I was not going to comment on Guantanamo Bay, or the Amnesty International statement, but after reading this and several other account in Islam countries my blood began to boil.
Jailed Pakistani Christian Released On Bail
Jeremy Reynalds, Assist News Service
A Christian believer who ran afoul of Pakistan's strict blasphemy law has just been released on a bond of $4200. Yousaf Masih, 60, was arrested on June 28 from the Lalkurti area in Nowshera following an allegation that he had deliberately burnt pages of the Koran. After Masih's arrest, a news release from the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA) stated that he was brutally tortured in a police station and later moved to the Central Jail in Peshawar, where he was kept in a special cell. There was serious concern beginning to emerge about Masih's health. Masih was released from jail on Aug. 6. The news release from APMA stated that when Masih was informed about his impending freedom, "he fell down on his knees and loudly said, 'Hallelujah.'. We took him from Central Jail in Peshawar to a location where his family was waiting for him." Speaking in the news release, an APMA official called Masih's release on bail "a great miracle." He added, "It is for the first time in Pakistan that (someone accused of blasphemy) is released from jail on bail in a very short span ... Such type of blasphemy cases take years for any kind of outcome."
I have a big beef with Amnesty International...
How can they say the things about Guantanamo Bay, which I agree was a human rights scandal..When this sort of stuff is a daily event in any Muslim country?
I am not anti Muslim, just curious as to why those of the Islam faith do not stand against this sort of abuse? I do applaud the London Muslim community for finally saying that anyone who kills themselves and takes innocent lives is going straight to hell....That was very late in coming. Yet, even in that, the radicals definition of "innocent" is very tainted.
Amnesty International was a great organization..At least I thought. Now, I wonder...Are they really out for human rights? Or are they just like so many, out for the money....
At this time I withhold any support for Amnesty International.
Pray for those persecuted Christians in Arab and other nations.
Blessed?
iggy
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Monday, August 08, 2005
Redefining church
Redefining thoughts on "Church".
I do not know Greek or Hebrew, yet I have a trusty Strong’s concordance and a basic understanding on how words are constructed. With these tools, God has shown me much.
I have been having some radical thoughts about this whole "Church" idea. As I do more study I find that somehow maybe the idea of “church” was lost in the translation. Literally.
The first time the word appears is in Matthew16: 18:
18. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
The first thing about this is that Jesus would never had used the word church…. Synagogue, maybe, religion…. That is what some seem to think. Institution? That is what it has been interpreted as.
But……
In the literal translation they use the word “community” instead of “Church”. Now, that sounds more like Jesus to me.
18. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my community, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
Now if one goes deeper here into the Greek we see something even more interesting.
Strong's Ref. # 1577
Romanized ekklesia
Pronounced ek-klay-see'-ah
from a compound of GSN1537 and a derivative of GSN2564; a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both):
KJV--assembly, church.
Notice it says it comes from two words… this is a compound word…. So what are the two words? Roughly in English they are, in a few more words
Strong's Number: 1537
Transliterated: ek
Phonetic: ek
Text: a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote): --after, among, X are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, ...ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with(-out). Often used in composition, with the same general import; often of completion.
Strong's Number: 2564
Transliterated: kaleo
Phonetic: kal-eh'-o
Text: akin to the base of 2753; to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, dir. or otherwise): --bid, call (forth), (whose, whose sur-)name (was [called]).
Breaking this down a bit one might say “called out from”. I like to say, “called out ones.”
Or “those called to completion”….
Put together it gives a connotation of a group or community of people called out to completion. Now, I like that better than “church”.
We are called out ones who gather together as a community. What a blessing that is. With this I see the “church” not as an institution of cold bricks and mortar that needs to
Have air conditioning in the summer, (except in them fire and brimstone churches) and heaters in the winter. It suddenly has a rush of blood to it face, color and vibrance courses through it veins and blood pumps in its heart. It suddenly begins to realize it is alive and in amazement, finds out it is loved. Then to be told that she is a beloved Bride
Betrothed to a Bridegroom, who loves her so much that He is making her perfect in every way, for His Names sake, but also because of His great Love for her.
That is church. It is not that the people make up the church or as some say the people are the Church. No. The church is the body of Christ, this body He loves as His own. We are loved as a husband loves his wife… for that is what we are… His Bride!
One of the called out ones who gather in Billings MT,
Blessings,
iggy
I do not know Greek or Hebrew, yet I have a trusty Strong’s concordance and a basic understanding on how words are constructed. With these tools, God has shown me much.
I have been having some radical thoughts about this whole "Church" idea. As I do more study I find that somehow maybe the idea of “church” was lost in the translation. Literally.
The first time the word appears is in Matthew16: 18:
18. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
The first thing about this is that Jesus would never had used the word church…. Synagogue, maybe, religion…. That is what some seem to think. Institution? That is what it has been interpreted as.
But……
In the literal translation they use the word “community” instead of “Church”. Now, that sounds more like Jesus to me.
18. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my community, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
Now if one goes deeper here into the Greek we see something even more interesting.
Strong's Ref. # 1577
Romanized ekklesia
Pronounced ek-klay-see'-ah
from a compound of GSN1537 and a derivative of GSN2564; a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both):
KJV--assembly, church.
Notice it says it comes from two words… this is a compound word…. So what are the two words? Roughly in English they are, in a few more words
Strong's Number: 1537
Transliterated: ek
Phonetic: ek
Text: a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote): --after, among, X are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, ...ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with(-out). Often used in composition, with the same general import; often of completion.
Strong's Number: 2564
Transliterated: kaleo
Phonetic: kal-eh'-o
Text: akin to the base of 2753; to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, dir. or otherwise): --bid, call (forth), (whose, whose sur-)name (was [called]).
Breaking this down a bit one might say “called out from”. I like to say, “called out ones.”
Or “those called to completion”….
Put together it gives a connotation of a group or community of people called out to completion. Now, I like that better than “church”.
We are called out ones who gather together as a community. What a blessing that is. With this I see the “church” not as an institution of cold bricks and mortar that needs to
Have air conditioning in the summer, (except in them fire and brimstone churches) and heaters in the winter. It suddenly has a rush of blood to it face, color and vibrance courses through it veins and blood pumps in its heart. It suddenly begins to realize it is alive and in amazement, finds out it is loved. Then to be told that she is a beloved Bride
Betrothed to a Bridegroom, who loves her so much that He is making her perfect in every way, for His Names sake, but also because of His great Love for her.
That is church. It is not that the people make up the church or as some say the people are the Church. No. The church is the body of Christ, this body He loves as His own. We are loved as a husband loves his wife… for that is what we are… His Bride!
One of the called out ones who gather in Billings MT,
Blessings,
iggy
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Friday, August 05, 2005
A Liberal and a conservation
A Liberal and a Conservative
Q: How do you tell the difference between a liberal and a conservative?
A: Easy. Watch a man drowning fifty feet offshore. The conservative will throw out 25 feet of rope and shout "swim for it!"The liberal will toss out 50 feet of rope, drop his own end, and go off to do another good deed.
Blessings,
iggy
Q: How do you tell the difference between a liberal and a conservative?
A: Easy. Watch a man drowning fifty feet offshore. The conservative will throw out 25 feet of rope and shout "swim for it!"The liberal will toss out 50 feet of rope, drop his own end, and go off to do another good deed.
Blessings,
iggy
Thursday, August 04, 2005
ETERNAL LIFE IS CHRIST
I wanted to share this quote with you from one of my favorite teachers Maj. Ian Thomas.This has blessed me. I hope it does the same for you.
Blessings
iggy
ETERNAL LIFE IS CHRIST
What is eternal life? Is it a place that you are going to when you are dead? Is it a peculiar feeling inside? If you were to ask a normal congregation, or any sort of Bible class or Sunday school in an evangelical church to define eternal life, you would be amazed at the strange answers you would get!
What is eternal life? When does it begin? I noticed just the other day, in a hospital chapel where I was speaking, a tablet on the wall in memory of one of the previous chaplains, and in giving the date of his death it said, "He entered into eternal life." Is that true if he was a Christian? Is it right to imply, as did that tablet on the wall, that eternal life begins when a man is physically dead? No, indeed!
"And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life" (I John 5:11,12)
Jesus Christ and eternal life are synonymous terms, and eternal life is none other than Jesus Christ Himself, of whom it is written in John 1:4 "In Him was life; and this life was the light of men." "If you have eternal life at all, it simply means that you have the Son, Jesus Christ now!
Jesus said, "I am the Way, I am the Truth, I am the Life" (John 14:6)
Eternal life is not a peculiar feeling inside! It is not your ultimate destination, to which you will go when you are dead. If you are born again, eternal life is that quality of life that you possess right now, at this very moment, in your own physical body, with your own two feet on the ground, and in the world TODAYI And where does this life come from? Of Him! He is that Life!
So if you have eternal life, it means that you have Somebody, Jesus Christ, and the life that you possess is of Him.
Eternal life is not a peculiar feeling inside! It is not your ultimate destination, to which you will go when you are dead. If you are born again, eternal life is that quality of life that you possess right now, at this very moment, in your own physical body, with your own two feet on the ground, and in the world TODAYI And where does this life come from? Of Him! He is that Life!
So if you have eternal life, it means that you have Somebody, Jesus Christ, and the life that you possess is of Him.
Friday, July 29, 2005
To Believe and Confess Jesus is not enough
I am in a discussion with a good friend who is a fulfilled Jew. His comments were of interest to me. This is only a portion of his statement.
Shalom,
It doesn't take a "believer" to say that they know Y'SHUA!Mat 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?Mar 1:24 Saying, Let [us] alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.Mar 1:34 And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.Luk 4:34 Saying, Let [us] alone; what have we to do with thee, [thou] Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.Luk 4:41 And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking [them] suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.Confessing the name of Y'SHUA is not enough for as you can see even the demons know who HE is!Knowing HIM is not enough. The demons recognize HIS voice. They know HIM well enough for they were once in Heaven with HIM.Doing miracles is not enough nor does "DOING" alone prove you to be HIS child, for there will come a time when even a "False Prophet" will "DO" such things.Rev 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
For you to be saved when the dead in CHRIST are raised and when the final trumpet sounds there must be the combination of these aspects. You must first accept and confess Y'SHUA as your SAVIOR! Is HE your SAVIOR? If not, then call upon HIS name to save your SPIRIT! Accept the price to redeem you that HE has paid, please?
Pastor Eric Aschendorf
My response:
Once again, I approach things from a bit of a different view. Ha-ha!
Often people I encounter claim to have had an experience of "going forward" to receive the "forgiveness of Jesus". As I talk to them I realize they have never really accepted Jesus Himself. Some claim they are not yet clean enough, or that they have never heard that Jesus gave them His Eternal Life to live through them.
There is a passage in Philippians 2 that states:
12. Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13. For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Many focus on the first part. Of working out YOUR salvation with fear and trembling….
But miss the most important part …. For it is GOD WHO WORKS IN YOU TO WILL and act according to HIS PURPOSE. Emphasis of course is mine.
It is God’s work He is doing through us…. We submit our will and receive His will.
I see we are literally “dead in our sins” and resurrected spiritually alive in Christ. This is a shadow of sort (a reality also) that points to the Last Resurrection we call our Blessed Hope.
Too many spend their life double minded, thinking they still have a free will, even though they gave that up for God’s will. They carry the corpse of their former self around and live shallow stinking dead Christian lives…. Often suffering for no reason other than they have not allowed themselves to be dead.
Don’t get me wrong; I do believe we still sin. For we are not perfect, but that is God’s job not ours…. To be perfect. Ours right now is to be the imperfect creature in need of a Savior. Paul states in Romans 7:
17. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.
Yes, we have a corrupted body of flesh. It has desires and impulses and we fall for these all the time. Yet, we are in the spirit alive. The Seed of Christ is planted in our hearts and is driving out the work of the devil. (1 John 3:9)
Many of these things seem so simple. Yet, if one only receives the forgiveness without receiving the Eternal Life, one has only received half the Gospel.
Forgiveness is the gate to salvation…. Jesus was the sin sacrifice for our salvation. He called Himself the gate for His sheep to enter…. (John 10: 17)
But often many equate forgiveness = salvation… forgiveness was once for all (Romans 6:10,Hebrewss 7:27, Hebrews 9:12)
Jesus said, at the cross “forgive them Father for they know not what they do!” They all were forgiven, yet not all were saved. I see that is the issue. Some have received the forgiveness and never received the Forgiver!
For it is good to be forgiven, yet it is better to be a Beloved.
Of the Called Out Ones who Gather at Billings MT.
Blessings,
Pastor Carlos
Shalom,
It doesn't take a "believer" to say that they know Y'SHUA!Mat 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?Mar 1:24 Saying, Let [us] alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.Mar 1:34 And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.Luk 4:34 Saying, Let [us] alone; what have we to do with thee, [thou] Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.Luk 4:41 And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking [them] suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.Confessing the name of Y'SHUA is not enough for as you can see even the demons know who HE is!Knowing HIM is not enough. The demons recognize HIS voice. They know HIM well enough for they were once in Heaven with HIM.Doing miracles is not enough nor does "DOING" alone prove you to be HIS child, for there will come a time when even a "False Prophet" will "DO" such things.Rev 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
For you to be saved when the dead in CHRIST are raised and when the final trumpet sounds there must be the combination of these aspects. You must first accept and confess Y'SHUA as your SAVIOR! Is HE your SAVIOR? If not, then call upon HIS name to save your SPIRIT! Accept the price to redeem you that HE has paid, please?
Pastor Eric Aschendorf
My response:
Once again, I approach things from a bit of a different view. Ha-ha!
Often people I encounter claim to have had an experience of "going forward" to receive the "forgiveness of Jesus". As I talk to them I realize they have never really accepted Jesus Himself. Some claim they are not yet clean enough, or that they have never heard that Jesus gave them His Eternal Life to live through them.
There is a passage in Philippians 2 that states:
12. Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13. For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Many focus on the first part. Of working out YOUR salvation with fear and trembling….
But miss the most important part …. For it is GOD WHO WORKS IN YOU TO WILL and act according to HIS PURPOSE. Emphasis of course is mine.
It is God’s work He is doing through us…. We submit our will and receive His will.
I see we are literally “dead in our sins” and resurrected spiritually alive in Christ. This is a shadow of sort (a reality also) that points to the Last Resurrection we call our Blessed Hope.
Too many spend their life double minded, thinking they still have a free will, even though they gave that up for God’s will. They carry the corpse of their former self around and live shallow stinking dead Christian lives…. Often suffering for no reason other than they have not allowed themselves to be dead.
Don’t get me wrong; I do believe we still sin. For we are not perfect, but that is God’s job not ours…. To be perfect. Ours right now is to be the imperfect creature in need of a Savior. Paul states in Romans 7:
17. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.
Yes, we have a corrupted body of flesh. It has desires and impulses and we fall for these all the time. Yet, we are in the spirit alive. The Seed of Christ is planted in our hearts and is driving out the work of the devil. (1 John 3:9)
Many of these things seem so simple. Yet, if one only receives the forgiveness without receiving the Eternal Life, one has only received half the Gospel.
Forgiveness is the gate to salvation…. Jesus was the sin sacrifice for our salvation. He called Himself the gate for His sheep to enter…. (John 10: 17)
But often many equate forgiveness = salvation… forgiveness was once for all (Romans 6:10,Hebrewss 7:27, Hebrews 9:12)
Jesus said, at the cross “forgive them Father for they know not what they do!” They all were forgiven, yet not all were saved. I see that is the issue. Some have received the forgiveness and never received the Forgiver!
For it is good to be forgiven, yet it is better to be a Beloved.
Of the Called Out Ones who Gather at Billings MT.
Blessings,
Pastor Carlos
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
What is Emergent?
What is emergent?
Iggy:
I've done some looking into the Emergent Church movement and do appreciate the desire of this movement to put a charge into the institutionalizing of Christianity. It does seem that doctrinal issues are not as crucial in the New Reformation (as you say) as it was in the "First" Reformation of the 1500s. The conversation seems to be based on unity based upon fellowship rather than doctrinal stances. Am I correct in this? Just trying to understand.
In Christ,
Matt
My response:
close...
It is hard to understand because it looks like a movement, yet, it is not. Though there is now
talk about it actually becoming one.
It crosses all denominations. It makes it inclusive as opposed to exclusive.
It is allowing as you said the openness of conversation, as opposed to setting
lines in the sand.
It is about following Christ, and not man's teaching or an institution.
It is the seeking of the REAL.... It is the de-institutionalizing of the Church.
It is greater than the original Reformation as it is about deconstructing and
re-examining all things. To even be open to that ability.
I would say it is more:
organic than mechanical
conversation vs. direction
less vs. more
people vs. profit
It is being relevant in an age that views Christianity as irrelevant.
It is to me seeing the Church not as an institution but literally the Body of Christ.
If one looks at the word church in the Bible, it is broken down into two parts;
"the called out ones/those that gather".
So to me it is the called out ones who gather at Billings.
This gives the "church" a pulse, life and it becomes more organic and no longer an institution,
(When has a building ever hugged anyone). Even to say the church is the people still loses out that that it is more than the people but the Body of the Risen Savior. It means that we become One with Christ not just a denomination of "people" who rally under a man's teaching. But those that literally become One with The One, as Jesus prayed in John 17.
I have become more aware of how much we add to the Gospel, by our culture, our own bias,
and backgrounds. We can personalize our faith but to add these things actually diminishes the works of Christ, like adding works to Grace.
Blessings,
iggy
Iggy:
I've done some looking into the Emergent Church movement and do appreciate the desire of this movement to put a charge into the institutionalizing of Christianity. It does seem that doctrinal issues are not as crucial in the New Reformation (as you say) as it was in the "First" Reformation of the 1500s. The conversation seems to be based on unity based upon fellowship rather than doctrinal stances. Am I correct in this? Just trying to understand.
In Christ,
Matt
My response:
close...
It is hard to understand because it looks like a movement, yet, it is not. Though there is now
talk about it actually becoming one.
It crosses all denominations. It makes it inclusive as opposed to exclusive.
It is allowing as you said the openness of conversation, as opposed to setting
lines in the sand.
It is about following Christ, and not man's teaching or an institution.
It is the seeking of the REAL.... It is the de-institutionalizing of the Church.
It is greater than the original Reformation as it is about deconstructing and
re-examining all things. To even be open to that ability.
I would say it is more:
organic than mechanical
conversation vs. direction
less vs. more
people vs. profit
It is being relevant in an age that views Christianity as irrelevant.
It is to me seeing the Church not as an institution but literally the Body of Christ.
If one looks at the word church in the Bible, it is broken down into two parts;
"the called out ones/those that gather".
So to me it is the called out ones who gather at Billings.
This gives the "church" a pulse, life and it becomes more organic and no longer an institution,
(When has a building ever hugged anyone). Even to say the church is the people still loses out that that it is more than the people but the Body of the Risen Savior. It means that we become One with Christ not just a denomination of "people" who rally under a man's teaching. But those that literally become One with The One, as Jesus prayed in John 17.
I have become more aware of how much we add to the Gospel, by our culture, our own bias,
and backgrounds. We can personalize our faith but to add these things actually diminishes the works of Christ, like adding works to Grace.
Blessings,
iggy
Monday, July 25, 2005
Papa Murphy's Concerned About You
Papa Murphy's Concerned
I found this extremely funny!
Papa Murphy's is a "you bake" pizza place. You go, and they make it, then you drive home and
cook it yourself. It is supposed to be a bit cheaper then delivery. Though I think I might argue that point.
Here is the thing. We have to drive to get the pizza from these guys and they are telling us we could, most certainly can get in a car accident while doing it! But we will get a free pizza voucher if we go and check out this insurance agent.
I really fought the idea of calling them and saying, "I am convinced! I will no longer drive to Papa Murphy's and pick up my pizza. I was not aware of how dangerous that really is, so from now on I will only have my pizza delivered."
They do not even see they are sending a double message in this advertisement.
Now, how many Churches do the same thing? They sing "just as you are", then teach everyone in the congregation that God won't hear them if they sin, or that they are being punished for not repenting, or that they must "do these things" to maintain or grow in their faith. I read that it is God who make things grow. That desire should come from within to want to know Jesus in a personal way.
As the Body of Christ we must be aware of these things. As seekers may call us one day and say, "You have convinced me, there is no God. For you say God is love, and yet I never saw it from you".
Just some thoughts.
blessings,
iggy
Friday, July 22, 2005
Ciana DeMay Shelton
Introducing Ciana DeMay Shelton
She was born at 2:59 PM, Thursday July 21.
weighing in at 7 lbs 6 ounces
19.5 inches long
Thanks for all you prayers and love.
Blessed,
iggy
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Feeling Better... But still have a nasty cough.
Thanks to everyone who prayed for me about my case of pneumonia. It seems to be now just an annoying cough. I do think I will be able to be present when my daughter is born.
If TES goes into labor today, which we hope, we will be off to the hospital. If not, she will be induced tomorrow, if there is an available bed in the birthing unit.
Again, thanks for all your prayers.
Blessings,
iggy
If TES goes into labor today, which we hope, we will be off to the hospital. If not, she will be induced tomorrow, if there is an available bed in the birthing unit.
Again, thanks for all your prayers.
Blessings,
iggy
Friday, July 15, 2005
The Exchanged Life
Some of you may have check out the link to the teachings of Irenaeus I have on this page.
My theology took on a grand transition after reading His teachings. I see as Irenaeus who was a disciple of the Polycarp and the Apostle John taught one must subject his free will unto God. I see this as the exchange of wills from ours to Gods. This is the exchanged life or as scripture calls it, becoming a new creation.
I see a common saying as a bit unscriptural... yet as I am not a legalist (at least I pray ha-ha) I don’t make too much out of it. We often hear the phrase, "I gave my life to the Lord", when in reality we had no life.... as all that dwelt in us before Christ was death. We should say, "I gave my death to the Lord, and He gave me His eternal life." In fact Christ Jesus gave Himself for He is Life itself.
I see the real issue in Christianity today is the equation of forgiveness = salvation. When in the scripture all are forgiven, yet it does not say all are saved. When Jesus yelled, "Father, forgive them they know not what they do". I see all at the cross forgiven; yet I would never say all present at the cross were saved.
What this leads to is many receiving only half the Gospel that leads to Life.
Many go forward, not to receive Christ Jesus, but to receive forgiveness. This forgiveness is already granted by way of the cross. The only way of salvation is Jesus for He is salvation.
I see many people being deceived that they are saved, when in reality they only have acknowledged that God forgave them and have not received the power unto salvation, or the Life of Christ.
Now some may call this the indwelling of the Holy Spirit... and I agree... for without the Holy Spirit indwelling us we do not have the power to be saved. This power can only come from God Who is our only salvation, and our hope of glory.
Blessings,
iggy
My theology took on a grand transition after reading His teachings. I see as Irenaeus who was a disciple of the Polycarp and the Apostle John taught one must subject his free will unto God. I see this as the exchange of wills from ours to Gods. This is the exchanged life or as scripture calls it, becoming a new creation.
I see a common saying as a bit unscriptural... yet as I am not a legalist (at least I pray ha-ha) I don’t make too much out of it. We often hear the phrase, "I gave my life to the Lord", when in reality we had no life.... as all that dwelt in us before Christ was death. We should say, "I gave my death to the Lord, and He gave me His eternal life." In fact Christ Jesus gave Himself for He is Life itself.
I see the real issue in Christianity today is the equation of forgiveness = salvation. When in the scripture all are forgiven, yet it does not say all are saved. When Jesus yelled, "Father, forgive them they know not what they do". I see all at the cross forgiven; yet I would never say all present at the cross were saved.
What this leads to is many receiving only half the Gospel that leads to Life.
Many go forward, not to receive Christ Jesus, but to receive forgiveness. This forgiveness is already granted by way of the cross. The only way of salvation is Jesus for He is salvation.
I see many people being deceived that they are saved, when in reality they only have acknowledged that God forgave them and have not received the power unto salvation, or the Life of Christ.
Now some may call this the indwelling of the Holy Spirit... and I agree... for without the Holy Spirit indwelling us we do not have the power to be saved. This power can only come from God Who is our only salvation, and our hope of glory.
Blessings,
iggy
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Pneumonia?
Here it is 100+ degrees and I get pneumonia. It started out with a high fever and a trip to the emergency room.
Please pray as it is possible that I am contagious. The last thing TES needs (or Fischer) is pneumonia while she is giving birth.
Also, pray I get over this before she goes into labor.
blessings,
iggy
Please pray as it is possible that I am contagious. The last thing TES needs (or Fischer) is pneumonia while she is giving birth.
Also, pray I get over this before she goes into labor.
blessings,
iggy
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Find the Real by Alter Bridge
Find The Real
Stuck in the middle I burrow inside
Back to the cradle
Away from the burdens of all my crimes
Before it’s fatal
My past has found me the truth’s come out
All is remembered
With no place to fall but straight down
I must surrender
Well it seems I’ve
Finally thought of everything
I wanna love
I wanna feel
Find peace
Find the real
There’s a face I put on all my life
The face of an angel
But I look in the mirror only to find
The face of a stranger
And with all I’ve taken I hunger for more
Cause I’m selfish
And all I’m left with is a crown of thorns
And I’m helpless
Well it seems I’ve
Finally thought of everything
I wanna love
I wanna feel
Find peace
Find the real
I’ll trade these lies for something right
I’ll kill what hurts with something pure
I will be redeemed so I can breathe again
Well it seems I’ve
Finally thought of everything
I wanna love
I wanna feel
Find peace
Find the real
Well it seems I’ve
Finally thought of everything
I wanna love
I wanna feel
Find peace
Find the real
Stuck in the middle I burrow inside
Back to the cradle
Away from the burdens of all my crimes
Before it’s fatal
My past has found me the truth’s come out
All is remembered
With no place to fall but straight down
I must surrender
Well it seems I’ve
Finally thought of everything
I wanna love
I wanna feel
Find peace
Find the real
There’s a face I put on all my life
The face of an angel
But I look in the mirror only to find
The face of a stranger
And with all I’ve taken I hunger for more
Cause I’m selfish
And all I’m left with is a crown of thorns
And I’m helpless
Well it seems I’ve
Finally thought of everything
I wanna love
I wanna feel
Find peace
Find the real
I’ll trade these lies for something right
I’ll kill what hurts with something pure
I will be redeemed so I can breathe again
Well it seems I’ve
Finally thought of everything
I wanna love
I wanna feel
Find peace
Find the real
Well it seems I’ve
Finally thought of everything
I wanna love
I wanna feel
Find peace
Find the real
Thoughts on sin and the fall
This was my response to some great questions Rick on his blog Caffeinated Adventures is asking.
The conversation is around sin.
Rick,
Great questions! I am not attempting to answer the question per se, but share my journey.
All I can say in my journey sin is not right vs. Wrong thinking.... Sin is a state of being of believing we can on our own, know right from wrong and good from evil.
In Christ we are return to the "good" that all creation was, a return to innocence, as before the fall.
We fell from a state of Grace to a works mentality of seeking to find for our selves, right and wrong.
When we took upon our self to be the judge of good and evil as you stated I agree we chose to be as God.
I think this is what is wrong with most of modern thinking. They focus on right wrong, being fixated on the very thing that is our fallen state. So it seems that is the big struggle.
I see it as returning to total dependence on God the Father as Jesus Himself walked. Jesus did what was good and that was His focus, the result, righteousness satisfied. A bit of a dichotomy, yet that is as God is sometimes.
Blessings,
iggy
The conversation is around sin.
Rick,
Great questions! I am not attempting to answer the question per se, but share my journey.
All I can say in my journey sin is not right vs. Wrong thinking.... Sin is a state of being of believing we can on our own, know right from wrong and good from evil.
In Christ we are return to the "good" that all creation was, a return to innocence, as before the fall.
We fell from a state of Grace to a works mentality of seeking to find for our selves, right and wrong.
When we took upon our self to be the judge of good and evil as you stated I agree we chose to be as God.
I think this is what is wrong with most of modern thinking. They focus on right wrong, being fixated on the very thing that is our fallen state. So it seems that is the big struggle.
I see it as returning to total dependence on God the Father as Jesus Himself walked. Jesus did what was good and that was His focus, the result, righteousness satisfied. A bit of a dichotomy, yet that is as God is sometimes.
Blessings,
iggy
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Wisdom.....
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between 2 wolves.""One is Evil. It is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.The other is God. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf wins?"The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."
Author Unknown.
blessings,
iggy
Author Unknown.
blessings,
iggy
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Nunc Dimittis
I just read this blog Waiter Rant.... it is real. it is raw......
It will touch your heart....
blessings,
iggy
It will touch your heart....
blessings,
iggy
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
what's next? the abomination of desolation?
bushfish.... what's next the abomination of desolation?
I found a new link to my site.... preacherruss at Glocality..... see the link in the links section.
I am amazed and humbled that someone would even link to me....
I find myself alienated from the Christian right more and more…. I used to think I was one until a few years back. I guess the luster started to tarnish with Bush sr. handing over the election to Clinton. Bush sr. never had a clue his statement about unwed mother and such would be….offensive. So, Clinton became president and soon she will run again.
(Wink).
I do not consider my self a Bush basher. I kind of like the guy. I don’t agree with all his policies, as I think he is distracting us with social security, while he ignores national security as in securing our borders. I think his real problem is he is not a great communicator. He seems to be reluctant to have a real press conference. Not that anyone in the press knows what that is anymore.
A while back I wrote about a vision I had about the perfect Christian, made in our image.
It was a false god that many seem to have as the goal of their faith. It is a false god of religious deception. Now, here is an example of the religious right deifying (without even realizing they are doing it) the president! They have replaced Christ Jesus with Bush.
In the middle of the fish is a small cross or the Greek letters "ΙΧΘΥΣ" or "ιχθυς" which means Ichthys or simply, fish.
But, to the Christian being persecuted it meant something very significant. It meant, Iēsous Christos Theou Huios Sōtēr meaning "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior".
So, if you look at this fish you will not see Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, but Bush.
Can you see why this is offensive?
Blessings,
iggy
Monday, June 13, 2005
The Bible is Worthless without Jesus
The Bible is worthless without Jesus.
Without Jesus we only have a book with rules.... without Jesus this book does not give eternal life.
Only with Jesus the Bible comes alive.... only because Christ lives does the book live. Without Jesus we have a "Religion".
With Jesus we have a relationship.
The Bible is useless without Jesus.
Too many people put all the emphisis on the bible... and think it give eteneral life... it does not.... only Jesus does.
John 5: 39. You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 40. yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
John 7: 37. On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." 39. By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.
Luke 24: 25. He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26. Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27. And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 28. As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29. But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them. 30. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32. They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
Luke 24:44. He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." 45. Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46. He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47. and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48. You are witnesses of these things.
The Bible does not have all we need....
Jesus has all we need....
2 Peter 1:2. Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
Without Jesus the Bible is worthless.
It would only be a book that gives us false hope in pleasing God by our own
righteousness.
There are those who seem to have added one more to the Trinity. It is as if they think the Bible itself is God.
It is God's written word and and unveiling revelation of Who He is and Who
Jesus is. Though I do revere and respect God's written word I do not worship it.
I worship the Person it speaks of.
I have come across many who "study" and have a form of godliness that is not of God, nor with understanding.....
2 Timothy 3: 1. But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive,
disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3. without love, unforgiving, slanderous,
without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4. treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-- 5. having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. 6. They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7. always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.
Blessings,
iggy
Without Jesus we only have a book with rules.... without Jesus this book does not give eternal life.
Only with Jesus the Bible comes alive.... only because Christ lives does the book live. Without Jesus we have a "Religion".
With Jesus we have a relationship.
The Bible is useless without Jesus.
Too many people put all the emphisis on the bible... and think it give eteneral life... it does not.... only Jesus does.
John 5: 39. You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 40. yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
John 7: 37. On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." 39. By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.
Luke 24: 25. He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26. Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27. And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 28. As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29. But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them. 30. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32. They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
Luke 24:44. He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." 45. Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46. He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47. and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48. You are witnesses of these things.
The Bible does not have all we need....
Jesus has all we need....
2 Peter 1:2. Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
Without Jesus the Bible is worthless.
It would only be a book that gives us false hope in pleasing God by our own
righteousness.
There are those who seem to have added one more to the Trinity. It is as if they think the Bible itself is God.
It is God's written word and and unveiling revelation of Who He is and Who
Jesus is. Though I do revere and respect God's written word I do not worship it.
I worship the Person it speaks of.
I have come across many who "study" and have a form of godliness that is not of God, nor with understanding.....
2 Timothy 3: 1. But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive,
disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3. without love, unforgiving, slanderous,
without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4. treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-- 5. having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. 6. They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7. always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.
Blessings,
iggy
Sunday, June 12, 2005
protest this!
When it comes down to the real world, I don't mince words usually. I try to just say it. Often I am accused of being crude..... maybe I am, yet as I have said many times the Bible is not a children's book. If it were published today and judged by "Christian" standards many would be out in protest against it as it talks of incest, bestiality, adultery, homosexuality, with graphic passages I would never read to a child. (Two Sister's and their lovers in Ezekiel)
Today, many are abuse and confused.... girls grow up thinking to be with women sexually is an alternative. Gays want to be approved by saying they are born that way.
The sad truth is we are ALL messed up. We are all sinners in need of a saviour.
I just heard, of a Baptist church who handed out water at a gay pride parade! I say Hallelujah! At first the gay community thought they had an agenda, which they did.... to love the sinner!
In contrast, we have the AFA which sent out a "protest the gay games" email..... later I received anemail with ..... Explicit pictures of the perversion at the last years games....
I went to the site to see if I could find those pictures..... I did not. I dug deeper and found some pictures close to that through a link that talked about the Sydney Mardi Gras..... there I found some similar pictures, yet honestly, one could never tell if the person was gay, straight, lesbian, cross dresser or whatever. I saw a real lack of honesty and integrity with the AFA on this "protest".
How do we reach those caught in sin.... oh yeah protest them!!!!!! NOT! No wonder the gays, NOW, and other groups target Promise Keepers and such in retaliatory protests!
When will we get the clue! I think if Paul was living today he would be called an apostate because he never took a stand against slavery. In fact he encouraged the slave to be the best slave for Christ and the slave owner to treat his slaves as brothers in Christ.... never once saying slavery was BAD!
We need to rethink and reorganize how we are to approach the world for Christ.... maybe we should be quicker with a glass of water for the sinner, than holding up a sign and screaming, You're going to hell!"
Blessings,
iggy
Today, many are abuse and confused.... girls grow up thinking to be with women sexually is an alternative. Gays want to be approved by saying they are born that way.
The sad truth is we are ALL messed up. We are all sinners in need of a saviour.
I just heard, of a Baptist church who handed out water at a gay pride parade! I say Hallelujah! At first the gay community thought they had an agenda, which they did.... to love the sinner!
In contrast, we have the AFA which sent out a "protest the gay games" email..... later I received anemail with ..... Explicit pictures of the perversion at the last years games....
I went to the site to see if I could find those pictures..... I did not. I dug deeper and found some pictures close to that through a link that talked about the Sydney Mardi Gras..... there I found some similar pictures, yet honestly, one could never tell if the person was gay, straight, lesbian, cross dresser or whatever. I saw a real lack of honesty and integrity with the AFA on this "protest".
How do we reach those caught in sin.... oh yeah protest them!!!!!! NOT! No wonder the gays, NOW, and other groups target Promise Keepers and such in retaliatory protests!
When will we get the clue! I think if Paul was living today he would be called an apostate because he never took a stand against slavery. In fact he encouraged the slave to be the best slave for Christ and the slave owner to treat his slaves as brothers in Christ.... never once saying slavery was BAD!
We need to rethink and reorganize how we are to approach the world for Christ.... maybe we should be quicker with a glass of water for the sinner, than holding up a sign and screaming, You're going to hell!"
Blessings,
iggy
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
New Blog and New website
OK, as if I did not have enough to maintain on the web, I added a new website to iggyROCKS!
though I was happy with the old site, they seemed to not care about fixing some issues on the edit page of the website. So here we have a new one. I think though this will be a better fit as
it will have opportunity to chat, ask questions on the forum, and even more.
I also will be doing some reviews on the different groups I play on iggyROCKS! you can click on the link to see/hear what iggyROCKS! is about.
blessings,
iggy
though I was happy with the old site, they seemed to not care about fixing some issues on the edit page of the website. So here we have a new one. I think though this will be a better fit as
it will have opportunity to chat, ask questions on the forum, and even more.
I also will be doing some reviews on the different groups I play on iggyROCKS! you can click on the link to see/hear what iggyROCKS! is about.
blessings,
iggy
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Jesus Goes to Church pt 3
Jesus Goes to Church Part 3
She stepped from the darkness of the Church focused on the man on the path…It seemed right to follow Him. Could it be?
“Jesus?” she yelled.
Jesus kept walking, so she stepped up her pace a bit… and called out,” Jesus?”
He turned to her and His face shined like the sun…”Yes, I Am”.
She could not believe this was happening, “Why aren’t you in Church?” she asked.
He smiled and said, “They don’t need Me, they have their religion.”
She looked at Him with shock and confusion, but before she could ask the next question, He answered it.
“I called you out. You are my called out one…”
She seemed to tremble for no reason. He then took her hand and said, “Come it is time, I have a great surprise for you.”
A mixture of delight and holy fear seemed to over take her… she followed as He commanded.
They came upon a field with a great banquet table set as if for royalty… she asked, “What is this all for.”
Jesus just said, “You”.
She was shocked, and it seemed as if angels gather around them, and changed her jeans and t-shirt into a beautiful white dress. She began laughing as she realized it was a wedding dress!
They brought her out and she stood before Jesus. “You are a perfect beauty!” He seemed to shout.
“Who am I marrying?” she asked a bit shyly.
Jesus said without blinking, “You are my called out one, My bride.”
They stood in the field and the world seemed to change, goodness seem to be everywhere and as if it came from in her and on her and all around her…. She then realized the source of this goodness was….. Jesus Himself.
A tear began to form on her eye as she never felt so loved. Jesus reached over and wiped the tear away, “You will cry no more, for you will reign with me in my Kingdom for eternity.”
Come let us go a see my Father…. He is much pleased with you.
Revelation 19: 5. Then a voice came from the throne, saying: "Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!"
6. Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
7. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.
8. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)
9. Then the angel said to me, "Write: `Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!'" And he added, "These are the true words of God."
She stepped from the darkness of the Church focused on the man on the path…It seemed right to follow Him. Could it be?
“Jesus?” she yelled.
Jesus kept walking, so she stepped up her pace a bit… and called out,” Jesus?”
He turned to her and His face shined like the sun…”Yes, I Am”.
She could not believe this was happening, “Why aren’t you in Church?” she asked.
He smiled and said, “They don’t need Me, they have their religion.”
She looked at Him with shock and confusion, but before she could ask the next question, He answered it.
“I called you out. You are my called out one…”
She seemed to tremble for no reason. He then took her hand and said, “Come it is time, I have a great surprise for you.”
A mixture of delight and holy fear seemed to over take her… she followed as He commanded.
They came upon a field with a great banquet table set as if for royalty… she asked, “What is this all for.”
Jesus just said, “You”.
She was shocked, and it seemed as if angels gather around them, and changed her jeans and t-shirt into a beautiful white dress. She began laughing as she realized it was a wedding dress!
They brought her out and she stood before Jesus. “You are a perfect beauty!” He seemed to shout.
“Who am I marrying?” she asked a bit shyly.
Jesus said without blinking, “You are my called out one, My bride.”
They stood in the field and the world seemed to change, goodness seem to be everywhere and as if it came from in her and on her and all around her…. She then realized the source of this goodness was….. Jesus Himself.
A tear began to form on her eye as she never felt so loved. Jesus reached over and wiped the tear away, “You will cry no more, for you will reign with me in my Kingdom for eternity.”
Come let us go a see my Father…. He is much pleased with you.
Revelation 19: 5. Then a voice came from the throne, saying: "Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!"
6. Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
7. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.
8. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)
9. Then the angel said to me, "Write: `Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!'" And he added, "These are the true words of God."
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Is Reposting like Regifting... or What if you find Hilter in Heaven
Sometimes like a left over dinner my posts are better in the comments than when I try to write something of substance........
I have thought of that. "what if Hitler made it to heaven?" or whoever you think is the most evil...Then one must accept that God's grace is all encompassing it would include these men if they turned to Jesus at the last moment.
Yet, I have an issue with this question...
It has an assumption that these men turned to Jesus before they died.... In that I believe they are saved.
Yet, if the question is that these men by their own merits that is an issue altogether as we enter Heaven on Jesus' merits. Now, God changing His mind....
If He let all the ones that were against Him, I would say, in a way He has...
By us accepting His Son.
In the apocalypse of Peter.... Peter is taking a tour through Hell with Jesus... at one point, Jesus points out all the people in hell and how they are being punished... Kind of a Dante's Inferno thing going on...Jesus turns to Peter and as if winking and says, This is only for a time as these are being purified for Heaven.
Now, I don't buy that, but if God did change His mind I still think there will be some Hell to pay.
To imagine a Hilter or some other person given over to evil, being able to accept the forgiveness is another leap for me. As their very character is bent on the destruction and doing the evil to others... To be their own god.
I view heaven as Pure Goodness... Only to be entered through and in Jesus.... If one is to enter on their own merit they will find themselves wanting.
God has invited all the Hitlers of history into heaven... I guess I doubt the ability for these Hitlers to cross over to Heaven even if forgiven and given yet one last time.
Hope that makes sense.
blessings,
iggy
I have thought of that. "what if Hitler made it to heaven?" or whoever you think is the most evil...Then one must accept that God's grace is all encompassing it would include these men if they turned to Jesus at the last moment.
Yet, I have an issue with this question...
It has an assumption that these men turned to Jesus before they died.... In that I believe they are saved.
Yet, if the question is that these men by their own merits that is an issue altogether as we enter Heaven on Jesus' merits. Now, God changing His mind....
If He let all the ones that were against Him, I would say, in a way He has...
By us accepting His Son.
In the apocalypse of Peter.... Peter is taking a tour through Hell with Jesus... at one point, Jesus points out all the people in hell and how they are being punished... Kind of a Dante's Inferno thing going on...Jesus turns to Peter and as if winking and says, This is only for a time as these are being purified for Heaven.
Now, I don't buy that, but if God did change His mind I still think there will be some Hell to pay.
To imagine a Hilter or some other person given over to evil, being able to accept the forgiveness is another leap for me. As their very character is bent on the destruction and doing the evil to others... To be their own god.
I view heaven as Pure Goodness... Only to be entered through and in Jesus.... If one is to enter on their own merit they will find themselves wanting.
God has invited all the Hitlers of history into heaven... I guess I doubt the ability for these Hitlers to cross over to Heaven even if forgiven and given yet one last time.
Hope that makes sense.
blessings,
iggy
Friday, May 13, 2005
A bad hair cut in the post modern age
I found post modernism hard to define from the outside. Most moderns miss the subtle
shift of thought we like to call the paradigm shift.
I was/am still painfully aware of my modern tendencies and at first felt awkward even trying to change my way of thinking. I think the most common mistake a modern makes is labeling PM as
a movement, like the great “revivals” of old yet with a more hideous dark side they fear.
I ran across a painful example of how blind and off the mark the modern church was as I was getting a hair cut one day. A young lady around 19 or 20 was cutting my hair and I asked her if she had a belief in God. She said she never really had thought of it… I then asked her if she ever went to church…. She said, “it is not relevant in my life right now”. WOW! What a statement!
I continued to talk with her… at first she seemed a bit cautious as if she thought I had another motive. I did… but not to get her to church, but to find out, if there was a church that she would attend how would it have to be, to be relevant. She began warming up… and as I got to the crucial info, the older lady cutting hair nest door piped in, “I’m with the so and so church, and I have been after this little girl to go to my church for a long time”.
The reason she did not attend a church became obvious as this other lady talked and talked about her church…. And how “relevant” it was.
The conversation with the young woman was over, she clammed up tight and finished cutting my hair.
Moderns seem to miss that the age of modernism has ended and we are changing. Post modernism is in the middle of discovering it self and we must as the Body of Christ seek to
find ways to bring Christ to these people of this age. Moderns forget that they too have had and have a hideous side to them…. We PM people can smell it a mile away. Like the story of the the "Gospel" being brought to the American Indians and the destruction of their culture. One thing we PM'ers know is what is foney, we are beyond Mr. Pompeil.
I am Emerging…. Not as a movement or phase I am going through, but as a change of the core of my being as I grow to understand the need of this people for the purity of the Gospel and not the games of modernism. Do they all think alike, no but the core is as this article states, they are being brought up taught humanist secularism and relativism, which sadly is a result of modernism.
No God, no truth, no relation, no wonder and awe.
Blessings,
iggy
shift of thought we like to call the paradigm shift.
I was/am still painfully aware of my modern tendencies and at first felt awkward even trying to change my way of thinking. I think the most common mistake a modern makes is labeling PM as
a movement, like the great “revivals” of old yet with a more hideous dark side they fear.
I ran across a painful example of how blind and off the mark the modern church was as I was getting a hair cut one day. A young lady around 19 or 20 was cutting my hair and I asked her if she had a belief in God. She said she never really had thought of it… I then asked her if she ever went to church…. She said, “it is not relevant in my life right now”. WOW! What a statement!
I continued to talk with her… at first she seemed a bit cautious as if she thought I had another motive. I did… but not to get her to church, but to find out, if there was a church that she would attend how would it have to be, to be relevant. She began warming up… and as I got to the crucial info, the older lady cutting hair nest door piped in, “I’m with the so and so church, and I have been after this little girl to go to my church for a long time”.
The reason she did not attend a church became obvious as this other lady talked and talked about her church…. And how “relevant” it was.
The conversation with the young woman was over, she clammed up tight and finished cutting my hair.
Moderns seem to miss that the age of modernism has ended and we are changing. Post modernism is in the middle of discovering it self and we must as the Body of Christ seek to
find ways to bring Christ to these people of this age. Moderns forget that they too have had and have a hideous side to them…. We PM people can smell it a mile away. Like the story of the the "Gospel" being brought to the American Indians and the destruction of their culture. One thing we PM'ers know is what is foney, we are beyond Mr. Pompeil.
I am Emerging…. Not as a movement or phase I am going through, but as a change of the core of my being as I grow to understand the need of this people for the purity of the Gospel and not the games of modernism. Do they all think alike, no but the core is as this article states, they are being brought up taught humanist secularism and relativism, which sadly is a result of modernism.
No God, no truth, no relation, no wonder and awe.
Blessings,
iggy
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
did you hear a collective "oooooppppssss, we may have made a mistake"?
I just read this article concerning the fire fighter in a coma for 10 years... He woke up. His vegetative state was pretty much an echo of Terri Shindler (Schiavo). Supposedly the same brain damage as Terri. This family was able to keep up with their regular therapy and low and behold!
His first words were "I want to talk to my wife."
Now imagine if Terri had this happen to her... "Where is my husband?"
"Oh, huh, he is shacked up with some other woman and has had two kids with her... And basically he wished you to be dead."
Praise God for this loving wife who stood by her man... Heros. Both of them.
Let's pray for his full recovery.
Blessings,
iggy
His first words were "I want to talk to my wife."
Now imagine if Terri had this happen to her... "Where is my husband?"
"Oh, huh, he is shacked up with some other woman and has had two kids with her... And basically he wished you to be dead."
Praise God for this loving wife who stood by her man... Heros. Both of them.
Let's pray for his full recovery.
Blessings,
iggy
Friday, April 29, 2005
Jesus Goes to Church pt 2
She woke up from a vivid dream.... it was so real.
Her heart was filled with joy.
"I can't miss Church today, even if it is not true!"
She jumped from bed and quickly began getting ready. She sang a hymn as she glided through her kitchen and grabbed some pop tarts for a quick breakfast.
The sun was shining bright as she made her way to her car. She looked at her watch and realized she was late. She would miss worship but be able to get there as they began to share about God. She could not wait! “Should I share about my dream?” She laughed out loud….
She pulled up to the parking lot and saw a bizarre sight. Someone had tied a donkey to the rails of the stairs!
She laughed again, thinking, “Maybe Jesus did come to church today!” Her heart jumped for joy!
She parked her car and could her quite a commotion inside.
“Who did he think he was anyway?”
“Maybe we should be more restrictive who we let in our church.”
“Can you believe how disruptive he was…. With our worship!”
She pushed the door open and quietly made her way in. She asked a little old lady whom this person was who came and caused such a stir.
“Some Jewish Hippie, probably and illegal liberal who is against the war and God and this country!”
The girl had to turn away from the spit from the old ladies mouth.
The girl asked where he had gone. The old lady said “Out the door!”
The Pastor saw her and beckoned her to come in… she was the newest person in his congregation. He was trying to get his numbers up.
The girl looked at him then back at the door…. She stepped towards the door.
“Where are you going?” Screamed the Pastor.
“I am leaving the Church!” she shouted as she pushed the doors open.
She saw a man walking down the rode, about one hundred feet away.
She stepped outside, and as the sun hit her face…
Joy filled her heart…
And she followed Jesus from that day on.
Her heart was filled with joy.
"I can't miss Church today, even if it is not true!"
She jumped from bed and quickly began getting ready. She sang a hymn as she glided through her kitchen and grabbed some pop tarts for a quick breakfast.
The sun was shining bright as she made her way to her car. She looked at her watch and realized she was late. She would miss worship but be able to get there as they began to share about God. She could not wait! “Should I share about my dream?” She laughed out loud….
She pulled up to the parking lot and saw a bizarre sight. Someone had tied a donkey to the rails of the stairs!
She laughed again, thinking, “Maybe Jesus did come to church today!” Her heart jumped for joy!
She parked her car and could her quite a commotion inside.
“Who did he think he was anyway?”
“Maybe we should be more restrictive who we let in our church.”
“Can you believe how disruptive he was…. With our worship!”
She pushed the door open and quietly made her way in. She asked a little old lady whom this person was who came and caused such a stir.
“Some Jewish Hippie, probably and illegal liberal who is against the war and God and this country!”
The girl had to turn away from the spit from the old ladies mouth.
The girl asked where he had gone. The old lady said “Out the door!”
The Pastor saw her and beckoned her to come in… she was the newest person in his congregation. He was trying to get his numbers up.
The girl looked at him then back at the door…. She stepped towards the door.
“Where are you going?” Screamed the Pastor.
“I am leaving the Church!” she shouted as she pushed the doors open.
She saw a man walking down the rode, about one hundred feet away.
She stepped outside, and as the sun hit her face…
Joy filled her heart…
And she followed Jesus from that day on.
Sunday, April 24, 2005
More thoughts on Growth (re edited)
open arms
More thoughts on Growth
John 3:13. No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven--the Son of Man. 14. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15. That everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. 16. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
How often we quote out of memory John 3: 16.... It is a great verse.... Yet, do we really catch what is being said here? Starting at verse 13: 13. No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven--the Son of Man. Do you realize NO ONE has ever been into Heaven.... Except Jesus.... That is why in Hebrews Chapter 4 it says:
14. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. 16. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Since Jesus has entered Heaven, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.
When we profess our faith, God can begin His work.
I see it that when we are face to face with our sin, or our true self, the fact we need God, we must make a choice. consciously or not, to trust in Jesus or our own works. Vs. John 3: 13, reminds us that even though God gave the Law, the perfect way to please God,no one entered Heaven.
As one begins to grow as I stated in another blog posting, the most important thing is growth this ensures our salvation. When we grow we enter first in to the conversion area. We are moving from unbelief to belief. I believe that we are not fully saved unless we move from this step. I think many are seen as professing Christians, even attend church for years, yet, never fully believe.
1 John 2:19. They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.
They walked and talked and seemed to be saved. One of us, but never were.
They never were fully converted. Many denominations teach an instant salvation. I believe that can happen, but I see many who are taught that who do not ever grow. And though I will not judge a person.. I believe many are deceived to think they "said a prayer", "raised their hand", "went forward", even "received the gift of tongues" even "got baptized" (spiritually or by water)yet, never grow beyond that, may fall under the judgment of being goats and not lambs. (Matthew 25:32)
A side note here, I am not against any of these things, in fact I have received the gift of tongues. I confess I do not use it probably as often as I should.
The point of conversion can be in an instant or years... I believe this is were one begins to recognize one's free will needs to be given to God, in exchange for His will. One then lives the life of Christ, or abides in Christ and is now dead to self or one's free will. I fully recognize this is contrary to much teaching out there...
but I see it clearly in scripture. We die to self, or are dead to self, and our new life is Christ's eternal life lived through us. We are dead, buried, then resurrected spiritually to new life, later this will be a physical resurrection at the return of Christ Jesus. The struggle is not accepting this and being double minded. Once we accept this we are sealed and can have eternal security.
I will cover vs. 14 in another post. Suffice it to say, the poisonous snakes that were sent to kill (representing sin) once lifted up and looked at, became the Hebrew's salvation (they were healed). This deserves a whole teaching in and of itself. The Hebrews were healed and saved from death by those who believed God and let the snake bite them, then looked toward the snake on a pole to save them so the same as the two Adams, Adam, and Jesus. One fell and One redeemed. That is why the conversion step is so important. If one sits on the fence and does not fully commit and believe, one may be facing eternity on their own. Yet, to believe is to receive eternal life!
Vs.16. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Imagine the love for us we are so unworthy, yet, because of God's love He deems us worthy, for believing in His Son! By believing we will not perish, but have eternal life. Jesus, gave us the Heavens! He opened the door for He is the door. We can go boldly into the Throne Room of God!
Another side note: I am not saying we have to have all our ducks in a row. Jesus meets us where we are. He responds to our faith. I think one can be saved, yet not believe in the trinity, virgin birth, or if Jonah was literally a person or a metaphor. God judges the heart, not our knowledge. God is patient, He will teach us by His Spirit what is Truth, if one is a seeker of Truth. Ask, Seek, Knock, and the Door will be open up to you Jesus is that Door!
Vs.17. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
I am not in the habit of watching this program, I am not even really sure what it is called. I think is is called "Blind Date". One day I saw the previews and there was a Christian who was on it. I had to watch. Usually this show is full of provocative situations, I do not recommend this show at all. This Christian named Mark, went on a date and throughout the date, preached and witnessed to the woman. All well, yet, as he did his words were so judgmental. He told her, a divorced, working mother of two boys; that she was failure in her life and she was going to hell.
Though I agreed with his one statement towards the end of the show I disagreed with his attitude and approach. He said, Without Jesus, everyone is going to hell. Of course this woman was not happy with him, the saddest things was after he said all this to her, he stood up and kissed her forhead and walked out! He literally cast stones, with his words, then, kissed her off. I was not sure if I should laugh or cry!
Jesus did not come into the world to condemn it but , to save it, yet so many Christians are so quick to cast stones with our words. I have even heard of a local church in Billings who asked an unwed mother to leave, because she had sinned! This is no joke.
Jesus will come back and He will Judge so make sure you are growing!
Vs.18. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
Again, believe. For all of us without Christ stand already condemned.
Believing is not static it is an ongoing thing. We grow in our belief.
So, in closing..the challenge for all of us that profess belief is
GROW!
2 Cor 10:13. We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you. 14. We are not going too far in our boasting, as would be the case if we had not come to you, for we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ. 15. Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, 16. so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in another man's territory. 17. But, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." 18. For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
Blessings,
iggy
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
The view of our driveway.... it has been melting all day!
The view of our driveway.... it has been melting all day!
TES and Fischer made it back about midnight last night.
I had to wait for a plow to clear in front of the airport to park.
Funny how just the day before we had 80 degree weather!
The picture does was about 11 am this morning.... so a lot melted.
Blessings,
iggy
Monday, April 18, 2005
April showers bring spring flowers...what does spring snow bring?
Can you believe this?
It has been raining pretty hard for the last few hours.... we found a leak in one of the windows.... the one were the computer is.
Now......
it is snowing!
Big snowflakes.
What a welcome home for TES and Fischer.... from California to snowy Montana!
blessed,
iggy
It has been raining pretty hard for the last few hours.... we found a leak in one of the windows.... the one were the computer is.
Now......
it is snowing!
Big snowflakes.
What a welcome home for TES and Fischer.... from California to snowy Montana!
blessed,
iggy
Jesus Goes to Church pt.1
Jesus Went To Church
One day Jesus decided to go to Church. He was excited at what He would share and to hear the stories of His Father and how His Spirit had given new life.
Jesus was humble.
He looked in the mirror. No He was not a Brad Pit, yet He had that certain “something”
That God’s Only Begotten would have.
He oiled His hair so it would look nice and went to fetch His donkey.
The day was beautiful…. He thanked the Father for such a day. As He rode up to the church, people began to stare. “Who is that?” some said, “Where is He going to put that filthy beast?!!!” others said.
Though Jesus heard them he thought they must be having a bad day…. It is good they came to His Fathers house.
Jesus looked for a good seat…. He did not want to miss a thing. He sat close to the front. As He was looking around a little old lady poked Him with her cane and loudly said, “ You’re in my seat!!!!!. Move!”
Jesus smiled and graciously found another seat.
The people seemed all a buzz about Jesus coming to church. Jesus had much to tell them… He was so excited.
The preacher stepped up to the pulpit…and asked if any one had something to share or if they felt God wanted them to share with the church…. He was a progressive preacher…. Even a bit too modern for some in the church.
Jesus rose and stepped up to the microphone.
With eternal fire in His eyes He started to speak…..
But before He could, someone yelled “Why is he wearing a dress?”
Someone else shouted,” It’s not a dress, it’s a robe!.” Everyone laughed.
Jesus started again, “Blessed is…” only to be cut short by
“Is he a Mexican?”
Again someone much more learned shouted, “No, he looks like a Jew!”
The whole church shouted….”A JEW?!!!”
Jesus smiled and began again, "Blessed, is the"….
“He needs to get out of that robe and wash his hair! He smells of donkey and HIS SKIN IS TOO DARK! He needs to go to his own kind’s church!”
The preacher said, “Son, you better go. We don’t need any trouble here in church.”
Jesus looked at him and the smile left his face. He opened His mouth again, but the Preacher said, "Besides, you don’t seem to have much to say any way, so leave.”
Jesus walked to the door of the church….
Outside the sunshine hit His face…
And
Jesus wept.
One day Jesus decided to go to Church. He was excited at what He would share and to hear the stories of His Father and how His Spirit had given new life.
Jesus was humble.
He looked in the mirror. No He was not a Brad Pit, yet He had that certain “something”
That God’s Only Begotten would have.
He oiled His hair so it would look nice and went to fetch His donkey.
The day was beautiful…. He thanked the Father for such a day. As He rode up to the church, people began to stare. “Who is that?” some said, “Where is He going to put that filthy beast?!!!” others said.
Though Jesus heard them he thought they must be having a bad day…. It is good they came to His Fathers house.
Jesus looked for a good seat…. He did not want to miss a thing. He sat close to the front. As He was looking around a little old lady poked Him with her cane and loudly said, “ You’re in my seat!!!!!. Move!”
Jesus smiled and graciously found another seat.
The people seemed all a buzz about Jesus coming to church. Jesus had much to tell them… He was so excited.
The preacher stepped up to the pulpit…and asked if any one had something to share or if they felt God wanted them to share with the church…. He was a progressive preacher…. Even a bit too modern for some in the church.
Jesus rose and stepped up to the microphone.
With eternal fire in His eyes He started to speak…..
But before He could, someone yelled “Why is he wearing a dress?”
Someone else shouted,” It’s not a dress, it’s a robe!.” Everyone laughed.
Jesus started again, “Blessed is…” only to be cut short by
“Is he a Mexican?”
Again someone much more learned shouted, “No, he looks like a Jew!”
The whole church shouted….”A JEW?!!!”
Jesus smiled and began again, "Blessed, is the"….
“He needs to get out of that robe and wash his hair! He smells of donkey and HIS SKIN IS TOO DARK! He needs to go to his own kind’s church!”
The preacher said, “Son, you better go. We don’t need any trouble here in church.”
Jesus looked at him and the smile left his face. He opened His mouth again, but the Preacher said, "Besides, you don’t seem to have much to say any way, so leave.”
Jesus walked to the door of the church….
Outside the sunshine hit His face…
And
Jesus wept.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Building an Idol in Our Image or Building the Perfect Christian
When I was younger, around 20 something, I was sitting through a sermon, which the teacher was preaching about progressive perfection of the saint.(Interpretation ~ as one grows closer to Jesus, one becomes more Christ like and sins less and progressively becomes more and more perfect until they sin no more). No really, this is taught in some churches... I believe John Wesley came up with this. Again, as the preacher taught I became distracted... I kept see something...now I don't know if it was a vision. But, it disturbed me greatly. What I saw was a statue... it was a man, holding a Bible glimmering like gold. He was beautiful, yet I was filled with dread. Then the thought came to me. "Have we forgotten Jesus? Have we created this Idol to the Perfect Christian?" I about jumped out of my seat.... not too uncommon in a Pentecostal church. The vision or what ever has haunted me ever since. How far have we gotten from Jesus? It is like in some churches they think, "Hey, we found Jesus, now let's get on with the real spiritual things."
How sad.
Now we have Mega Church meetings and programs that teach us how to be better Christians....Every time I think of this I think of the Scripture John 14:16 when Jesus tells the disciples of the comforter. We learn that this gift of the Person of the Holy Spirit will teach us and lead us. (John 14:25 - 26) We deceive ourselves if we think outside of Christ Jesus alone we have anything. We build Idols in our life all the time. This is really a God given drive... to drive us to Him. It is just being misapplied to something other than God. What is in the garden of our heart is what is important... by far I am not perfect.... not until Christ returns. We are to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus.
(2 Peter 3:18)
To learn Who He is....
Now, don't get me wrong I am all for Christians learning how to be better Christians. But let us not fool ourselves. I have seen so many teachers that act like they have received the "secret" from God that will fix, grow, heal, and on and on. Your Church, Youth Group, small group will be bigger and better.
We are not saved by programs. It is as if we missed the point when Jesus said, The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. (Mark 2: 27)
Let's not get caught up in the latest thing.... even Postmodern/Emerging can be an obstacle and not a door to Christ.
I am Postmodern because I live in this age... I did not choose that... nor does anyone. I am Emerging because I realized that, and see there is much work in catching up to the age we live in so we can reach the those who yet to have found Christ Jesus.
Blessed,
iggy
How sad.
Now we have Mega Church meetings and programs that teach us how to be better Christians....Every time I think of this I think of the Scripture John 14:16 when Jesus tells the disciples of the comforter. We learn that this gift of the Person of the Holy Spirit will teach us and lead us. (John 14:25 - 26) We deceive ourselves if we think outside of Christ Jesus alone we have anything. We build Idols in our life all the time. This is really a God given drive... to drive us to Him. It is just being misapplied to something other than God. What is in the garden of our heart is what is important... by far I am not perfect.... not until Christ returns. We are to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus.
(2 Peter 3:18)
To learn Who He is....
Now, don't get me wrong I am all for Christians learning how to be better Christians. But let us not fool ourselves. I have seen so many teachers that act like they have received the "secret" from God that will fix, grow, heal, and on and on. Your Church, Youth Group, small group will be bigger and better.
We are not saved by programs. It is as if we missed the point when Jesus said, The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. (Mark 2: 27)
Let's not get caught up in the latest thing.... even Postmodern/Emerging can be an obstacle and not a door to Christ.
I am Postmodern because I live in this age... I did not choose that... nor does anyone. I am Emerging because I realized that, and see there is much work in catching up to the age we live in so we can reach the those who yet to have found Christ Jesus.
Blessed,
iggy
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Jesus the Action Figure
Jesus action figure
I can see it now... Jesus has accessories.
Jesus Crucified for you accessories:
1 A Cross pre drilled holes (hammer and nails included)
2 Set of pre-nail-hole hands, for that better cross grip...feet also are available.
3 Hole in side with piercing spear (See Jesus Heart spill blood and water).
4 Crown of thorns with REAL fake blood of Christ.
5 Cat of nine for Roman guard figure....
6 removable flesh on chest and back.
7 anointing oil to prepare Jesus for burial
8. The tomb... (Like Barbie’s dream house but with less material things in it). Stone door ROLLS away!
9 Roman guards that transform into Angels!
10 the ascension... Rocket attachments where you can be GOD. You light the rocket and Jesus rises up to heaven...(Not recommended for children under the age of accountability)
Blessed,
iggy
Monday, April 11, 2005
Christianity is of the Devil!!!!
Christianity is of the Devil!!!!!
I am currently talking to an 84 year old man who believes this…. Yet he is a believer in Christ. I was at first taken aback when he said, “Christianity is of the Devil. You can’t be a 'Christian' and follow Christ".
First I want to say is that I don’t agree….
I am currently talking to an 84 year old man who believes this…. Yet he is a believer in Christ. I was at first taken aback when he said, “Christianity is of the Devil. You can’t be a 'Christian' and follow Christ".
First I want to say is that I don’t agree….
Yet I had to pause for a thought…..
This is what he is saying….even if he does not fully understand this.
Many claim to be Christian…. I would say most people in America, though fewer and fewer would, if asked, say, “I am a Christian.” Then they would say, “I am basically good, I mean I haven’t killed anyone or anything.”
I often think to myself, “If God’s standard is that we don’t kill someone, then you are doing great, but what kind of standard is that?” I mean…. I am “good” if I don’t kill.
Jesus said, “If you have anger in your heart against another person, you have committed murder in your heart.” !!!!!!!! (Rom 3:23, Matthew 5)
I have killed many on the freeway!
Yet, we do these things every day… kill, adultery, and on and on.
My 84-year-old friend was raised in a Christian home…. He went to church; he sang hymns he was baptized. Yet, he was taught to HATE “that Holy Roller Church” and it’s people.
This is what he is saying….even if he does not fully understand this.
Many claim to be Christian…. I would say most people in America, though fewer and fewer would, if asked, say, “I am a Christian.” Then they would say, “I am basically good, I mean I haven’t killed anyone or anything.”
I often think to myself, “If God’s standard is that we don’t kill someone, then you are doing great, but what kind of standard is that?” I mean…. I am “good” if I don’t kill.
Jesus said, “If you have anger in your heart against another person, you have committed murder in your heart.” !!!!!!!! (Rom 3:23, Matthew 5)
I have killed many on the freeway!
Yet, we do these things every day… kill, adultery, and on and on.
My 84-year-old friend was raised in a Christian home…. He went to church; he sang hymns he was baptized. Yet, he was taught to HATE “that Holy Roller Church” and it’s people.
Because they did not believe exactly as his parents and their church did.
(Mark 7)
He is a storyteller…. I don’t have space to share the stories. I will have to just say he is re-living his life and is writing a book about how God was reaching out to him and how he hardened his heart…. And surrendered to Satan.
He never missed church!
(Matthew 5:20)
I understand what he is really saying…. We can deceive ourselves and do all the time.
We need Jesus, not religion, not just doctrine, but JESUS.
Don’t get me wrong, we need to study doctrine and make sure we are on the right path.
Yet, if our doctrine is keeping people out or the Kingdom, then maybe we need to recheck our doctrine…. We may be making them twice as fit for HELL as our self. (Matthew 23: 25)
Jesus never came to start a Religion!
He came to bring us the Kingdom of God!
(Matthew 5:20)
I agree…. I am sure He never intended His Body, the Church, to be a religion…. I believe if He is the Head…. And We are His Body…. WE were meant to be a living organism that would reach out to the world, as the Father did…. When He sent His SON.
(Romans 12)
Christianity as a Religion is as good and EVIL as any Religion…. So we must make sure that we practice True Religion…. To care for widows and orphans and Fatherless children. (James 1)
Literally and metaphorically….
For without Jesus, we are ALL FATHERLESS CHILDREN!
Don’t let your religion get in the way of your faith in Christ… practice your faith and work out your great and wonderful salvation!
Blessings,
(Mark 7)
He is a storyteller…. I don’t have space to share the stories. I will have to just say he is re-living his life and is writing a book about how God was reaching out to him and how he hardened his heart…. And surrendered to Satan.
He never missed church!
(Matthew 5:20)
I understand what he is really saying…. We can deceive ourselves and do all the time.
We need Jesus, not religion, not just doctrine, but JESUS.
Don’t get me wrong, we need to study doctrine and make sure we are on the right path.
Yet, if our doctrine is keeping people out or the Kingdom, then maybe we need to recheck our doctrine…. We may be making them twice as fit for HELL as our self. (Matthew 23: 25)
Jesus never came to start a Religion!
He came to bring us the Kingdom of God!
(Matthew 5:20)
I agree…. I am sure He never intended His Body, the Church, to be a religion…. I believe if He is the Head…. And We are His Body…. WE were meant to be a living organism that would reach out to the world, as the Father did…. When He sent His SON.
(Romans 12)
Christianity as a Religion is as good and EVIL as any Religion…. So we must make sure that we practice True Religion…. To care for widows and orphans and Fatherless children. (James 1)
Literally and metaphorically….
For without Jesus, we are ALL FATHERLESS CHILDREN!
Don’t let your religion get in the way of your faith in Christ… practice your faith and work out your great and wonderful salvation!
Blessings,
iggy
Thursday, April 07, 2005
This Kid is Amazing
This kid is amazing…
He attacks life with total abandon…
He wonders at the smallest things…
All things are new to him…
Wouldn’t it be great to have that again?
2 Corinthians 5: 17. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Blessings,
iggy
What Blue Eyes
He attacks life with total abandon…
He wonders at the smallest things…
All things are new to him…
Wouldn’t it be great to have that again?
2 Corinthians 5: 17. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Blessings,
iggy
What Blue Eyes
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
HOLY POOP!
There are some great thoughts on JP's Blog today. I tend to write some of my better stuff on other people's blogs. Today I decided to respond here.
I got baby fever. I have a one year old boy, Fischer and another little girl on the way. So.... as a father I had this thought....
When Jesus was a baby someone had to change His diapers....Right? He was a baby...So there was poop. I am not meaning to be blasphemous... God became a man. God, the creator of all things.... became a man. Just like one of us! Believe me I have met some "spiritual" people... Some good and some bad. But, this is the equalizer of all mankind... A trip to the toitee.
Jesus, was the example for us. He not only ministered to the lepers... but touched them. He then made them clean by His touch, so he remained clean Himself. Now, we are His Body... We are His hands and feet. We are to go and touch those that no one wants... The ones just like you and me.
Getting back to poop. Have you ever thought of the ministry of diaper changing... Not just at your church, but the actual job itself.To have a child so helpless that someone needs to care enough to clean up the filth the baby had created. I see God doing that to me everyday... Often without my even knowing it. That is His Grace. He reaches out to us and cleanse us from the poop we create in our life. I know I get tired of diaper duty. It seems to never end, but I will do it because I love my child. We are the children of God... How much more does He love us?
If you think this post stunk I apologize...
blessed,
iggy
I got baby fever. I have a one year old boy, Fischer and another little girl on the way. So.... as a father I had this thought....
When Jesus was a baby someone had to change His diapers....Right? He was a baby...So there was poop. I am not meaning to be blasphemous... God became a man. God, the creator of all things.... became a man. Just like one of us! Believe me I have met some "spiritual" people... Some good and some bad. But, this is the equalizer of all mankind... A trip to the toitee.
Jesus, was the example for us. He not only ministered to the lepers... but touched them. He then made them clean by His touch, so he remained clean Himself. Now, we are His Body... We are His hands and feet. We are to go and touch those that no one wants... The ones just like you and me.
Getting back to poop. Have you ever thought of the ministry of diaper changing... Not just at your church, but the actual job itself.To have a child so helpless that someone needs to care enough to clean up the filth the baby had created. I see God doing that to me everyday... Often without my even knowing it. That is His Grace. He reaches out to us and cleanse us from the poop we create in our life. I know I get tired of diaper duty. It seems to never end, but I will do it because I love my child. We are the children of God... How much more does He love us?
If you think this post stunk I apologize...
blessed,
iggy
Monday, April 04, 2005
What is on your clip board?
OK, I admit I rarely have an original thought. I actually am stealing this idea from Rick S.
What is on your clip board? You know when you cut and paste.... Go to comments and leave your last saved clip board.
Blessings,
iggy
What is on your clip board? You know when you cut and paste.... Go to comments and leave your last saved clip board.
Blessings,
iggy
Friday, April 01, 2005
Jack Chick expands his empire
When I was young I was drawn to Jack Chick... His art was pretty good as far as the comics offered by Christians of the day...
I later found him quite offensive as he was sure the Pope was the anti Christ and Catholics where heading to hell. His portrayal of the gay community seemed also a "little" overboard.
But this floored me...
You have to read the article to see what I mean!
I later found him quite offensive as he was sure the Pope was the anti Christ and Catholics where heading to hell. His portrayal of the gay community seemed also a "little" overboard.
But this floored me...
You have to read the article to see what I mean!
Friday, March 25, 2005
Tired of Post-Modernism...Lets Move On To Post-Post-Modernism
I was doing the random blog and the first on I came upon was one called Big Easy his opening sentence floored me...
"Cultural theorists may think we're in the age of "post-post-modernism," but our theologians are still simply contending with the impacts of Descartes, Copernicus, Darwin, and Freud. The most profound impact of modernity is that we can no longer base the authority of our religious testaments on history; our myths and our Gods are refuted by scientific reality. We lose our absolutes, and the sense of certainty they afforded us.
Considering the ramification of not doing anything as we enter and begin the journey of this post modern age...We miss out on reaching a culture who has lost faith in trivial things that do not matter.
This is exciting as we must understand that this means trivial and superficial is not the "cool" but is "on the out".
As one puts his finger on the pulse of culture around us... We see people seeking something... "The Real".
As a post modern Christian I see this as a real opportunity to introduce the ones who do not Know Jesus... The Real Jesus.
Modernity has gone it's full road... The world has out grown moderns view of God and religion. But, no one can outgrow the Living God and His Son our Messiah.
If we believe that Jesus is Real... Then we have no fear in sharing this with others. Especially those who seek the Real.
It is as if those of postmodern age...Or as this thinker stated, the "post-post-modern age", have become like children again in their attempt to see things in a new light...New experience as to see things as Real.
We must move forward...Not just think "attack Darwin and evolution" or other modern Demigods...who have failed on their own to answer life's Real questions.
Jesus tells us "Do not fear for I am with you always".
Do we believe this?
iggy
"Cultural theorists may think we're in the age of "post-post-modernism," but our theologians are still simply contending with the impacts of Descartes, Copernicus, Darwin, and Freud. The most profound impact of modernity is that we can no longer base the authority of our religious testaments on history; our myths and our Gods are refuted by scientific reality. We lose our absolutes, and the sense of certainty they afforded us.
Considering the ramification of not doing anything as we enter and begin the journey of this post modern age...We miss out on reaching a culture who has lost faith in trivial things that do not matter.
This is exciting as we must understand that this means trivial and superficial is not the "cool" but is "on the out".
As one puts his finger on the pulse of culture around us... We see people seeking something... "The Real".
As a post modern Christian I see this as a real opportunity to introduce the ones who do not Know Jesus... The Real Jesus.
Modernity has gone it's full road... The world has out grown moderns view of God and religion. But, no one can outgrow the Living God and His Son our Messiah.
If we believe that Jesus is Real... Then we have no fear in sharing this with others. Especially those who seek the Real.
It is as if those of postmodern age...Or as this thinker stated, the "post-post-modern age", have become like children again in their attempt to see things in a new light...New experience as to see things as Real.
We must move forward...Not just think "attack Darwin and evolution" or other modern Demigods...who have failed on their own to answer life's Real questions.
Jesus tells us "Do not fear for I am with you always".
Do we believe this?
iggy
He Is Risen!
He Is Risen
1 Corinthians 15:12. But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13. If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. 20. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. (NIV)
And all I can say is Amen!
Happy resurrection Day!
Here is a Max Lucado presentation... in the words of late comedian Chris Farley..."It is awesome".
Blessed,
iggy
1 Corinthians 15:12. But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13. If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. 20. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. (NIV)
And all I can say is Amen!
Happy resurrection Day!
Here is a Max Lucado presentation... in the words of late comedian Chris Farley..."It is awesome".
Blessed,
iggy
Things that bother me about Terri's case
This case is so disturbing on many different levels...
1. I do not want the gov't to get involved in a tough enough decision as letting a loved one die.
2. Courts should not have the right to give the death sentence to an innocent.
3. Even if a hint of the possibility of an allegation of abuse and contributing to Terri's condition was caused by her husband the court should step in to investigate "that". Mean while leaving in the tube. This would show more respect for Terri if these allegations are remotely true.
4. Removing a feeding tube is not the same as removing a breathing machine or removing dialysis or any other "life support.
5. When my stepfather in-law was dying of cancer (starvation because he could no longer take any matter in) we were allowed to give comfort and put a wet sponge to his lips and tongue to relieve some of the pain...The morphine did the rest. Terri's is being denied this comfort as she "humanely starves to death".
6. Get a living will at the very least...A medical power of attorney is better...(I think that is what it is called).
7. If there is no real statement from the person (Terri) then who ever is willing to take care of the person should be able to...As in the family.
8. Who is to judge when a life has "quality of living" many handicapped people have more severe issues that Terri yet are allowed to live...For now.
9. I have seen animals treated and put to death more humanely than what we are witnessing here with Terri.
10. I see this as a huge change of values in America... I see this as leading toward something very sinister... I recently published a post on my other blog Baby Shelton update about fetal testing to find out if our baby might have down syndrome...We decided to not have the tests as we would love her anyway. It is sad to think some parents choose other wise and that we even have a choose. (I know this testing can scan for many other problems... But even those do not mean we have a right or privilege to take a life... Even if yet unborn. If we allow this case to set precedent that we can kill someone if they are deemed not as fit as the rest of us...Well, I can see the rise of Nazism in America.... ( our daughter seems to be healthy).
11. With at least 2 sworn affidavits saying Mike (Terri's husband... Using that term perversely) saying he has called her a "bitch" and "when is she going to die?" even possible injecting her with insulin to cause her to go into shock...
12. Even though I see it should never had to involve Congress... But it did and they said to have a "new trial" why did a Fed Judge refuse to do this... I see this as contempt of congress.
13. We must realize that Judges are to view "the Law" which as someone said in this case..."Those who think law is the answer to our problems need to face the reality that law is a crude and blunt instrument." I agree. As with the "Law of Moses" that we as Christians are no longer under as we are under Christ and the Higher Law of Love, there is no mercy under the Law.
14. Terri Schiavo wasn't dying until she was denied food and water by court order. If a parent or pet owner locked their child or pet in a room without food and water, is that letting her die? Do you think a court would accept that as a defense?
15. If Terri has been in a persistent vegetative state since 1990. Why is she been known to respond to her parents and sit up and even swallow jello? When has her brain activity ceased?
16. If we depend on the legal system to create law... We the people will lose our freedoms. We need to diligently guard ourselves... So get that living will!
17. IF YOU DENY ANY ONE FOOD OR WATER THEY WILL DIE... So why can't the family at least give her water? This is murder! Not letting her die...With dignity!
18. We being a so called "Christian" nation...(I don't agree with that we are a Christian Nation) should never even be having this discussion...
19. Mike (Terri's husband...Again using that term loosely) gave up his "right as husband when he shacked up with his new "common law" wife and had two kids with her... I am not judging him for moving on... Just "hanging on" without considering Terri's families position.
iggy
1. I do not want the gov't to get involved in a tough enough decision as letting a loved one die.
2. Courts should not have the right to give the death sentence to an innocent.
3. Even if a hint of the possibility of an allegation of abuse and contributing to Terri's condition was caused by her husband the court should step in to investigate "that". Mean while leaving in the tube. This would show more respect for Terri if these allegations are remotely true.
4. Removing a feeding tube is not the same as removing a breathing machine or removing dialysis or any other "life support.
5. When my stepfather in-law was dying of cancer (starvation because he could no longer take any matter in) we were allowed to give comfort and put a wet sponge to his lips and tongue to relieve some of the pain...The morphine did the rest. Terri's is being denied this comfort as she "humanely starves to death".
6. Get a living will at the very least...A medical power of attorney is better...(I think that is what it is called).
7. If there is no real statement from the person (Terri) then who ever is willing to take care of the person should be able to...As in the family.
8. Who is to judge when a life has "quality of living" many handicapped people have more severe issues that Terri yet are allowed to live...For now.
9. I have seen animals treated and put to death more humanely than what we are witnessing here with Terri.
10. I see this as a huge change of values in America... I see this as leading toward something very sinister... I recently published a post on my other blog Baby Shelton update about fetal testing to find out if our baby might have down syndrome...We decided to not have the tests as we would love her anyway. It is sad to think some parents choose other wise and that we even have a choose. (I know this testing can scan for many other problems... But even those do not mean we have a right or privilege to take a life... Even if yet unborn. If we allow this case to set precedent that we can kill someone if they are deemed not as fit as the rest of us...Well, I can see the rise of Nazism in America.... ( our daughter seems to be healthy).
11. With at least 2 sworn affidavits saying Mike (Terri's husband... Using that term perversely) saying he has called her a "bitch" and "when is she going to die?" even possible injecting her with insulin to cause her to go into shock...
12. Even though I see it should never had to involve Congress... But it did and they said to have a "new trial" why did a Fed Judge refuse to do this... I see this as contempt of congress.
13. We must realize that Judges are to view "the Law" which as someone said in this case..."Those who think law is the answer to our problems need to face the reality that law is a crude and blunt instrument." I agree. As with the "Law of Moses" that we as Christians are no longer under as we are under Christ and the Higher Law of Love, there is no mercy under the Law.
14. Terri Schiavo wasn't dying until she was denied food and water by court order. If a parent or pet owner locked their child or pet in a room without food and water, is that letting her die? Do you think a court would accept that as a defense?
15. If Terri has been in a persistent vegetative state since 1990. Why is she been known to respond to her parents and sit up and even swallow jello? When has her brain activity ceased?
16. If we depend on the legal system to create law... We the people will lose our freedoms. We need to diligently guard ourselves... So get that living will!
17. IF YOU DENY ANY ONE FOOD OR WATER THEY WILL DIE... So why can't the family at least give her water? This is murder! Not letting her die...With dignity!
18. We being a so called "Christian" nation...(I don't agree with that we are a Christian Nation) should never even be having this discussion...
19. Mike (Terri's husband...Again using that term loosely) gave up his "right as husband when he shacked up with his new "common law" wife and had two kids with her... I am not judging him for moving on... Just "hanging on" without considering Terri's families position.
iggy
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Another Quiz ....I find my self Quaking...
OK,
My new friend "the token Catholic" Hugo, had this quiz link.... I did it and this was my results.
I do not think that the quiz truly represented my beliefs though.. As Question 12 I did not agree with any of the choices.
It is fun though.
Here is the thing I agree with #2. Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (92%) and am intrigued by #1 Orthodox Quaker (100%) ... Would I be disqualified if i support the war on terrorism and would fight for my country? In many ways I am a pacifist, yet, I do not think I am pure enough to be a quaker.
but #3?
I do not hold that Saturday is "the" day of worship
nor do I agree with much of their doctrine. Maybe I am influenced by these Seventh day Bible books they sold my mom and I read when I was young.
#4. Eastern Orthodox (83%) I agree as It is a more mystical approach in belief... But still too legalistic for me.
#5. Roman Catholic (83%) I am called by my "anti-Catholic" friends...(using the term loosely) that I am a "Catholic lover".
#6. I do seem to have a bit of a "liberal" bent at times (cuz I love Catholics?)hahaha.
#7. Orthodox Judaism (56%) Maybe Messianic Jew... But I doubt that is orthodox.
#8. Liberal Quakers (55%) Again with the Quakers? I may need to look into this more.
#9 - 27 HUH? I was accused of being a Unitarian...But they had no clue what they were talking about.
Here are the results.
1. Orthodox Quaker (100%)
2. Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (92%)
3. Seventh Day Adventist (86%)
4. Eastern Orthodox (83%)
5. Roman Catholic (83%)
6. Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (70%)
7. Orthodox Judaism (56%)
8. Liberal Quakers (55%)
9. Islam (54%)
10. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (52%)
11. Unitarian Universalism (51%)
12. Hinduism (49%)
13. Bahá'í Faith (44%)
14. Mahayana Buddhism (43%)
15. Theravada Buddhism (42%)
16. Jainism (41%)
17. Sikhism (41%)
18. Jehovah's Witness (37%)
19. Reform Judaism (37%)
20. Neo-Pagan (35%)
21. New Age (34%)
22. Secular Humanism (27%)
23. Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (24%)
24. Taoism (23%)
25. Nontheist (21%)
26. Scientology (20%)
27. New Thought (17%)
This is the top ten the second time I took it... it made a little more sense.
But still that Quaker thing?
1.
Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (100%)
2.
Orthodox Quaker (93%)
3.
Eastern Orthodox (87%)
4.
Roman Catholic (87%)
5.
Seventh Day Adventist (82%)
6.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (68%)
7.
Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (66%)
8.
Islam (64%)
9.
Orthodox Judaism (64%)
10.
Bahá'í Faith (51%)
Try it... maybe you will be surprised also! Or confused...
Blessed
iggy
My new friend "the token Catholic" Hugo, had this quiz link.... I did it and this was my results.
I do not think that the quiz truly represented my beliefs though.. As Question 12 I did not agree with any of the choices.
It is fun though.
Here is the thing I agree with #2. Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (92%) and am intrigued by #1 Orthodox Quaker (100%) ... Would I be disqualified if i support the war on terrorism and would fight for my country? In many ways I am a pacifist, yet, I do not think I am pure enough to be a quaker.
but #3?
I do not hold that Saturday is "the" day of worship
nor do I agree with much of their doctrine. Maybe I am influenced by these Seventh day Bible books they sold my mom and I read when I was young.
#4. Eastern Orthodox (83%) I agree as It is a more mystical approach in belief... But still too legalistic for me.
#5. Roman Catholic (83%) I am called by my "anti-Catholic" friends...(using the term loosely) that I am a "Catholic lover".
#6. I do seem to have a bit of a "liberal" bent at times (cuz I love Catholics?)hahaha.
#7. Orthodox Judaism (56%) Maybe Messianic Jew... But I doubt that is orthodox.
#8. Liberal Quakers (55%) Again with the Quakers? I may need to look into this more.
#9 - 27 HUH? I was accused of being a Unitarian...But they had no clue what they were talking about.
Here are the results.
1. Orthodox Quaker (100%)
2. Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (92%)
3. Seventh Day Adventist (86%)
4. Eastern Orthodox (83%)
5. Roman Catholic (83%)
6. Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (70%)
7. Orthodox Judaism (56%)
8. Liberal Quakers (55%)
9. Islam (54%)
10. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (52%)
11. Unitarian Universalism (51%)
12. Hinduism (49%)
13. Bahá'í Faith (44%)
14. Mahayana Buddhism (43%)
15. Theravada Buddhism (42%)
16. Jainism (41%)
17. Sikhism (41%)
18. Jehovah's Witness (37%)
19. Reform Judaism (37%)
20. Neo-Pagan (35%)
21. New Age (34%)
22. Secular Humanism (27%)
23. Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (24%)
24. Taoism (23%)
25. Nontheist (21%)
26. Scientology (20%)
27. New Thought (17%)
This is the top ten the second time I took it... it made a little more sense.
But still that Quaker thing?
1.
Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (100%)
2.
Orthodox Quaker (93%)
3.
Eastern Orthodox (87%)
4.
Roman Catholic (87%)
5.
Seventh Day Adventist (82%)
6.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (68%)
7.
Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (66%)
8.
Islam (64%)
9.
Orthodox Judaism (64%)
10.
Bahá'í Faith (51%)
Try it... maybe you will be surprised also! Or confused...
Blessed
iggy
Monday, March 21, 2005
Jesus, the King and Sacrifice...or the bull of the lord
Sacrifice... that is what Easter or as I would rather call resurrection Day is about.
I have always heard of how Jesus was the Lamb of God... even the teaching of the "scapegoat"...either being a reference to Jesus or Azuzal being the devil...cast out to the desert with laying of hands tranfering the sins of the people onto the Scapegoat.
But, I have never heard anyone explain why the sacrifice of the bull or ox was so important...if you read it is refered in the sacrificial system as the big sacrifice...a sign of prosperity and wealth...
But, I began thinking and searching around and found one link that refered to this sacrifice. It brought out something that caught my eye... God being like and Ox as God's Word uses an ox to represent strong, patient, enduring and uncomplaining service. An ox was known for strength... often able to go on in it's work for hours of intense hard labor...and if not watched could literally work itself to death. Jesus was like the Ox...He went on to do His Father's work... until death.
We are to trust the finished work of Jesus on the cross...we can't add to it or make it any more perfect than it is and was...
In this sense Jesus was the Bull of the Lord...the great sacrifice...the highest of all sacrifices. Have a blessed Resurrection Day.
Blessed,
iggy
I have always heard of how Jesus was the Lamb of God... even the teaching of the "scapegoat"...either being a reference to Jesus or Azuzal being the devil...cast out to the desert with laying of hands tranfering the sins of the people onto the Scapegoat.
But, I have never heard anyone explain why the sacrifice of the bull or ox was so important...if you read it is refered in the sacrificial system as the big sacrifice...a sign of prosperity and wealth...
But, I began thinking and searching around and found one link that refered to this sacrifice. It brought out something that caught my eye... God being like and Ox as God's Word uses an ox to represent strong, patient, enduring and uncomplaining service. An ox was known for strength... often able to go on in it's work for hours of intense hard labor...and if not watched could literally work itself to death. Jesus was like the Ox...He went on to do His Father's work... until death.
We are to trust the finished work of Jesus on the cross...we can't add to it or make it any more perfect than it is and was...
In this sense Jesus was the Bull of the Lord...the great sacrifice...the highest of all sacrifices. Have a blessed Resurrection Day.
Blessed,
iggy
Values in relation to community
Disclaimer:
This is part of another comment section on JP's Blog.... I guess I am feeling lazy today and this is the most inspired thinking I can muster.
We have great freedom in Christ... but not all things are beneficial. The main point is do we accept those who do not fit our idea of the "Christian" or do we cram them into “our” image of Christ.
I believe when one is in Christ, one has the Holy Spirit to guide them... but also God wants us to have fellowship with one another.
In Emerging thought we call this community. Each community must find its "values". In some community it may be important that we learn to approach "middle class peoples" in some the homeless. One friend calls his "People" his "tribe”. Issues of the early churches varied with every church... not all had the same problems...Galatians battled legalism while Corinth well battle a too permissive Grace. (A man amongst you brags about sleeping with his father’s wife?!...Slight paraphrase).
I was in a service last Sunday where the pastor was trying to explain that we live by principles... not rules... I tapped my wife on the shoulder and she turned and said what I was thinking... "Don’t we live by the life of Christ?"
From the outsider looking in principles and rules are the same thing... there is no difference.
We as a church must learn to understand our culture and reach out to it... embrace the "seekers" and bring them into community.
Kristin brought up music. Great example.
If one is reaching out to the death metal culture... then we need to understand it. The difference is that though I can't relate to that "style", others might, and reach those yet to find Christ. I know many who do not enjoy Miles Davis as I do. My wife always asks... "Can we listen to something else?" I always say, "He's a jazz giant". In other words she would not relate to that part of the "Jazz" community.
The idea is to accept the people and bring them into community that leads to developing values of that community that in turn can reach out and reach more people of the culture around us.
To many churches have isolated themselves from culture and wonder why no one enters their doors. One church in Billings thinks that their church growth program is to keep the church from growing.... literally! I think without realizing it many churches do this or send the signal to their community this message.
I find it interesting that Jesus was condemned for sitting with people the religious people would not accept. Jesus said it was the sick that need the Doctor…not the well. The issue is that we are all sick.
In some ways we have gotten too attached to the idea of how we “do church” here in America. I was told I did not have a church because I had too few members… and meet at a coffee shop. Yet, I recall sitting in a church that had about 6 people sitting in the pews and thinking that these people had nothing to do with each other outside of church and seemed to be content with their “religious duty” of attending church.
The idea of community is the development of the people in the fellowship. In other words growth. Will mistakes be made on the way? You betcha! (as we say in Montana).
That is all a part of growth.
Blessed,
iggy
This is part of another comment section on JP's Blog.... I guess I am feeling lazy today and this is the most inspired thinking I can muster.
We have great freedom in Christ... but not all things are beneficial. The main point is do we accept those who do not fit our idea of the "Christian" or do we cram them into “our” image of Christ.
I believe when one is in Christ, one has the Holy Spirit to guide them... but also God wants us to have fellowship with one another.
In Emerging thought we call this community. Each community must find its "values". In some community it may be important that we learn to approach "middle class peoples" in some the homeless. One friend calls his "People" his "tribe”. Issues of the early churches varied with every church... not all had the same problems...Galatians battled legalism while Corinth well battle a too permissive Grace. (A man amongst you brags about sleeping with his father’s wife?!...Slight paraphrase).
I was in a service last Sunday where the pastor was trying to explain that we live by principles... not rules... I tapped my wife on the shoulder and she turned and said what I was thinking... "Don’t we live by the life of Christ?"
From the outsider looking in principles and rules are the same thing... there is no difference.
We as a church must learn to understand our culture and reach out to it... embrace the "seekers" and bring them into community.
Kristin brought up music. Great example.
If one is reaching out to the death metal culture... then we need to understand it. The difference is that though I can't relate to that "style", others might, and reach those yet to find Christ. I know many who do not enjoy Miles Davis as I do. My wife always asks... "Can we listen to something else?" I always say, "He's a jazz giant". In other words she would not relate to that part of the "Jazz" community.
The idea is to accept the people and bring them into community that leads to developing values of that community that in turn can reach out and reach more people of the culture around us.
To many churches have isolated themselves from culture and wonder why no one enters their doors. One church in Billings thinks that their church growth program is to keep the church from growing.... literally! I think without realizing it many churches do this or send the signal to their community this message.
I find it interesting that Jesus was condemned for sitting with people the religious people would not accept. Jesus said it was the sick that need the Doctor…not the well. The issue is that we are all sick.
In some ways we have gotten too attached to the idea of how we “do church” here in America. I was told I did not have a church because I had too few members… and meet at a coffee shop. Yet, I recall sitting in a church that had about 6 people sitting in the pews and thinking that these people had nothing to do with each other outside of church and seemed to be content with their “religious duty” of attending church.
The idea of community is the development of the people in the fellowship. In other words growth. Will mistakes be made on the way? You betcha! (as we say in Montana).
That is all a part of growth.
Blessed,
iggy
Friday, March 18, 2005
Blogger Friends and Heavy Discussions
Blogging has been one of those milestone events in my life...boy that sounds sad in a way.What I mean is it has opened up the world in a new way. I have made friends, maybe a few enemies (not that I know any) and have had some of the most interesting discussions I have had in years.
The most current ones:
Homosexuality: with the token Catholic...Hugo
Baptism: with JP a member of the Church of Christ
Postmodernism: more discussion with JP
Discussion with Kristen...(man she is one sharp cookie) Should women wear a head covering read her blog Heads and Hair
These are all good reads...no, not just because I am in the conversation...
Here is the most touching one...from my neice in California. A poem to the newest edition of Sheltons to be born in July we call Baby Girl, (until we have a name): Chrissy
Blessed,
iggy
The most current ones:
Homosexuality: with the token Catholic...Hugo
Baptism: with JP a member of the Church of Christ
Postmodernism: more discussion with JP
Discussion with Kristen...(man she is one sharp cookie) Should women wear a head covering read her blog Heads and Hair
These are all good reads...no, not just because I am in the conversation...
Here is the most touching one...from my neice in California. A poem to the newest edition of Sheltons to be born in July we call Baby Girl, (until we have a name): Chrissy
Blessed,
iggy
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
It's a Girl!
A little girl... or as the ultrasound tech said...we have a "hamburger" and not a "turtle"...(just think a little bit about it).
We are excited... we admit we were thinking "boy" yet we never thought "not a girl" if you know what I mean.
Now, we are in a serious search for a girls name. May is a family name as my grandmother and mother had it as a middle name. I guess that is a given.
Seda
Calica
Rainy
Carly
I will be adding some more as we go.
Blessings,
iggy
(you can read more about this adventure on BabySheltonupdate (the sequel)
We are excited... we admit we were thinking "boy" yet we never thought "not a girl" if you know what I mean.
Now, we are in a serious search for a girls name. May is a family name as my grandmother and mother had it as a middle name. I guess that is a given.
Seda
Calica
Rainy
Carly
I will be adding some more as we go.
Blessings,
iggy
(you can read more about this adventure on BabySheltonupdate (the sequel)
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Head leaves KORN for Christ!
Head Leaves Korn For Christ!
Wow!
Sometimes news hits you with ton of bricks...
Now I was not a big Korn fan...but I must say besides soundgarden the downtuned sound was taken to an all new level with Korn. I remember listening to them for the first time...though I can't remember the song's name the topic was the singers molestation as a child...you could hear real pain as he screamed as in a primal scream therapy...I remember they did not play that song live as it had such an effect on him.
Now Brian "Head" Welch one of the guitarists has professed Christ and was baptized in the Jordan river... he also has quit the group.
Now, will this be the Bob Dylan of this generation? Will the Church burn him out like they did Dylan? I pray not. All in all though...God is good!
blessings,
iggy
Story here
Wow!
Sometimes news hits you with ton of bricks...
Now I was not a big Korn fan...but I must say besides soundgarden the downtuned sound was taken to an all new level with Korn. I remember listening to them for the first time...though I can't remember the song's name the topic was the singers molestation as a child...you could hear real pain as he screamed as in a primal scream therapy...I remember they did not play that song live as it had such an effect on him.
Now Brian "Head" Welch one of the guitarists has professed Christ and was baptized in the Jordan river... he also has quit the group.
Now, will this be the Bob Dylan of this generation? Will the Church burn him out like they did Dylan? I pray not. All in all though...God is good!
blessings,
iggy
Story here
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