Fat Preachers and the holidays

After viewing a few popular preachers I was instinctively turned off by their rotund appearance. I had to ask myself, 'Am I being over critical or is there a real issue here that I am just discovery that needs to be looked at closer'? You see, I thought it seemed hypocritical that Preachers are quick to condemn a carnal sin like adultery or homosexuality, but remain totally silent (it seems) on another carnal sin like gluttony. So I got my Bible out to see what it says abut over eating, and rather than give you verbatim quotes, I will give you quick summaries.
For starters, over-eating is not praised anywhere in the Bible; it is in fact looked down upon., (Proverbs 23:1-3). It is also a characteristic of ungodly people-Philippians 3:19. Can a Christians truly be holy or distinct if they cannot control their appetites? I knew a Christian that was so over-weight that whenever he talked, his breathing was very labored. How many people would find such a heavy person's witness credible or true? Isn't that another way of living in sin? Paul does tell us to be tempered in all things, (including eating) in ICorinthians 9:25-27. Common sense should tell anyone that if a person engages in excessive behavior then that behavior should disqualify them from leading others; that at least part of their lives is out of control and not under God's direction. (see Timothy 3:2 for proof). Add to the fact that there is currently a famine and a food shortage in many parts of the world only adds to the calloused nature of over eating. When we over eat our appetite becomes our god because it is that tasty morsel that ultimately concern us; not the God of the universe. (See Philippians 3:19). I pray that my attitude has not been too harsh.

a story for Christmas

Attached is a story I wrote for a paper that was passed out locally during an outreach. It' s genre is historical fiction. In other words, the characters did exist but the dialog in the story is more to bring a point across and to give you idea what it was like living around Jesus time. Here goes:

Courage

With much being said about the Child and the recent visit of the group of Magi in our area; that caused me to recount a visit with the Child’s father Joseph Ben-Jacob, it was with the utmost curiosity that I sought out the Child’s parents; particularly the father-Joseph Ben-Jacob. As you will found out, it is fact that controversy has followed Joseph’s family that fuels such strong curiosity.
During a hospitable meal of flat bread and salted fish, we talked about many things-from yokes to dumb oxen. However the conversation took on a more serious tone when I asked Joseph this pointed question: “Joseph why did you decide to wed Mary? Nobody would have looked down upon you for divorcing her.”
Joseph paused for a moment giving me a thoughtful and intense look. He then took a deep breath and then proceeded to talk: “I did think about divorcing her. The law would not have condemned me for divorcing her. There were even those who were encouraging me to stone her.”
“But you didn’t stone her.”
“I couldn't", came Joseph’s reply in a soften voice.
Joseph continued: “There were even those who got very excited and gleeful at the idea of executing Mary by stoning her. Even though the thought of adultery from Mary pained me, I never wanted her dead. So I was going to send her away quietly with a bill of divorce.”
“But obviously you didn’t do either Joseph, what changed you mind?”
“It was a dream that I had. It was like no other dream I ever had before.”
“What made this dream so different Joseph?”
“This dream involved a visit from an Angel. This angel called me by name. This angel knew that I was thinking about divorcing Mary. This angel knew that I feared the reproach of men and for Mary’s welfare. This angel correctly identified my ancestor.”
Joseph continued: “When an angel in a dream knows you so intimately it bears all the marks of the Almighty Himself.
“What did the Angel tell you in the dream Joseph?”
“He reassured me that the Child was holy, (and not the result of adultery), and that I should proceed with the betrothal.”
“Any regrets Joseph?”
“No, but Mary still receives cold-hearted stares when she draws water. Some people seemed so disappointed that they couldn’t condemn her or brand me a fool.”
“Such courage!” came my response.
“No! Such a wonderful God that gives courage!” corrected Joseph.

good prayer, bad prayer

I have always been bothered when ever football teams took the time to pray before they prayed. Why does it bother me? Was God suppose to hand that team a victory just because they prayed? If that is the motive, (victory in a game), then it is the wrong reason to pray. Such a prayer turns the God of Universe into a cosmic "do this for me" Gennie. Such attitudes and thoughts insult God and I can promise you that if He is not honored in your prayer, then He will not listen to your prayers. Don't get me wrong! Prayer is a good thing; prayer is a wonderful thing when it is done right! However in many cases (just like the football example), it is done for the wrong reasons, the wrong motives, and with the wrong expectations. Prayer is communicating with God. Prayer is lining up your will with God's will. Prayer is not getting your way or wish. Prayer does not involved chanting repetitious words or phrases. Prayer is not going into alter states or having a mystical experience. Such practice even when done under christian guise is occultic and a doorway that opens up to being influenced by evil forces. In fact let me share with you what Jesus says about such prayer practices-"And when you pray, do not use vain (useless) repetitions like the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words." (Mathew 6:7). And yet such prayer practices that Jesus told us not to do are being practiced today through soaking prayer, centering prayer, lectio devinia (spelling?), contemplative prayer, and other related practices. Such practices are pretty much a revolt against God-bottom line!

Let me share another example: Let's say there is a church that is praying for revival. Now revival is a good thing! However if the motive for revival is so that the church membership swells so that the coffers fill up with money then God would not honor such prayer. God honors our prayers when we honor Him and thank Him. If this same church started to pray for revival because they couldn't stand the thought of another soul in Hell, then such a prayer I think would be answered because it reflects God's loving character.

I want to end by recommending a book by R. A. Torrey called "How to Pray". It is good!

the bucket list

There is a recent movie out that got me thinking alittle; it is called "The Bucket List". The idea of a bucket list is to do certain things, (ususally daring and glorious things) before you die, (e.g. sky-diving, going to Fiji, ect.). Well that got me thinking to the point where I was put off by a bucket list. The reason for the is the idea (however implied or unspoken), is that one must fulfill their dreams now because heaven is not as fun or interesting as this current world. (Really?). Well then they need to read Revelation chapters 21 and 22. There you will get an idea that the new Heaven and the new Earth will be of such splendor that it would shatter the carnal soul just trying to view it! Don't take my word for it, read also Revelation 4:3-11. Trust me, no one could ever yawn in God's presence! Nor would they want too!

homosexual reactions

I want you to read this article from World Net Daily. While the homosexuals (at least some, not all), have been preaching and demanding tolerance, there reaction to Proposition 8 in California is most revealing. I just summerize by saying that the gays who are politically active and against the Prop. 8 (in California) have used a lot hate speech. Anyway, here is the link to the article:
www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId-80220
What those gays haven't learned, or are not practicing is that tolerance cuts both ways. In other words they have been incredibly intolerant to those who have disagreed with them, and have shown it by storming churches, getting in shouting matches, making threats, vandalizing churches via graffiti, etc.

clarification and the pain free eternal life

Sometime ago while Lindsey Williams was chaplain for one of the big oil companies he was told by a big-wig fellow that an incident would happen that would allow John McCain to win. Williams himself never made any predictions about the election. (That 'incident' might have been the controversy over Obama's birth certificate, who knows.). In one sense, Obama's win was a good thing because if such conspiracies are real, then they don't always win and Americans do have a voice. However-stay tuned!

Meanwhile I am going to give politics a rest and focus more on the Christian life. For it is my contention that many in America have a distorted idea of what it means to be 'Christian'. One quick example of a common falsehood about Christianity is the idea that one must be good to get to heaven. That is not found in the Bible. What you will find if you read the Bible enough with an open mind is a means to be at peace with God and yourself. The Bible talks about such peace being so powerful that it abolishes the fear of death! Now if you want proof that the Bible, and hence the Christian life can abolish the fear of death then pick up two books: "Foxes Book of Martyrs" and "The Last Words of Saints and Sinners." If you decide to read these books you will find true life accounts of people of all ages who looked death in the eye and smiled! They smiled not because they had a death wish, but because death was and is a doorway or curtain to eternal blessing, painlessness, and a troubled free eternal life! For these martyrs it meant spending eternity with the person they love the must uninterrupted! (No, heaven is not some dull place where you sit on clouds forever strumming harps! Get that out of your head right away. ). Heaven means a fulfilled life. One point of clarification before I go: Keep in mind that I am talking about the pain free eternal life happening in the presence of God in heaven, not here right now.

stuff you won't see, but is accurate in its own way

"Welcome to Pundit Rubbish! The program where we sound clever and intelligent, but that is totally irrelevant to you. Are you uncertain who to vote for? That's OK, because we are here to contr...I mean guide you. Can't stand either Candidate? Then take some Tums and hold your nose when you vote! Our first topic of discussion tonight: Why talk radio feels justified in being obnoxious. (To be continued???).

(It is the night before the election and I am not feeling hopeful about either Candidate; so I got silly and wrote this to express myself. If you laughed, all the better!

conflict of interest

What would you think if there were 2 brothers who had very similar jobs. One was a campaign manager for a Democratic candidate who was running for President and the other brother was the campaign manager for the Republican opponent of this particular Democratic candidate? Unbelievable? Conflict of interest? Shady? What if I told you that it is happening right now? McCain has a campaign manager who has a blood brother that is working for Obama. Want more proof? Go to
www.newswithviews.com and scroll down to were it says "Your New President, Zbig Brother" by Alan Stang. Still think you have a choice?

mixed thoughts

If Obama does not come up with a birth certificate that proves that he was born in Hawaii rather than Kenya then he is out. It doesn't matter if he is very popular right now for one of the basic requirements needed to run for President is that they must be a natural born citizen of this Country. Sarah Palin clothes do not come cheap. Thousands of dollars have been spent for her clothes and hair. Sarah has also been tutored by Henry Kissinger on foreign politics. Kissinger is a globalist and a member of a very strange occultic group called Bohemian Grove. Trust me-freaky, strange, and sometimes gross things happen at those Bohemian Grove gatherings in Northern California. While many Christian leaders are overjoyed that we might have a Christian vice President, I say "wait a second"! Palin will not have that much power. Palin will have to take orders from a fellow whose temper is fierce and nasty! One should never, and I mean never vote for a candidate just because they are 'christian'! Would such candidates continue to practice their faith after they enter their office. More often than not they compromise their faith to one degree or another. For example: Ronald Reagan attended Bohemian Grove gathering. George W. Bush is a member of Skull and Bones society. George W. Bush has also shown a continual disregard for the Constitution. If a candidate is going to going to ignore or defy the Constitution than he has already invalidated his Christian witness by breaking his sworn oath to uphold the Constitution. I would want Christians to run for office, but I would them to with their faith at all times! I guess the point of all this is: Don't elect individuals just because they say their are Christian, demand evidence! By the way, did you know that J. K. Rowling (the Harry Potter author) called herself a 'christian at one time?

another true story and humility

My son was having trouble in a private Christian school. Kids would tease and him and he would over react. It didn't help matters that he got disciplined while those that teased him got little or no discipline for their callused acts. Add to the mix the fact that he has ADHD, which many Christians honestly believe doesn't even exist. So me and my wife will going to take him out at the end of the school year. Well my son gets suspended again and part of being "readmitted" to school was to apologize to all parties offended, which he did. However there was one party that he was suppose to apologize to that he really did not offend-the Principal. (Past dealings with this Principal have not been pleasant because he had a history of controlling the conversation when even my wife or I attempted to talk to him.). Anyway, thinking it strange that my son should apologize to the Principal when he did him no harm was strange at best, and perhaps even pompous. So approached the Principal and asked him why my son should apologize to him, and his simple answer was "because I am a authority". So I asked the Principal how my son wronged him, to which he got mad, then I got mad at him for getting mad, and needless to say my kids got out of that private Christian school before the week was over. Did I handle myself well? No, but I apologized. The Principal who rail against me "for sticking up for son all the time" never apologized for his outburst of anger. In fact he even barred me from coming to his office ever again. (Gee, didn't read somewhere that Christian are supposed to be forgiving? Yes! In fact there are a ton of verses on forgiveness, but I will only site one-Luke 17:3-4.
I bring up this true account to point out the fact many that profess themselves to be Christian lack essential behaviors that would mark them by others as being "Christian". In fact it is sad to say that the term 'hypocrite' tends to apply more. The Principal in the story lacked humility. And yet what does the Bible say about humility? For starters, it insures Gods presence-Isaiah 57:15, unlocks more grace-James 4:6, guarantees exaltation -James 4:10. Do you know anywhere that it is written that God blesses the proud? Well you won't find it anywhere.
As a culture we encourage pride, and yet it fuels obnoxious, conceited, selfish behavior that reasonable person would despise.
The bottom line is if you want to please God and get His favor, be humble. Now that doesn't mean that you must be a groveling, dirt kissing fool. No folks, you cannot give God anything He doesn't already have. You can come, bring yourself and your unselfish, submissive will.

Abanes response

In my last post I mentioned Richard Abanes. What I didn't mention was his email response when I wrote him a short note telling him that I found Warren's book in a New Age bookstore. His response was not positive in anyway- a bit snide, a bit condescending. I cannot give you a verbatim account of what he said in his response to me because (and here is were it gets interesting) his email came with a warning that any full or partial reproduction of his email response without his permission would make guilty of criminal copy right violations. (Did you get that?). It also said in essence that I could not share any part of his email response with anyone without his permission or I would be guilty of breaking copyright laws! So according to the warning, I cannot share his email with my wife, kids, pastor, etc. Talk about controlling! (Let's see, if Abanes gets his way we would have Free Speech/ 1st amendment right violations.). Well now you know why I am sharing what happened without revealing the content of what he said. He has gone after others that have disagreed with him or Rick Warren. He has made strong attempts to censure his critics; such as Ken Silva and his Apprising Ministries blog site. Meanwhile I have contacted a Lawyer for legal advice. If anything fruitful comes from that contact I will share it, OK? Meanwhile my motive for sharing this for many reasons. One reason is to warn you people like Abanes who claim to be 'christian' but lack essential qualities or characteristics of a true Christian. (Like love, joy, a consideration for others even your enemies, etc.). In fact my next blog is going to be talking about a disturbing trend or observation that I am noticing in people that call themselves 'christian'-a flagrant display of obnoxious or repulsive behavior and attitudes.

update Part II, (see I actually kept my word!).

In part 1, I had mentioned the idea that alot of what passes itself off as a Christian ministry will many times present stuff that isn't Christian at all. So what I am going to do is to give you some links to good sites that you can check out yourself. The common factor that binds these sites together is that you will see what Christianity isn't or shouldn't be. Well, here goes:
www.apprising.org
www.sliceoflaodicea.com
www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com
These people who run these sites are not perfect; they make mistakes like you and I always do. However they have a passion for the truth and for God's word. Give them a visit and have a good translation of the Bible with you. By the way, the links they provide on these sites are also worth checking out.

can this happen?

I recently listened to a fellow who made some interesting predictions- One was that McCain would be elected President. Another was that the price of oil/gas would go down significantly. (That 'prediction' would happen later according to the source.). At this point, I am not naming names for various reasons. I will just be posting this to see if this comes true; because if these predictions do come true than I am going to blab like crazy!

update, (parft II to follow, maybe).

Technical problems have prevented me from posting sooner. That fact made it hard for me to stay organized. One goal or motive in posting all these blogs was just simply to present what Christianity is. That sounds easy until you realize that what passes for Christianity really isn't Christian. In other words highly respected main-stream ministries that have a large following and audience will often have aspects or practices in their ministry that is not Biblical and even heretical.
For example: Chuck Swindoll thinks very highly of Eugene Peterson's "The Message", a book that passes itself off as a Bible translation. Trust me folks, it is no translation of the Bible! Would you like proof? Take "The Message" along with a New King James translation and open them both to a familiar passage like ICorinthians 13, and compare them side-by-side. You will see major differences!
I must go now and get my kids up! I will be back as soon as possible!

politics

Since this is election season, I wanted to paraphrase some Karl Marx's goals. To achieve a Socialistic Dictarorship these 3 things had to happen: 1. Eliminate all private property rights. (Emminent domain seizures). 2.Dissolve the family unit.(Divorce and the redefining of marriage). 3. Destruction of religon. (Marginalizing of Christianity and stripping it of any legal status.). The things I put in parenthesis was to show current real-life examples of America;s continual slide to Socialism.
Why do I start with Marx? Because the two major canidates are both globalist and Socialist in their outlook and goals. (that means subversion of American interest). You will be voting for a personality, the party platform will show little difference as they work out their plan for America. America has been steadily creeping towards socialism (were government has more say so and control in matters, even private matters).
(McCain a Republican you say?? Want to to guess how many times he voted with the Deomocrats on various bills?). If McCain was a real Conservative, he would bring our boys and girls home. (Remember what Washington said about no foreign entanglement?). A real Coservative would close all those millitary bases, and have our guys guard our borders.
I could go and talk about the skeletons that McCain and Obama have in their closets; (and believe me they are ugly!). By instead I want you to check out some books to read. One is called "A Choice Not An Echo" by Phylliss Shlafley and "None Dare Call It Conspiracy" by Allen and Abraham. Both books will inform you about government and the election process in ways that you thought of. (I want to warn you that such reading might make you very uncomfortable! So keep an open mind when you read this stuff, OK?).
There is so much to say and I know I didn't do the topic justice!

Rapture, is it in the Bible?

Is the word 'rapture' in the Bible? No, the word rapture is not in the Bible. However, (This is important, don't miss this!), the concept that is behind the word rapture is very much in the Bible.
Look at IThessalonians 4:16-17, particularly verse 17. You will see the phrase 'caught up together with them in the clouds'. The original Greek rendering is much stronger than the English. The idea is that Christians will be snatched up very fast, very quickly, with irresistible force. That sounds like a rapture to me! Let me give you a few other verses that support the idea of being snatched up quickly, OK? There is ICorinthians 15:52 which talks about a radical and sudden, and very quick change. How about Genesis 5:24, were Enoch is taken away suddenly into God's presence? See Hebrew 11:5 also. We can't forget IIKings 2:11 were Elijah is taken into heaven suddenly. (That sounds like a rapture concept to me!).
No, the word rapture is not in the Bible, but neither is Baptismal pool or P.A. system! One could draw many lessons from this, however I will try to keep it short and simple: Let the Bible interpret the Bible rather than weak logic, (like arguments from silence). Also don't let popular thought guide you even if it supposedly 'Christian'. Remember the flat earth concept was once a very popular thought!

update

I've had computer problems which prevented me from posting, but as you can see I am back at it! I have pondered whether to post a picture of myself, and the conclusion I came to was that I would drive readers away if I posted a picture of myself! Yuck!

brief post

Being somewhat "bummed out" and flabbergasted due to some recent blog censorship by Christian author Richard Abanes against the author of Apprising Ministries Mr. Silva. (Perhaps I should do a post soon about when Christians fight Christians). Well until then I came across this very interesting article by Devvy Kid at:

www.newswithviews.com/Devvy/kidd380.htm
This article deals with both major parties and she gives reasons why you should not vote for either of the 2 major canidates (McCain or Obama).
Folks I will not lie to you: I would love it if the whole Country of ours voted for a third party canidate! Personally I cannot recall ever in my life, (at least) when America was confronted by such poor choices for President!

What we are not taught.

The main reason for this blog is that if I write it down like this, I am much more apt to remember it: Geologist Steven Austin dated rock samples from some of the highest peaks in the Grand Canyon. (That would make them positionally young. ). Using the rubidium-strontium method he obtained an age of approximately 1.3 billion years. Lead dating had put the rocks at 2.6 billion years. and the potassium-argon method dates those rocks anywhere from 10,000 to 117 million years. The Journal of Geophysical Reported that lava from a 1800-1801 eruption Hualalai volcano in Hawaii had been radiometrically dated. Using various minerals and methods they came up with 10 different dates ranging from 140 million to 2.96 billion years.

The point is-don't believe very thing that you were taught at school.

How about a few more facts OK? Did you know our sun has been shrinking about 5 feet an hour. What that means is that if the earth is millions of years old like some popular scientist like to claim then the sun the sun would of extended beyond earth's parameter making like life on Earth untenable.

Did you know that the Earth's rotation has been steadily slowing down? If the Earth is billions of years old like many think it is then you have other problems -the speed of an early billion year Earth would be faster than any life could bear. Also the Equator would bulge altering the shape of the Earth.

What these examples have in common, (there are very much real) is that the dating of the Earth is pretty much speculation that suits the scientist fancy. James Ussher dated the Earth in 6,000 year range (give or take, I forgot the precise age he gave at his time). Usher used the Bible and extra Biblical writings to arrive at his date. His young Earth idea was pretty accepted until Evolution gained strength. By the way, when Darwin published his "Origin of the Species..." don't assume that it was quickly and readily accepted by the Scientific Community during his time.

By the way, if what I am talking about interest you and you want to read more here is a few books that might interest you: "Tornado in a Junkyard (The Relentless Myth of Darwinism)" by James Perloff. "Darwin on Trial" by Johnson . "Darwin's Black Box" by Behe. I have read all these and I can guarantee that you will be challenged!

Don't read this! Don't do this!

I now continue what I meant to write in the last post/blog: Perhaps I should start with the story of the caged bird. Some of you may have heard it; for those who haven't, I will retell it my way- The proverbial version talks about a cage bird who had everything he needed: food, water, amusements, etc. Really this bird had no need of anything. However, day after day the bird's curiosity grew about what life outside of the cage was like. This bird had even reasoned in his head that he had not really lived until he had at least one chance to explore the outside world before he died. This wonder lust effected him so much that he would spend sleepless nights wondering what the world was like outside the cage. One day, when he thought that he couldn't stand it anymore his owner got careless and left the cage door open for a minute. The caged bird seized on this brief and rare opportunity and flew out! Oh the feelings, oh the rush! Without another thought he landed on the floor to explore. However all this time there was a cat who had been watching him all this time and waiting just for the right opportunity to ponce and and eat that bird! With a bounding leap that cat had that caged bird in his mouth. Just as the cat was starting to shake that bird the owner came in and swatted that cat on the back so that the bird would be expelled! Quickly the owner had the bird picked up and inserted back in his cage. However that bird never flew again because that cat had forever damaged that bird's wing. So it took that bird a very painful lesson to find out that what was perceived as confinement was really protection!
Now let's take this story and apply it to real life: Everybody has heard of the Ten Commandments in one form or another. Some remember all of them; many end up having their stomachs churn because of what the Ten Commandments represents to them-confinement and a loss of freedom. However I want to propose that the Ten Commandments are actually expressions of love, (in the form of protection)! You've heard it said "Don't lie"? Well following that one protects your integrity when you obey that one. "Don't commit adultery"? Following the one will protect you from venereal disease. Rather than go through and list all the practical benefits of following all the Commandments let me just ask some questions: Do you really know anybody who is really better off lying all time, being intimate with anybody, or stealing with ease? (I knew you would say 'no'!). Usually such people pay in this life, (think Folsom prison).
Just like that bird in the story who misunderstood the purpose of his cage, we have misunderstood God and the reason for those Commandments.
I am in no way a legalist, nor a libertarian. It is my hope that I can give a clearer picture of God and other things that the Bible talks about. I believe that is call 'perspective'.

Don't read this!

Don't chew gum! Don't Burp out loud! Don't smoke! Don't go swimming! Don't do drugs! Don't drink alcohol! Don't swear or talk to people who do! Don't lie! Don't cheat! Don't listen to Rap! Don't listen to obscene words! Don't play with your food! Don't play with your nose! (ect.......).
How did this list make you feel? Did it inspire strong thoughts like "I'll do what I want thank you!!" Did it stir up strong rebellious feelings, or feelings of frustration?
I will tell you honestly- when ever I see a long list of "don't(s)" it makes me wonder if I can do it! That is how human nature works I hate to say! I have more later, for I must go! Cory

objections II

I want to add that poor behavior does not invalidate the claims of Christ or what is essential Christianity. It often invalidates the person who is showing poor behavior!

Objections to Christianity-hypocrites

I thought at this point I would addressing the common and popular objections to Christianity. This first one will address the common complaint that 'Christians are nothing but hypocrites'! Let's examine that objection OK?
First let's get a true definition of hypocrite: I can tell you that it comes from the Greek word hypokrites which something to the effect of an actor or a pretender. (Think of those ancient actors who put on those big plaster faces so they could hide their true facial expressions.). So in essence, being a hypocrite is pretending to be something your not. Hum?! With that in mind that would mean that Hollywood is loaded with hypocrites! That would also mean that all our children are hypocrites every tme they are playing with their imaginations! Quite frankly, don't you think that would include all of us at one time or another??
Still, I would like to answer the objection in a round-about way: When you go the Doctor for a ailment, and you end up feeling worse with more pain and sickly feelings should you label all Doctors quacks? Of course not, that would be unreasonable! (You would go on a careful search for a true Doctor). So using the same logic, one should not be quick to label every single Christian in existence as a hypocrite, but do a careful study to see what comprises a true Christian.
I will give you some clues as to what comprise a true Christian: For starters he is not self-righteous or sinless! (If you encounter such people, leave.). Christians aren't perfect, for that matter, neither are perfectionist! When a true Christian does do wrong he will be eager to fix it quickly with prayer and restitution! A real Christian will tell that he is a sinner saved by the grace of God and he will tell you that he has a real relationship with the real God.
"Sounds good Cory, but what about the Inquisition or the Witch trials"? My answer is claiming to act on God's behalf or as God's representative does not indicate, prove, or validate that they are from God at all. All it proves is such religious leaders are good speakers and actors! Case in point: Hitler often worked with the church to further his agenda. In private though he, (Hitler), was a practicing Theosophist who absolutely despised Christianity and wanted it stamped out! By the way, the Inquisition and the Salem Witch Trials were ended by Christians.
I want to close with something that Christ said to help give some perspective: "Those who are well have no need of a Physician, but the sick. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance" (Mark 2:17). Christ hung out with sinners. Christ sharpest words of criticism were against the established religious leaders of the day.
(Note: If does not answer the objection please let me know.).

cautionary note

(This blog is a a promised follow-up to the last post. I think it is important to include this so you have reasonable perspective.). After I became a Christian, life did not get easier for me; in fact it much harder in various ways. For starters I developed epilepsy as a young teenager that lasted until my 30's. I also got physically assaulted by my older brother. Then my Dad died before I reached my 18th birthday. The thought of giving up my new found faith had crossed my mind many times! With my life getting depressing, I looked for a way to shore up my faith. So I started to read up on apologetics, (books that reasonably and intelligently defend the faith). "Evidence That Demands a Verdict" by Josh McDowell was a good start, so was "Who Moved the Stone?" These books gave me the proof I needed that Christ's claims of death and Resurrection were real, not just some nice fantasy or a triumphant tale of good over evil.
Why am I telling you all this? So that you do not harbor any illusions about the Christian life. The Christian life was never meant to be easy, amusing, or a source of entertainment. What it was intended to be was a relationship with the God who created the Universe. Many people have given their lives because there was more joy being near God than hanging on to their short life. By the way, there are certain positive characteristics that never develop when things are easy. For example: Patience and courage don't happen when life is easy to you. No! Adversity has its God ordained purpose! (Notice how communities have come together during a recent flood?).

I

changed life

You might wonder-what would induce me to become a Christian? After all, when I was a teenager I thought those Christians were nothing more than "turkeys" who had something against fun. However even young teenagers like me needed some serious questions answered. Questions like "Why am I here?", or "Why should I go on living?". At 13 there was this intense hunger for something better and greater than what I could see with my eyes. My Mom at that time was into what we may call the "New Age". She had "Jonathon Livingston Seagull", the writings of Seth (a familiar spirit that took residence in a lady), and other things that tickled her fancy. Meanwhile my search for internal peace intensified. Listening to songs like "Question" by the Moody Blues put my feelings into the right words, ("I'm looking for someone to change my life. I'm looking for a miracle in my life."), and the songs also added fuel and intensity to my search. Around that time I got very sick. I was told it was a pneumonia. Mom took me to a seance in the hopes that I would be healed. That seance did not heal me. As time progressed I sought a few religious leaders to ask my questions. I sought out a Rabbi, but he seemed so grumpy at the time that I was eager for our little meeting to end. I sought out some Unity Universalist, but rather than answer my questions that just wanted me to be happy and and learn to smile more! (Back then I didn't smile much!). Because these adults could not answer this teenager-on-a-bike some straight forward questions about life and God that tended to make me think that I was brilliant and that they were really stupid! But being brilliant was a very empty feeling -for my questions were still not answered! (It should be added that back then I was a nice guy on the outside, but on the inside I had a low view of alot of people and ideas. This low view would manifest itself with alot of humor, particularly sarcasm. ).
Well the unfulfilled feelings just kept getting stronger and stronger until one day there was a paraphrased New-Testament found on my bed. Who put it on my bed? I don't know; no one would take credit for it. S0 I opened it up a random to Luke. What I read I did not like! Me a sinner? Oh! That made me so mad I threw that Bible across the floor and left it there for a few days! During those few day, (I'm not sure of how many), I kept thinking to myself, "There's got to be something better!". However nothing presented itself as better. So after a friend asked me to read John's gospel, I picked up that New Testament with great reluctance. This time however I read everything in the gospel of John before passing judgement. Two things really stuck out to me when I read John's gospel: Christ loving attitude, ( e.g. "I call you friends if you do the Father's will..."), and the fact He rose from the dead. That really turned me on! So I read what Mathew had to say; then Mark. I approached Luke with actual fear, (I didn't want to be angry again). Before I finished Luke I felt like I had lost a wrestling match; in other words, emotionally exhausted! So not knowing what else to do, I offered myself to God. What did I say in my cheap, amateur prayer I'm not sure. It was something to the effect of "I'm yours if you are real and like this Jesus I'm reading about." (You see, before I said this I thought God was a cosmic grouch out to stomp you for the slightest wrong. Such a thought made me scared of God every time I thought of Him; so I made a point not to think about God.). After I said my very simple prayer, nothing supernatural happened; however great waves relief came over me. It was as if invisible weights came off my body. Also I felt joy for the first time to such a degree that I was laughing so strongly that I cried a little! (My Mom walked in and asked if I was alright. She thought that I was so stressed that I was acting a little "nutty".).
The search was over! I had found much more than I had bargained for, (purpose and Someone who really loved me more than anyone else could!). Oh the relief!
But I must add this sobering note to close: Life did not become a bed of roses; in fact in some ways it actually got harder. I will explain this fully in my next blog.

correction

My son's plicusimus (spelling correct? I don't know), name is "Lighting Lips", not "Power Lips".

various topics

There are various reasons why I blog: To help organize my thoughts, (and I have quite a few of them!), express myself, express my convictions and beliefs, and sometimes I just enjoy doing it!
One idea I would like to express and talk about briefly is a common taboo in America: That one should not talk about religion and politics at the dinner table. On the one hand, I can understand why people would want to keep those 2 topics from being brought up-discussions get heated, passionate, and uncivil! And yet on the other hand religion and politics tend to touch us deeper and affects us more than any other topic. After all, politics will always affect us as a nation, and religion will always affect us personally. Even for the person who says that they do not believe in God end up being very religious about their unbelief. (Let me insert a quick definition here-Religion: What ever a person will bind themselves to in a strong fashion. Theologian Paul Tillich said that our God is what ever ultimately concern us.). The point being that many people are more religious than they care to admit. Also everyone has a god whether they know it not. It may be the God of the Bible. It may be that money, success, fame, or a fab body may be their god. People do not live in a vacuum, for we all seek something of transcendent value that is bigger than ourselves. If seeking pleasure is your ultimate concern, then that is your god. These things are not evil in of themselves, but when used in a improper or excessive extent to where they control the person, then it is time for some real and serious soul-searching.
Personally, I don't have enough faith to be an atheist! You see there is more evidence for the Christian faith, than the athiest faith, which is why I take actual pleasure and purpose in the Christian life.
Enough said for now!