't seem to be hurting or having trouble thinking or any other symptoms. Yet, it was enough to get me to see a Dr.

Introducing Dr. Doom....

I went to Same Day Care where I go for things like colds and such. (Really I don't know where the St. V's equivalent is so I just go where I know.) Dr. Doom entered and as I told him my story, in a straight faced and most unemotional way, stated, "I should have you go in to get an EKG and other tests." I stated that I just thought it was more likely it was that the "junk" from the cyst was just getting into my system and that I probably need antibiotics.

He then stated "Have you ever had a heart attack before? So, how would you know if you were having one?" I wished now I thought to ask him if he had one before so he could tell me what it was like or not!... but I was so shocked at this doom and gloom Dr statements to me, as he went on to say, "Most people do not survive their first heart attack, and becuase of you high cholesterol, uncontrolled diabetes and... you are a perfect candidate for a heart attack." Mind you no emotion, compassion, just dead pan straight faced as he looked at me.

He preceded to them prescribe antibiotics because I am diabetic.

Now, mind you he is right. I have some serious health issues that need addressed, but this reminded me of when I am dialoguing with some Discern-mentalist who seems more concerned about being "right" than for me as a person. I honestly felt like if I did die, he would just go, "See, I was right, I told him so..." as if being right was the most important thing.

I will be contacting my Dr to do some heart checks. He has not seemed worried in that department, but I think it may be a good thing to do anyway... for my kids and wife cuz I love them...

iggy

Just woke from a funny and strange dream.

I was on a tour bus with Doug Pagitt, Tony Jones, Andrew Jones and a couple of other guys going to a conference of some sort. I realized I was the only one that did not have a laptop! I was very concerned over this so called Bob Hyatt for advise. He told me to just buy a pen and paper notebook. Bob is very smart! LOL!

I just woke up laughing over it! It was pretty absurd.

iggy

I have been in a discussion with someone on Twitter discussing 2 Cor 4:4 and that it seemed inconsistent with Paul's theology to state this commonly quoted verse.

For some reason that verse had always bothered me as I saw it did not fit with other verses that Paul wrote.

Like.

Romans 1: 25. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen. 26. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. 28. Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.

Notice it is God doing the deluding? Not Satan. Though I do think Satan plays a part in the turning from the knowledge of God, and adding to the “depraved mind”.

I also noted Paul stating things like:

Romans 3: 30. “since there is only one God,” I wondered why then Paul referred to Satan as the “god of this world”… it seemed that it was a bit of an exaggeration at best! LOL!

But the verses that made me wonder the most was in 1 Cor 8: 4. So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one. 5. For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"), 6. yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.

If Paul was stating that there is only One God over and over here… and stating that “even if there are so-called gods”, then making a slighted reference to all the many “gods” and “lords” (possibly a reference to Caesar worship?) I just could not see him referring to Satan as a god, even in small letters. It seemed out of character for Paul… though he may at times go to extreme rhetoric as in the “height, width, depth of God’s love”…

Anyway I left it alone for quite a few years, but it still bothered me. Then about a year ago (maybe 3) I was reading Irenaeus and found that he was correcting how this passage should be read. Sorry for all the upcoming cut an past

Against Heresies
Chapter VII.—Reply to an objection founded on the words of St. Paul (2 Cor. iv. 4). St. Paul occasionally uses words not in their grammatical sequence.
1. As to their affirming that Paul said plainly in the Second [Epistle] to the Corinthians, “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe not,”3358 and maintaining that there is indeed one god of this world, but another who is beyond all principality, and beginning, and power, we are not to blame if they, who give out that they do themselves know mysteries beyond God, know not how to read Paul. For if any one read the passage thus—according to Paul’s custom, as I show elsewhere, and by many examples, that he uses transposition of words—“In whom God,” then pointing it off, and making a slight interval, and at the same time read also the rest [of the sentence] in one [clause], “hath blinded the minds of them of this world that believe not,” he shall find out the true [sense]; that it is contained in the expression, “God hath blinded the minds of the unbelievers of this world.” And this is shown by means of the little interval [between the clause]. For Paul does not say, “the God of this world,” as if recognising any other beyond Him; but he confessed God as indeed God. And he says, “the unbelievers of this world,” because they shall not inherit the future age of incorruption. I shall show from Paul himself, how it is that God has blinded the minds of them that believe not, in the course of this work, that we may not just at present distract our mind from the matter in hand, [by wandering] at large.

2. From many other instances also, we may discover that the apostle frequently uses a transposed order in his sentences, due to the rapidity of his discourses, and the impetus of the Spirit which is in him. An example occurs in the [Epistle] to the Galatians, where he expresses himself as follows:
“Wherefore then the law of works?3359 It was added, until the seed should come to whom the promise was made; [and it was] ordained by angels in the hand of a Mediator.”3360 For the order of the words runs thus: “Wherefore then the law of works? Ordained by angels in the hand of a Mediator, it was added until the seed should come to whom the promise was made,”— man thus asking the question, and the Spirit making answer. And again, in the Second to the Thessalonians, speaking of Antichrist, he says, “And then shall that wicked be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus Christ3361 shall slay with the Spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy him3362 with the presence of his coming; [even him] whose coming is after the working of Satan, with all power, and signs, and lying wonders.”3363 Now in these [sentences] the order of the words is this: “And then shall be revealed that wicked, whose coming is after the working of Satan, with all power, and signs, and lying wonders, whom the Lord Jesus shall slay with the Spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the presence of His coming.”
For he does not mean that the coming of the Lord is after the working of Satan; but the coming of the wicked one, whom we also call Antichrist. If, then, one does not attend to the [proper] reading [of the passage], and if he do not exhibit the intervals of breathing as they occur, there shall be not only incongruities, but also, when reading, he will utter blasphemy, as if the advent of the Lord could take place according to the working of Satan. So therefore, in such passages, the hyperbaton must be exhibited by the reading, and the apostle’s meaning following on, preserved; and thus we do not read in that passage, “the god of this world,” but, “God,” whom we do truly call God; and we hear [it declared of] the unbelieving and the blinded of this world, that they shall not inherit the world of life which is to come.


It really made me start thinking again on all this…

I started to look at the verse again so see what it might really be saying.

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Who veiled the gospel? It is our own unbelief. How is the veil removed, by believing in Jesus. We learned all this in 2 Cor 3
The Gospel is veiled to those who are perishing.

I see it should read:

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The God Eternal has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

It then flows so that we now (again as we learned in 2 Cor 3: 16. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.)

Verse 5. For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

It is God who blinds the unbeliever so that they cannot see Christ. They can see Christ when God reveals Jesus to them as Paul teaches in 1 Cor 1: 18. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Now here is my theory, call it conspiracy if you will. LOL!

Most of us are from the Protestant/reformed view. We spend our time in Calvin and Augustine and other 16th century guys who are well worth the read. I think many manuscripts are mostly from Alexandria which took a Platonist/ Gnostic view point of scripture. Somewhere I think we tossed the baby out with the bathwater in our zeal to attack the Roman Catholic Church. I had not read Irenaeus and when I did it was in my search to follow the disciples of John the Apostle. You might know Irenaeus was a disciple of Polycarp who was a disciple of Ignatius and. So the linage is pretty straight forward as to what was taught from John. I see that maybe we just took to our own traditions instead of looking at our historians of past. Note many are pretty far out there, yet, some that we can see come from apostolic line of teaching, should be considered in their interpretations.


iggy

Tony Jones and pastorboy... the finished product. This is part of Tony Jones' “On the Road with Trucker Frank” series today, webisode 5 that promotes Tony's book "The New Christians".

These have been really good.




Be sure to watch them all.

To find the interview between Tony and John (pastorboy) you can see it here in it's unedited form.

Update: You can read a little more at CRN.info

Be blessed,
iggy

I am a bit in a tizzy as all the things happening in the last few weeks.

1. Mom went in for routine knee replacement and did both knees. One became infected so they needed to open it up again and remove the infection. They placed antibiotic "pearls" in for couple of days and then went in and removed them. Apparently someone neglected to tell me that these "pearls" were so potent that if one broke and got into her blood stream she would die instantly.... maybe it was good I did not know! She is doing better though it sound like she will need antibiotics for the rest of her life. She is doing well so far and has been up walking a bit.

2. Work has been hard. I was informed that there was a hire freeze. That pretty much cheesed me off... (Oh Brother Lawrence where are you!) They held a meeting and then let me know I could hire people after all. I have been working 6 -7 days a week and it is getting old as it has gone on since November.

3. I did a test where they hooked up a meter to me for 72 hours to track my blood sugars. I lasted 48 and just could not handle having a needle in my side. It was most likely bad placement as when I sat in a car seat the concave of the seat would, the seat would hit it. As I jumped in and out of the truck at work I would feel like I was going to pass out as the pain shot across my back. After about 48 hours I told TES to get it out of me as I was in tears from the pain. I felt sooooooooooo much better after it was out. They want me to try it again next week! LOL!

4. I thought I was going to get a 4 day week... not consequetively but at least on paper I saw I had 3 days off... well someone told me they were not able to help as they were already scheduled and a driver lost a relative in a car accident last night so I went in. Please prayer for her. I am not sure how this week will go now so also please pray for me.

5. I am also trying to get ready for the start of Kinship Groups (Vineyard's name for small groups). I am going to go through the book by Brother Lawrence called Practice of the Presence of God: The Best Rule of Holy Life. I already had someone on the leadership team comment (jokingly) about me teaching RCC stuff. Yet, I see that John Wesley and A. W. Tozer both recommended him. Yet, Lighthouse Trails who thinks everyone is a heretic/apostate thinks that he is just a dangerous contemplative mystic. (Funny that they have no issue with quoting Tozer (PDF) yet still condemns who Tozer recommended! Really makes me wonder....) = )

I did a double take when I saw this article... that Bigchurch.com is own and operated by, of all people Penthouse.

Here is a bit from the article:

BigChurch offers dating services, Bible search and commentary in four different languages, and boasts half a million Christian members worldwide, though a job posting on the site, the high-salaried requirements for which presume a certain comfort level with adult content, boasts 8 million active members. A footnote at the bottom disclaims any expectations of real-time numeric accuracy, though.

I personally do not think dating services are that great an idea... though I know a few that use Eharmony... but still have not found that "right" one. But this was sort of strange as I understand you can do Bible searches and other "Christian" services... ( had to add "Christian" in there as some might have their minds still in the gutter.)

Now some might think people like me who are "emergent/emerging" would be excited at how relevant this is... but really this is what happens when Christians are not relevant and promote Jesus as a business. The world does not take us serious. But they do see us a marketable.

iggy