One more pebble hits the wall.

TIME Magazine put out an article over the weekend which purports to prove that Jesus is still dead. Normally this kind of stuff I would just ignore, but then I started thinking - about how ironic it is that Christians are accused of intellectual suicide and grabbing at straws of "faith" (apparently faith meaning belief in the non-existent). The intellectual unfairness that takes place in such "findings" gives me the same feeling as having a root canal.

But because a celebrity is taking up this cause, it's going to be more mainstream than it would have been and have more intellectual clout (ironically) than it would have had. A movie review site I read said this about the whole thing-

"It’ll be interesting to see what he’s come up with, but it’ll be just as interesting to see the Christian response. Here’s the thing about the faithful: no matter how much proof you show them, they won’t believe what they don’t want to believe. We’re supposed to respect that sort of inane inflexibility."

How do you respond to statements like that? I don't think we really need to. Compare it to consiracy theories: That man never went into space or landed on the moon (google it, there's plenty of such sites) or that the holocaust never happened. And "proof" is supplied. At the heart of it is incredulity. How do you respond to such ideas? Normal people don't usually waste their time on researching a response.

Conspiracy theorists probably have similar words about their detractors as "inane inflexibility".

It is of note that the issue at stake is foundational: The resurrection of Jesus Christ, of which Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:17-19:

And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

He said it not from a standpoint of fear, like the world assumes, but of confidence. Where was his confidence? In his blind "faith"? Not likely. See what he says just prior to the verses above:

1 Cor 15:3-8
"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. "

Why do we believe that James Cameron has no case? Well, because he's trying to rewrite the facts. That pebble is going to drop to the ground.

Edit: Cameron's Problems Begin
Edit: For Further Reference

Lost in Space

Spaceships with paying customers touring the far reaches of space... Space entrepreneurs... $20,000 to go on a spaceflight. I'm kind of a sci-fi fan and at first glance these ideas sounds like cheesy middle-of-the-road science fiction.

Except it's coming to a space station near you, say in another 15 years.

I'm not kidding

"Fifteen years from now, every kid will know he can go to orbit in his lifetime."

Cool. I was scared about the potential expenses of sending my kids to college. Now this.

Book your ticket here.

Three Lessons From Lewis, CS.

John Piper, talking about reading and books that have influenced him, stopped to mention the impact CS Lewis had on his life and his thinking. I thought it was worth mentioning. These are lessons worth thinking about and imbibing.

1) He has made me wary of chronological snobbery. That is, he has shown me that "newness" is no virtue and "oldness" is no fault. Truth and beauty and goodness are not determined by when they exist. Nothing is inferior for being old and nothing is valuable for being modern. This has freed me from the tyranny of novelty and opened for me the wisdom of the ages. He said one: every third book you read should be from outside your own (provincial) century.

2) He demonstrated for me and convinced me that rigorous, precise, penetrating logic is not inimical to deep, soul-stirring feeling and vivid, lively, even playful imagination. He was a "romantic rationalist." He combined what almost everybody today assumes are mutually exclusive: rationalism and poetry, cool logic and warm feeling, disciplined prose and free imagination. In shattering these old stereotypes for me, he freed me to think hard and to write poetry, to argue for the resurrection and compose hymns to Christ, to smash an argument and hug a friend, to demand a definition and use a metaphor.

3) Finally, Lewis has given (and continues to give) me an intense sense of the "realness" of things. This is hard to communicate. To wake up in the morning and to be aware of the firmness of the mattress, the warmth of the sun rays, the sound of the clock ticking, the sheer being of things (quidity as he calls it). He helped me become alive to life. He helped me to see what is there in the world--things which if we didn't have them, we would pay a million dollars to have, but having them, ignore. He convicts me of my insensitivity to beauty. He convicts me of my callous inability to enjoy God's daily gifts. He helps me to awaken my dazing soul so that the realities of life and of God and heaven and hell are seen and felt.

Piper later makes the point that it's not the reading of many books that is important. It is reading good books well... "Meditative reading, reading which stops and ponders, reading which sees deep into reality - that is the kind of reading which profits." With his life and mind as an example... he speaks words we would do well to heed.

Free Food!

What a concept.

Pay-as-you-can Restaurants!

The first thought that came to me was, this would never work in India. People would take advantage of the non-capitalist altruism inherent in such an idea. Then I thought, maybe I'm being too pessimistic about my people, who I do love.

And then I read further. Oh the irony!

Paying the check by honor system has its risks; there are always those who will exploit the opportunity and eat for free � perhaps more so in big cities. At Babu, an Indian restaurant in New York City, the pay-what-you-feel-is-fair method resulted in too many people getting a free meal. One Friday night, a rowdy group of 10 young Indians walked in and took over the restaurant's large central table. Their response to no prices was to leave no money; not even a tip for the wait staff. Babu now states their prices.

There you go. I'm not just a paranoid pessimist.

Anyway, the point is it's a cool concept - not sure it's profit-making, but a very Christian idea, I'd think.

You're Special!

Guess what? You made the cover of time magazine! It's true!

Check it out.

Congratulations, you world changer!

Seriously, check out some of the articles in the current issue... it's a fascinating analysis of how our world is changing - for good (and) or bad.

The Marketing of Self

It's no secret that we live in a world where image is important. But if this article is to be understood as truth, we now seem to be moving into an arena where what people think is the definitive factor in shaping personality.

"Treating our personalities as products reflects an increasingly competitive society in which the best way to stand out is to develop an engaging--and easily defined--image. Companies and celebrities have been doing it for years. Now it's the average guy's turn. 'For a long time, parents discouraged their children from worrying about what others think. They didn't realize how shortsighted and stupid that was,' says Mark Leary, a social psychology professor at Duke University who studies impression management. 'We need other people to think well of us.'"

From Time.com - "It's a Brand-You World"

I have to interpret this from my own bias - In a sense, as a Christian, people do need to think well of me... but on what basis? My personal greatness? And for what reasons? Self glory? For the world, the fear of man has become standard procedure. But listen to the words of Scripture:

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.
[2 Cor 2:14-17]

I love my Country

Part of our National Pledge (which I used to recite every week in school) goes like this:

"I love my country
and I am proud of it's rich and varied heritage.
I shall always strive to be worthy of it"

Dude, how can I even begin to strive to be worthy of THIS rich heritage? Monkeys!
TIME.com: Monkey See, Monkey Do

Edit: So let me preempt smart comments connecting me and monkeys and India... Danny, you know who you are.

Joke of the Day

From the British BlackAdder series (the millenium special) starring Rowan Atkinson as BlackAdder:

George: This has to be some kind of practical joke, surely...?

BlackAdder (standing beside his newly constructed "time machine"): Certainly not... when was the last time I played a practical joke?

Darling: Well, there was the time time you said you were dying of kidney failure, and I donated one of my kidneys to save your life, and then you said it was an (sic) April fool and we had to throw my kidney away (holds back sobs)

(all but Darling laugh at the obviously happy memories)

BlackAdder: Well, yes, there has been the odd HILARIOUS practical joke, but not this time...

Jesus Camp

Don't want to say much - but this video says a lot about many things. And I'm not going to comment.

Joke of the Day

Humor from that respected comedian of our time, John MacArthur.

Question: "Is there any room for dinosaurs in the Bible?"

Answer (from JM): "I guess it depends on how big your Bible is."

Drumroll please.

Prosperity Gospel hits the mainstream

TIME.com: Does God Want You to Be Rich? A Holy Controversy

When Time covers something like this, you know it's hit the bigtime. According to the article,

"17% of Christians surveyed said they considered themselves part of such a movement, while a full 61% believed that God wants people to be prosperous. And 31%—a far higher percentage than there are Pentecostals in America—agreed that if you give your money to God, God will bless you with more money."

And what about Jesus' words in the Gospels? Well the article leaves the contradiction between this doctrine and scripture without real answer. Instead:

But for a growing number of Christians like George Adams, the question is better restated, 'Why not gain the whole world plus my soul?' For several decades, a philosophy has been percolating in the 10 million-strong Pentecostal wing of Christianity that seems to turn the Gospels' passage on its head: certainly, it allows, Christians should keep one eye on heaven.

No real surprises about how popular all this is, though I was surprised to see Rick Warren listed as a major detractor to this doctrine.

In trying to be "balanced", the article ends up being vague and clouding the issue... and you end up left with the idea that there is no clarity in scripture on this topic and that the Church has not really addressed the issue clearly. Not true, even in my limited personal experience.

The crisis to me is singular: The view of God that is being propounded here is idolatory. In fact, on probing further it seems that the real God here is self. Maybe it's a reflection on a peculiarly American mindset that "I" is the beginning and end of all things.

Tozer warned his generation that the Church needed a high view of God--So much more urgent is this call today.
Some verses come to mind.

About Christ:
[Colossians 1:16]
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.

From Paul:
[Acts: 20:22-24]
And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Let's understand who God is as he has revealed himself to us, not as we want him to be, and tailor our lives and purpose in life to a right view of God.

Endless Heavenly Fun

This site will humor my little peabrain for hours and hours. So many sound clips, so little time. From the site:

Here are 101 versions of the song that doesn't remain the same, depending on whether it's the the Australian music hall version, the Gilligan's Island version, the backwards version, the backwards splice-and-dice quarter note version, the glass harmonica version, the Doors version, the reggae version and on and on (all MP3s). Much of this came from former FMU DJ KBC's CD of the same name, which took much of it's content from this 1992 LP.

The reggae rendering is pretty fascinating actually (Elvis?!)... as is the Doors version... remarkable parody. And the Australian music hall one is plain funny. And DOLLY PARTON? What in the world.

How could you not visit? It's something to do about heaven.
Site Link

You HAVE to be kidding me!

It seems to me I just posted about Mel Gibson only a few days ago, and called HIM nuts for his drunken ramblings. But Here's something that just takes the cake.

Now I am aware that there is a minority in India who are fascinated by Adolf Hitler, and idolize him as a great man - the niavete and idiocy of the entire thing has always made it seem ridiculous to me. This however, is a whole new level of ridiculous. Gotta admit, we Indians too can be pretty darn nuts.

Link: BBC NEWS | South Asia | Climb down by 'Hitler' restaurant

Because I need Him - Always.

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure;
Save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

About Being Born Late

Most people who know me have this funny idea that I'm a closet hippie. Well, I guess they're right. I found a song about it too, and that makes me happy. Here's to all those closet hippies out there in the world.

I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker
-Sandi Thom

Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
In 77 and 69 revolution was in the air
I was born too late into a world that doesn't care
Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair

When the head of state didn't play guitar,
Not everybody drove a car,
When music really mattered and when radio was king,
When accountants didn't have control
And the media couldn't buy your soul
And computers were still scary and we didn’t know everything

[Chorus]

When pop-stars still remained a myth
And ignorance could still be bliss
And when God Saved the Queen she turned a whiter shade of pale
When my mom and dad were in their teens
And anarchy was still a dream
And the only way to stay in touch was a letter in the mail

[Chorus]

When record shops were still on top
And vinyl was all that they stocked
And the super info highway was still drifting out in space
Kids were wearing hand me downs,
And playing games meant kick around
And footballers still had long hair and dirt across their face

[Chorus]

I was born too late to a world that doesn't care
Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair

(I'd take the punk rocker thing figuratively, of course)

Al D'oh

Sometimes it's hard to distinguish between satire and reality, but ladies and gents, this one is apparently the truth: Homer Simpson has converted to Arab. I don't need to say anything, the link is funny enough.

Badr Shamshoon anyone?!

[Danny, if you still read this blog, this one's for you. Will either disgust you or make you shoot soda out of your nose - either way someone will be disgusted]

[THIS UPDATE DEDICATED TO DANNY]

Mel Gibson is nuts.

Some of This article by TIME magazine's (jewish) Joel Stein cracks me up.

Excerpt:

Until Gibson told his arresting officers that "the Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world," I didn't realize that was our thing. If it is, let's drop it. I would have thought that the guy who made Braveheart, The Patriot, Gallipoli and When We Were Soldiers and has directed some of the most violent, angry scenes in cinema would love war. But I guess he doesn't.

And most of all, we have to stop this finger wagging at Gibson. Endeavor agent Ari Emanuel has written that no studio should work with him anymore. Bad call. We don't want to get in a battle here. In a popularity contest between Mel Gibson and Jews, it doesn't look good for the Jews. Better we laugh this off, maybe respond with a gibe at the Australians, like how they make simplistic, overly fruit-forward red wines. Then we all have a chuckle and subtly suggest another dead language for him to teach himself for his next movie. We've got to give that guy as much busywork as possible.

At first I couldn't care less, but after some reading I honestly think the uproar over someone like Gibson's remarks is justified.

In all seriousness, I truly believe that whatever your political view of Israel, anti-semitism in any form cannot be tolerated. The history of the matter has forever settled that. Read through documents relating to the holocaust, and any living breathing human being should see why.
http://remember.org/
http://www.jewishgen.org/Forgottencamps/Camps/
Nazi Experiments & Doctors

Guess the Psalm

OK, so I know it's a tiny bunch of people who read this blog, but here's something for entertainment. I am posting 5 different verses from 5 different Psalms, and they're from "The Message" one of the most terrifyingly hilarious translations ever.

Without googling, guess what Psalm the verse might be from - (I've only chosen from the first 25 Psalms) Each verse is from a different Psalm. Extra credit for which verse it might be:

1: An easy one

God's Word is better than a diamond, better than a diamond set between emeralds. You'll like it better than strawberries in spring, better than red, ripe strawberries.

2: Not so easy

Please, God, no more yelling, no more trips to the woodshed. Treat me nice for a change; I'm so starved for affection.

3: I promise, its a verse:

How well God must like you— you don't hang out at Sin Saloon, you don't slink along Dead-End Road, you don't go to Smart-Mouth College.

4: Think a little

See those people polishing their chariots, and those others grooming their horses?
But we're making garlands for God our God.The chariots will rust, those horses pull up lame— and we'll be on our feet, standing tall.

5: One last one, maybe I'm being a little tricky here

True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.

Thoughts on Joy

If there is one place or person you can go to to discover and learn about the importance of Joy in the christian life, John Piper would be that kneejerk resource. I've been listening to a series of sermons by him from Desiring God radio titled "when I don't desire God". In the message I am listening to today Piper referenced a statement by CS Lewis, wherein Lewis emphasised the fact that our pursuit is not for the emotion of Joy. It is a pursuit of joy in God. Otherwise joy would be an idol. There is no value in joy by itself. The object is not a state of our own mind, but something outside ourself.

However, Piper reemphasised this, and this is the point of this blogpost, that our pursuit is of God does not remove the necessity for our pursuit being joy in God.

Three reasons why we should pursue not just God, but joy in God:

1. It's God's Idea.

Deuteronomy 28:47,48
Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joyfulness and gladness of heart, because of the abundance of all things, therefore you shall serve your enemies whom the Lord will send against you, in hunger and thirst, in nakedness, and lacking everything. And he will put a yoke of iron on your neck until he has destroyed you.

What a terrifying verse to come to grips with. God is not just earnest about people serving him, he wants people to come to him with joy and gladness - which is found in Him. He commands joy, and holds out wrath for those who are not joyful in Him.


2. God is glorified not merely by how we think about Him, but our experiential relationship with him.

Doctrine alone is not glorifying to God - "even the demons believe and tremble", James says. All the right thinking about God is not as good as Satan's thinking, yet he hates God. Doctrine is important, but not without delight.


3. People don't awaken to how desperate their condition is before God until they measure their hearts condition by their delight for God.

We tend to function by a "do" benchmark. Steal, lie, gossip, read, look, think. Instead we should be probing hearts about delight and desire. This section was the what inspired me to make this posting, so let me quote Piper from the sermon itself:

What is your default activity when there's no pressure on you? What is your heart reflexively drawn to? Those are the things that damn us! It isn't adultery... I mean, good grief it does not take a lot of will power to stay out of bed with another woman! But, not to have a desire to look at a picture - desire: that's damning.

To know that my heart has to change, my whole structure of motivation has to change, my whole priority of treasuring things in the world has to change: I'm damned! There's nothing I can do - I feel totally devastated by this inditement.
[direct quote]

Brothers and sisters - far be it from us to think that we have arrived in any sense. It is ironic but essential for us to realise that we are debtors to the Grace of God even in this. Without his help we cannot and will not delight in Him as we should. So let us run, flee to heaven and beg in broken contriteness: Lord, help us delight in you alone. May He touch not just our lives, but our hearts.

How to Be Invisible

TIME.com: Eye on Science - Science Blog Archives - How to Be Invisible

Seriously? What? Like, we're in technological territory that defies the imagination. Someone has actually worked out the theory for an invisibility cloak! Of course, actual invisibility is a little ways away, but still... the fact that it's theoretcially possible? Actually a little disappointing.

You see, at this rate there's going to be nothing left to the imagination! If these people keep inventing, we'll have no fantasies left!

Not really. The human imagination is quite, um, imaginative - we'll find something to fill out fantasies with. I'm just happy to be blogging after so long, so excuse me. The article however is 100% real. I checked the date and it ain't April 1.

More Bollywood Based Bounties

Lads and ladies, help. Is there a twelve step program? I'm hooked. Here's another keeper.

Bollyhood

It speaks for itself. This stuff is hilarious. Because it what it says we know is true.

The Rise of India

ABCNews did a feature on India when Bush visited, and I just found it. It's a great balanced outsiders view of where India is today, and what India can be in 50 years. It's more complicated, sure, but this guy doesn't have the usual bias.

Snippet:
"You see an explosion of 50 years of pent up aspirations. If you want to know what India feels like today, it's very simple. Pull out a Champagne bottle, shake it for an hour, then take the cork off. You don't want to get in the way of that cork."

Mallu Humor of the Day

There's a state in India, down south, called Kerala. It is known as God's own country. The language they speak (they claim) is The Heavenly Language. Well their accents are heavenly too. We lovingly call these folks "Mallus" (short for malayalis, their language is called malayalam)

This clip takes the cake. Don't listen if you have respiratory trouble or heart problems, The laughing might kill you. (So... is that a lie? lol)


Mallu Hot Stepper

*thanks Sarah!

Lying and the Bible - Part 1/3

In a recent conversation with a good friend, the age old issue of whether lying is ever justified was raised, and later I felt like I needed to do a systematic approach in the understanding of the matter.

In addition, I don't want to trust just my own intellect, which is my tendency. Where spiritual matters are concerned, as much as I can I want to rely on the Word of God. If it is undogmatic, I want to be undogmatic. If it is clear, there I want to take a stand.

Outright, I am of the opinion that lying is not justified. But rather than start from that presupposition and give a list of proofs, I want to try and use scripture to gain an understanding. Scripture first, then hypotheses. Of course, my biases probably will show through, but I hope as a whole the logic will be unblemised.

Some Fundamentals

What does the Bible say about lying?

A few passages come to mind.

Exodus 20:16 - You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

Titus 1:2 - in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began.

Heb 6:18 - so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.

Rev 21:8 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.

There are a lot more passages about this throughout scripture, but I think these are sufficient to get an idea that we are commanded not to lie, and that lying is s sin.
God is a God of truth. But as His children, we we are urged to imitate God.

1 Cor 11:1 - Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
1 Peter 1:16 - since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

God is our standard for morality. If he is perfectly holy, then we are called to be perfectly holy (whether we can be is not the issue, what we are commanded is). Our sanctification is the process of us becoming like Christ in all his perfection.

The standard is very high. Immediately I realize I cannot attain it. But the difficulty does not mean I stop working out my salvation with fear and trembling. Why? Because it is GOD who is at work in me, not my own effort, so that I can will and act for his good pleasure. I'm not alone in this endeavour (Phil 2:12,13), This is a wonderful manifestation of Grace.

Hang on you say, what about the exceptions? Well, I'm trying to do this a step at a time, and exceptions or complications, however you want to call it, will come later.

So what is a lie? Starting with the bare bone definition, a lie is an active action. You lie simply when you speak what is not true. Even when we speak of "not telling the truth" we are usually not talking about a passive witholding of information, but of untruth being spoken. This is the first aspect of the issue that I want to deal with.

So far, my simple mind is devoid of further issue and I'm happy to submit to scripture - speaking untruth is forbidden. I want to be like Jesus, and this is his demand. I cannot lie. the issue is so far uncomplicated.

Lying and the Bible - Part 2/3

Exceptions?

The first rude awakening occurs when the accounts of Rahab and the Egyptian midwives are thrown at me. Both are examples of people who spoke actual untruth. Both were commended in some way by God. The question is raised whether this can be used as an exception to God's rule of lying.

Rahab: Joshua 2 tells us a wonderful story of God's eternal Grace. A prostitute saw the glory of God through His works for Israel, and she believed. I love verse 11.

11 And as soon as we heard it [of God's power through Israel], our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.

In Joshua chapter 2:5,6 we are presented with this woman, Rahab who speaks untruth in order to save the Jewish spies who are hiding in her house. Her belief in the God of Israel led her to help the spies, and lying was a part of this help. At this point, there would be no real problem. Lying is a sin, and therefore what she did was a sin. The end does not justify the means. We would put this down to another testimony of God's grace in a weak sinner.

There are two verses that raise questions. The first on is Hebrews 11:31.

By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.

With regard to the issue at hand, there is no explicit connection. This verse is talking about Rahab's faith in the God of Israel. No mention or endorsement is made of her actions. I believe this verse is a comment on Rahab's attitude in Joshua 2:11. Additionally, we can use a previous verse in the chapter to shed light on our understanding of what was this faith of Rahab.

Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

The second passage about Rahab could raise a few more questions.

James 2:25 - And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?

We begin to wonder - was Rahab justified by works, including her lie? This would allow for an argument that said cetain kind of lying is justified. I think the problem arises when we come to a text and try to understand from it what it was never intended to prove or disprove. My solution is simply this - lets look at the passage and understand it's meaning and implications in context.

a. What is the passage about?
We find a clue about this from verse 14 of the same chapter

James 2:14 - What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?

The point is the one that has been made by great theologians from the ages since the reformation - that we are justified by faith alone, but that faith is NOT ALONE. Deeds must follow our belief. Action proves that we truly believe. Rahab is one of the examples.

b. So why this controversial person as an example?
Why Rahab? Does her inclusion beside Abraham itself mean that all her works on behalf of the Israelites was justified? Lets look at the passage contextually again. First, Abraham is mentioned. He is the father of the Jewish nation. He is the called out one. His is an example of an insider if there ever was one. But to reinforce his point, James puts forward a rank outsider, a pagan, a prostitute, an outcast. And he shows us that even though she had faith (As we have seen in Hebrews 11) her faith was not alone. She staked her life on her belief that Yahweh was Lord. What a set up for his final statement in the chapter - "faith without works is dead".

c. What about her works is justified?
Sticking with the words of scripture, James 2:25 mentions specifically that Rahab welcomed the spies and sent them another way. In simple terms, she helped the people of God. This help was the evidence of her faith. We do not see an endorsement of her lies, or even that somehow she was OK in allowing the soldiers of Jericho to believe that the Jews had come to her for prostitution. All those issues are subsidiary, and not even dealt with in James. We need to say what scripture says and be quiet when it speaks nothing about an issue.

I am reminded of David, the "man after God's own heart". I struggled for a long while with the fact that though David is upheld as one of the great ones in the OT, his life is filled with immorality, inconsistency and lack of faith. What about Abraham? He is noted as an example of justification by faith, and yet the major part of his life is characterized by disbelief and lack of trust. Was there a different standard for these? Did God somehow allow those things then for them, because the situation was different? No! Once again, we see that God is steadfast in his love and gracious to all. His grace covered them ultimately through Christ (Rom 3:21-26)

The Egyptian Midwives:

Exodus 1:19-21 - The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.” So God dealt well with the midwives. And the people multiplied and grew very strong. And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families.

A similar principle applies here, the favor of God cannot justifiably be used to endorse lies. We have seen God rewarding faith similarly in Abraham, David and Rahab, the weakness of the sinner is covered by Grace. Vs 21 elaborates - they "feared God" and God blessed them.

Edit: To further elucidate, they feared God above man. So when Pharaoh commanded them to kill the Hebrew babies, they refused. This was what God blessed them for. They obeyed him rather than man. That they spoke untruth does not justify it just because they were intending good.

We need to use scripture to interpret scripture, and use the certain to interpret the uncertain, not the reverse. Lying is sin, and we do not have sufficient warrant to add exceptions to a command which is absolute.

Lying and the Bible - Part 3/3

Broader definitions of Lying

So far I have dealt with simply speaking what is true. There is a broader issue however. Deception takes many forms.

1. What about half truths?
2. What about withholding information?
3. What about simple tomfoolery, pranks, games, etc?

Firstly not all these things can really be put into one category as "lying". For instance, withholding information is many times healthy and desirable, for instance in issues of confidentiality, whether spiritual or even military. Wisdom and deception are far removed from each other.
Games are another area - both sides are aware of certain parameters within which to function. There are accepted norms. And in fact, Games have very strict rules and penalties for going outside the bounds. When someone tries to manipulate rules, he is labelled a cheat. Why? Not just because of a transgression of law - that's a foul. Cheating is when the intent is malicious.

So morality and spirituality comes in at the point of intent. If in these cases intent is malicious then sin is born. Whether in areas of Withholding information, half truths, or Game parameters.

Again, we cannot justifiably say that lying or deception is ever endorsed Biblically. Some might take a hard line and label as lies even instances where intent is
not malicious. But I think this muddies the water unprofitably.

It is important to remember that we need to be very careful how we deal with issues out of the boundaries of explicit speaking of untruth. Intent is a hard thing to gauge. But it will be the key in unravelling the matter.

For example, a child may withhold information from a parent because of fear of consequences. The intent is sinful.
But a child may also unwittingly withhold information that might have been pertinent to the issue, simply because the child did not know it was important. The intent then was not sinful.
In this case the discernment and spiritual insight of the parent comes into play.

Final Notes
I need to delve a little into some of the more subjective arguments.
A question was raised about hierarchy of God's law. The logic was that some laws take precedence over others, and for instance if I have to lie to protect someone from being murdered, then that would be justified.

A quick note about this: The only related scriptural examples I can find are these: Children are commanded to obey their parents (Eph 6:1) All people are commanded to be subject to all authorities. (Rom 13:1) However, in each of these instances these is a caveat, if you look at the verses. from this we understand that if people in authority contradict God, then we disobey authority. This is not really teaching hierarchy of law. It is an issue of hierarchy in authority. Whenever God's word is compromised, then I obey God rather than man. So I disobey man, but it is not sin, because God specifically has declared himself supreme authority. Obeying him is of first importance.

As far as lying goes, the hierarchy of authority does not apply, because God as supreme authority has commanded us to be truthful, and there is no issue of submission to any other involved.

Edit: It has been a long while, but I thought I'd add this "mindlblowing revelation" to conclude. With regard to all the exceptions to lying that we might think up to oppose what I believe is a Biblical argument, isn't there a place to say "trust God"? However difficult the situation, if He has decreed something and we seek to obey Him, Can we not rest in knowing that He will provide the means to carry out His will? Or the strength to bear the consequences of obedience to Him? These may be painful in the moment, maybe... but eternally joyous. We serve a living, caring Father. Amen?

The Waiter Rule

USATODAY.com - CEOs say how you treat a waiter can predict a lot about character

As far as the business world goes, it's a sad day if you spend half your life being arrogant and displaying your "power" and shooting people down, just to learn that you have no character...

The waiter rule is an interesting barometer. And not just for business people. Where Christians are concerned, I'd take it to the level of how you treat the lowly in general - not just people who serve you, but people who you benefit nothing from.

I find it sad that I can think of situations where people in ministry leadership fail the test. That's even sadder than a characterless CEO- It's an absolute tragedy of misguided motives.

Private Blogging

Why have a blog if you aren't going to tell anyone about it? Well, I do realize there's a hypocisy involved in having a blog but wanting it to be private.

Why would anyone have a private Blog? Let me try to unravel this paradox.

- I guess the illusion of privacy is appealing.
- There's the feeling of naughtyness, for lack of a more technical term, that you're doing something quietly in the middle of a great big bustling world of people and no one knows - cheeky, isn't it?
- There's the desire to have a "venting" outlet at hand, and for someone who is on the web a lot, what better venting outlet than a blog.
- It is the firm belief of non-conformists like myself that if we do what everybody is doing the same way as everybody else does it that we have lost a piece of our soul. So we have to be different. What a sad lot it is, being a non-conformist.
- It gives me a topic to blog about.

But it's a moot point, since I gave out my blog address ages ago. I guess now I have to be conscious of what I write because someone might see it.... hahaha. Right. NOW that's an issue.

Joke of the Day

I went into Gus's artificial organ and taco stand. I said "Give me a bladder por favor." The guy said "Is that to go?" I said, "Well what else would I want it for?" -- Emo Phillips

Does Anyone Want to Be an Adult Anymore?

Check out this Article

Al Mohler featured an interesting article - it's long but it's interesting. The obvious question is the one Al raises about Adults holding onto childhood, but there's more, and I can't seem to place a finger on it. On the surface, cultural phenomena like this aren't evil - just maybe the deeper implications are harmful. It's easy to slip into unwarranted judgement of just appearances.

I can't get my head around it all to come up with a decent analysis, it's a bizarre trend. Something that did occur to me is that parents are to model a standard - it's part and parcel of how kids learn character. But we're seeing a generation by generation lowering of the bar - it's not just a lower standard, it's a redefining of what's the standard, what the priorities of parenting are. Check this quote about parenting from the article:

“You have to have a little bit of Dora the Explorer in your life,” he says. “But you can do what you can to mute its influence.” Okay. “And there’s no shame, when your kid’s watching a show, and you don’t like it, in telling him it sucks.” Yeah! There’s no—wait. What? “If you start telling him it sucks, maybe he might develop an aesthetic.” Sorry, son. No more Thomas the Tank Engine for you. Thomas sucks. Stop crying. Daddy’s helping you develop an aesthetic. Now Daddy’s going to go put on some thunder music.

Even the jobs of choice these days might clue us into the social anarchy that seems a result of this unthinking, selfishly hedonistic mindset. At least in the article the jobs that seem to prevail: fashion, music, media, marketing, TV... it's ironic that actually these are probably the most socially impactful career tracks today. We live in a generation that blatantly cares only about itself.

To quote a song: There's something happening here, what it is ain't exactly clear. But it's time we stopped and listened and figured out what's going down.

Maybe it's not a big deal, maybe these issues are culturally relevant to the United States, but the sad truth is maybe it is important, because what's cutting edge hip is going to trickle down to the rest of the globe sooner or later.

Wafa Sultan Interview (Transcript)

Transctipr of Interview

Video of Interview

Whatever your opinion of this, you don't hear Middle Easterners have this kind of discussion too often on a public forum. I hope nothing bad happens to Wafa Sultan.

Free advice from Dogbert

This is from Dilbert's Scott Adams if you don't know.

For all you desperate single guys out there... Dogbert can answer your questions with insight... here's a sampling:

Dear Dogbert,

I need to find a girlfriend, but I am very ugly. How can I find a girl that doesn't care how I look?

Ethan


Dear Heathen,

There are plenty of girls who value character above looks. They are called blind girls. (And) it also helps to be rich.

Sincerely,

Dogbert

This is why I never ask for advice. Especially from cartoon dogs.

Are you not entertained?!!

At the Drive-In Church Photo Essay

Who says our age is wierdly different from any other? Here's a church that has been in existence since the 50s!

Here's my favourite quote

"Church goers are encouraged to bring their pets to the sermon. Dog treats are handed our during collections"

Makes you wonder who thought there was a need for such a church. Some pastor actually woke up one morning, thinking this was a good idea. Gosh. Reality is funnier than fiction.

What does it all mean, this windfall for India?

TIME.com: Why Bush Is Courting India

What does it all mean?
Does it mean that I won't be suffering from power cuts (when I'm 60)?
Does it mean that my children will go to the united states without a Visa? (or that by then the rush will be for people to come to INDIA rather than the US, lol)
Does it mean that India will fulfil it's dream about being a superpower by 2020? (a rough interpretation of what "superpower" means is needed here)
Does it mean that someone out there is going to get really, really rich?
Does it mean that poverty is going to be eradicated in india (by nuclear explosions from badly managed plants)?

I hope it means something, and that the something is good, and that the good actually reaches the common people some day soon. I do sound cynical, but I'm really truly hopeful.

For You

XI

Here with a Loaf of Bread beneath the Bough,
A Flask of Wine, a Book of Verse-and Thou
Beside me singing in the Wilderness-
And Wilderness is Paradise enow.

Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

The Melancholic Waiter

A great post from a compassionate catholic waiter. There're lessons to learn everywhere. This guy writes well. And he doesn't know the Lord.

Heaven & Hell

Good News - Part One

Heads Up. This might be a long one.

What is the Biblical Gospel in a simple, logical, un-cliched, reasonable form? What is Christianity as defined by the Bible? Well, here's what I think is what it boils down to - this, in the form of a Q & A. I'm starting with a presupposition that the Bible IS the only authoritative word of God. I could have gone into a lot more detail, but I'm trying to outline a basic, clear explanation.

My main purpose in this blog post is remembrance - there is rich joy in contemplating the work of Jesus in my life. I have found that it is essential to stay close to the cross if I want to remain devoted to Jesus. This is the basis of my faith, my love, my hope, my passion.

This post is in three parts: This is part 1.

PART I: The Need for Salvation.

Question 1: What have God and man have to do with each other? Who decided that there needed to be this connection - that man somehow is compelled to come to God?

Answer: Three issues.

Issue a. Isaiah 43:7
everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made.”

There's a simple principle found here. God created all things. We are immediately confronted with the notion of accountability. The created owes its existence to the creator.

Issue b. Colossians 1:16
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through him and for him.

So we fine-tune the previous thought a little. Not only does all of creation owe its existence to God, but the purpose of all things is to give pleasure to God.
We're not only speaking now about accountability, but about specific duty. God created all things (not just man) to be actively giving him (God) pleasure. To "glorify" him. As a side note, this is what creation implicity does by just "being" (Psalm 19:1 - "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork".)the intricacy and beauty of creation gives glory to its creator.

Issue c. Genesis 1:26
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.
The implications of this verse are very specific, because not only do they point to a special purpose for man's creation above and over the rest of creation, but they imply a means by which man can fulfil his purpose differently than the rest of creation (the purpose, as we have seen is the pleasure, the Glory, of God).
Man is in the image of God - this means not that he is God, but that unlike the rest of creation he can think, he can love, he can feel, he can have relationship connitively, by choosing to. In specific, actual ways, He can glorify God with words, with thoughts, with specifically chosen actions.
Also implied is God's tender love and special care when he created man.

Herein lies the uniqueness and specific purpose of man.


Question 2: Ok, so there is a connection between God and man. Man is accountable and his main purpose is to glorify God. So, what's the problem? Can't we just try to please him the best we can, as he intended us to?

Answer: There's a couple of issues we need to understand before we're ready to tackle the idea of glorifying God.

Issue a. The Character of God

Holy - Isaiah 6:1-5
In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory!”
And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!
This is one of the phenomenal passages in scripture. Isaiah the prophet saw God. And this was his experience. The one thing that stands out is God's utter, unadulterated holiness. Even the perfect angels have to cover themselves in the presence of God. The idea of Holiness here is not just purity, but "otherness" - that God is set apart, above and beyond all else. And absolute purity is just an aspect of his holiness. It is this God who desires man to glorify him.

God's Standard - Leviticus 11:44
For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy.Man or woman can only fulfil his/her purpose in the context of God's holiness. Because God is so utterly holy, only a perfectly holy life will give him pleasure, will truly glorify him.

Issue b. The Fact of sin

Adam's Sin - Genesis 3:1-7
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.
Man and woman were created perfect, in the image of God, with an unhindered ability to glorify God. The situation was perfect. No issue, no unholiness present. But by one act of disobedience, the situation changed drastically. It is only once we have a proper understanding of God from passages like Isaiah 6 (above) that this makes sense. Man's one sin put a permanent block between him and God. No longer was man's life pleasing to God, no longer could man fulfil his purpose of existence.

You might ask, "What's that to me, If the first humans God created sinned? I was not there, I had nothing to do with it!" It's a valid question, and the Bible provides an answer. Romans 5:12: Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned sin came to all, through that one man, Adam. The point here is that all human beings are now, as it were genetically "birthmarked" or stamped with sin. It is the characteristic of who we are, inherently, at birth. King David understood it well when he confessed his sin to God - Psalm 51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me. Born in sin, because of Adam. All of us, without exception, are marked, and therefore, separated from God, unable to please him. This is what I mean by the "fact of sin".

Issue c. The Act of Sin

Romans 3:23
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of GodSee, we're not just marked even at birth by sin, we all, without exception faced with actual sin in our lives. Who of us can claim to be without sin? The Bible is clear that all have actually, physically, committed acts of sin. There is not much argument needed here. And so we're double sinful - both by just being human, and secondly, also by choosing to sin.

Sin is defined here as "falling short" of God's glory (see verse). To jump across a chasm, even an inch short means death. Same with sin - it results in both physical death, as we see in our own failing bodies, as well as eternal spiritual death. This, in short is the crisis. Because of factual and actual sin, we're unable to glorify God with the standard of perfect holiness that is required, which is our purpose for being.


Question 3: Well, I understand that sin is a problem. But I still don't quite understand what the big deal is... I mean, why can't I just do my best and can't God be merciful?

Answer: Sin has very serious effects that need to be understood if this question is to be tackled Biblically.

Issue a. Sin in Relation to God
James 2:10
For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. We've seen God's holy standard. But in addition to this, even one single disobedience to God's law means that we are in disobediece to all of God's law. It's all or nothing.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We saw from Romans 3:23 that sin prevents us from perfectly glorifying God. But it is important to understand that sin is not just a barrier that prevents us from communion with God. On the basis of sin being disobedience to all of God's law, we can see in this verse that it's not only a barrier, it's a crime. And crime demands punishment, and for us the "wage" is death.

Issue b. Sin with Relation to Man
Ephesians 2:1-3
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. Sin is not only punished by physical death and eternal death, Sin causes spiritual death. The idea is of total inability. Dead things dont do anything. We're dead in sin, and without life, there is no possibility of us being able to do anything of ourselves to please God. This is our state without God.
In addition to this, because we have committed a crime before the Holy God, not only are we under punishment, but under his wrath, as the verse suggests. The Bible talks about judgement in very clear terms: Hebrews 9:27 - And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment... We will all be called to answer, and by ourselves, we will bear the punishment for our sins. This is righteous, this is just.
Here are some more verses about what our sin has done to us: Romans 8:7,8 - For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

This is where all men and women stand without God. This is the state of all humans - dead, unable to act, hostile to God, under the wrath of God, hopelessly lost, destined for eternal punishment.

Revelation 20:11-15
Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

This is in clear Biblical terms, why we NEED to be saved.

She's got a ticket to ride....

This is satirical... please don't ask me silly questions.

Have you ever wanted to get away with almost anything? To have a ticket to inculpability, as it were, that lets you do mostly what you want with blissful abandon? Just thinking about such a thing makes me fear a world of anarchy and lawlessness. But the most devastating truth lies in the fact that this thing has existed for aeons, right under our noses. Women have "it" and it comes in the form of 4 worrisome words - "It's a Girl Thing". And the ones who suffer the brunt of this assault are men (and maybe very manly women, but that's for another day).

For example:

Woman: "Can I take your credit card and shop till we're in three decades of debt?"
Well, the man to whom this is addressed would ordinarily, if in his right mind, not even consider the possibility of this being a serious question. But then the trump card:
Woman: "It's a Girl Thing".
All of a sudden, there is no argument. The question WAS serious, and the credit card is handed over, along with the wallet and ID and 50 signed blank checks. It's like magic.

Or another example:

Consider this scenario - A man pulls a Three Stooges and makes a complete fool of himself. Justly, he can expect nothing but grief from his woman. It's what should happen. And it's what usually does, as most men will know.
But turn it around: The woman does a Lucy. Ahah! The man is ready with guns drawn: it's payback time. But then those ill-fated words "sorry dear, it's a woman thing". All of a sudden the man joins the woman on the table, and sings Cuban party songs, Desi Arnaz style.

There is a strange power here. Logic has nothing to do with it. But imagine the possibilities if this is properly harnessed.

Think about the Cold War. Had either the US or Russia decided to be smart, they would have installed a female leader. Said country would then be free to do what they wanted, no threat of war.

For Example, if Russia had a female leader:

High Level Phone Call from male US Premier to Russian Premier: "Um... Madam, you've just launched a nuclear missile, and it seems to be heading toward Texas"
Russian Reply: "Yes, Comrade, it's a woman thing".
American Response: "Uh... Ok.... I guess we can do without ONE state. Hope you feel better! I'm sending you flowers."

And so there is peace in the world, even if the US is less one section of real estate. However, if BOTH the US and Russia were to install a leader of the Feminine type, then that would be a whole different story, and I don't Imagine I would be around to type this little satire, or that you would be around to read it. At least not with the normal number of limbs or heads.

I'm still trying to figure out the point of this whole spiel, but I would imagine somewhere in here is the realization that us men just need to suck it up - sure life has a few Texas-sized smoking holes, but small price to pay for peace.

I better end this, I have no ticket to indemnity.

Wow... I like these people already

That there's a site like this one - with huge money poured into it and so much content dedicated to it makes me happy. I want to curl up under warm blankets and depart into my dreams for a while, without guilt. Hey! I'm not lazy after all! People are paid to promote the importance of such things!

Love at First Bite [The Publisher’s Ring]

Are these people for REAL? What in the world is wrong with the people in the world, and why is it that white people come up with some of the most bizzare ideas of love? Hollywood was bad enough, now reality takes it to a whole new level. Love at First Bite [The Publisher’s Ring] will shock you and send you into the other room screaming for mercy. They call this love. Oh my.

EDIT: Apparently, it's an April Fools joke, but in extremely bad "taste". And also, sort of hard to decipher considering the content and purpose of the site is about self-mutilation in more acceptable forms.

Worship Matters: Idolatry on Sunday Mornings, Pt. 3

Worship Matters: Idolatry on Sunday Mornings, Pt. 3

Bob Kauflin of Sovereign Grace Ministries fame has really hit upon a gem of a series - a three part posting about the Idols that we put in front of ourselves on Sunday Mornings when we should be worshipping God.

The whole thing is worth reading, but here's a snippet to whet interest

As I mentioned in my post yesterday, idolatry can be active in my heart even as I’m outwardly worshipping God. That’s a sobering thought. Whenever I think I can’t worship God unless “X” is present, I’m making a profound statement. If “X” is anything other than Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, I’ve moved into idolatrous territory.

Instant Gratification

Pandora Radio

Have you ever been in the mood for a specific kind of music, and nothing seems to fit the craving in your inner soul? Well, here's a resource that lets you listen to songs with styles that you dictate. Very customisable, and infinitely user friendly. I imagine site this is going to be my home page for a long time.

What an excellent idea! This is really cool, and best of all it's free.

From the Faq:
Q: What is Pandora?

Pandora is a music discovery service designed to help you find and enjoy music that you'll love. It's powered by the Music Genome Project, the most comprehensive analysis of music ever undertaken. Just tell us one of your favorite songs or artists and we'll launch a streaming station to explore that part of the music universe.

Q: How do you decide what to play?

We take your input (artists, songs) and feedback ("I like this", "I don't like this") and use the Music Genome Project to create stations that play songs that are musically similar to what you've told us. That's it; only the music counts. We don't care how popular the artist is, who's backing them, and we don't care which genre bin they usually belong in. Only the music matters.

Only the music matters. I hear anthems ringing in my head as I read that. What wonderful times we live in.

Proving the existence of God

People say that it's a circular argument that us "fundamentalist Bible believing" Christians use to talk about the existence of God: Why do I believe In God? The Bible says so. Why believe the Bible? Because it's the Word of God. What makes you so sure God wrote it? Because, ultimately, the Bible says so - that's a circular argument all right, but I don't think that a Christian needs to be ashamed or guarded about it.

Sure, the Bible can be historically verified is internally consistent. Sure scriptural prophecies have stood times test. But for someone does not believe, what good does all of that do? Because some of these discussions are so far back in time that no one of us was there - all we have is the Bible - God's word that it happened.

"Faith comes by hearing the word of God". Ultimately, discussions away from the Word of God will lead nowhere, and the danger is that the authority of Scripture is undermined, traded for the wisdom of man - much of which is helpful, but just not Divine Decree.

It's hard to comprehend from an outsiders perspective, how such an approach is inviting or even desirable for anyone who does not have the same presuppositions. But I believe we have no reason to apologise, or rationalise or be diffident about the claims of God on men. There is definitely a measure of gentleness and love and compassion and understanding and relevance - this piece is not about those issues - Francis Shaeffer has got good things to say about the right approach in "taking the roof off" someone's worldview. Ultimately the only word that will save is the Word of Power - and only God's Word, Scripture, the Bible, has power to save.

ESV, Romans 1:16-17
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, [4] as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Who speaks from a position of power? Is man justified in his questions about God? Let's get our perspectives right. God owes no man:

ESV, Romans 1:19-20
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

Circular arguments are OK, in my book, when they are backed by the clear mandate of God's word. It's not God who has to explain himself or prove himself. It's man who stands judged, because what is plain to him, he has suppressed, and has left himself no excuse.

Holy Spirit Revival

We've been going through 1 John, and reached chapter 4, and the discussion about the experience of the Spirit from the end of Chapter 3 has sparked some thought.

John Piper on the Holy Spirit
This is why Paul can say in Acts 19:2 when he meets the confused disciples of John the Baptist, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" What would a contemporary Protestant evangelical say in response to that question? I think we would say something like, "I thought we automatically received the Holy Spirit when we believed. I don't understand how you can even ask the question." How could Paul ask that question? He could ask it, I think, because receiving the Holy Spirit is a real experience. There are marks of it in your life. And the best way to test the faith of these so-called disciples is to ask them about their experience of the Spirit. This is no different than what Paul said in Romans 8:14, "All who are led by the Spirit are the sons of God" (see 2 Cor. 13:5 and 1 John 3:24; 4:12-13). I sometimes fear that we have so redefined conversion in terms of human decisions and have so removed any necessity of the experience of God's Spirit, that many people think they are saved when in fact they only have Christian ideas in their head not spiritual power in their heart.

Something I'm trying to understand. Coming from a cessationist, non-charistmatic, non-sign gifts background, and now trying to understand these things in light of scripture, and interesting issue is raised about the experience of the Spirit. I don't know if I agree with Piper fully, but he does have some good things to say.
What's the connection between tongues and the Spirit? As soon as you start talking about an experience, people start to get uneasy and think oh no, this guy is going to start speaking in Tongues or something. No! Piper again:

So you see, the real issue the Charismatics raise for us is not the issue of tongues. In itself that is relatively unimportant. The really valuable contribution of the Charismatic renewal is their relentless emphasis on the truth that receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit is a real, life-changing experience. Christianity is not merely an array of glorious ideas. It is not merely the performance of rituals and sacraments. It is the life-changing experience of the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ the Lord of the universe.

Not dead faith, but vibrant passionate, even (hold on to your hats) emotional faith that is filled with the truth of God and expressive of the glory of God. Piper helps a little with defining the "experience" of the Spirit.

We could talk for hours about what that experience is. In fact, most of my messages are just that—descriptions of the experience of the Spirit of God in the life of the believer. But I'll mention two things from the book of Acts—things that mark the experience of being baptized in the Holy Spirit or of receiving the gift of the Spirit. One is a heart of praise. In Acts 10:46 the disciples knew the Holy Spirit had fallen because "they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling (or magnifying) God." Speaking in tongues is one particular way of releasing the heart of praise. It may be present or may not. But one thing is sure: the heart in which the Holy Spirit has been poured out will stop magnifying self and start magnifying God. Heartfelt praise and worship is the mark of a real experience of the Holy Spirit.

The other mark I'll mention is obedience. In Acts 5:29 Peter and the apostles say to the Sadducees who had arrested them, "We must obey God rather than men." Then in verse 32 he says, "We are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God gave to those who are obeying him." ("Gave" is past tense; "obey" is present ongoing tense.) It is inevitable that when the object of your heart's worship changes your obedience changes. When Jesus baptizes you in the Holy Spirit, and infuses you with a new sense of the glory of God, you have a new desire and a new power (1:8) to obey.

Fighting Entropy

Some people bring immense change to the world. And when such people start blogging it is a notable effort to make this world a better place. Dilbert has a blog!!

Here's what said world changer has to say in his defense:

MY OWN DILBERT BLOG
===================

When I see news stories about people all over the world who are experiencing hardships, I worry about them, and I rack my brain wondering how I can make a difference. So I decided to start my own blog. That way I won't have time to think about other people.

People who are trying to decide whether to create a blog or not go through a thought process much like this:

1. The world sure needs more of ME.
2. Maybe I'll shout more often so that people nearby can experience the joy of knowing my thoughts.
3. No, wait, shouting looks too crazy.
4. I know - I'll write down my daily thoughts and badger people to read them.
5. If only there was a description for this process that doesn't involve the words egomaniac or unnecessary.
6. What? It's called a blog? I'm there!

The blogger's philosophy goes something like this:

Everything that I think about is more fascinating than the crap in your head.

The beauty of blogging, as compared to writing a book, is that no editor will be interfering with my random spelling and grammar, my complete disregard for the facts, and my wandering sentences that seem to go on and on and never end so that you feel like you need to take a breath and clear your head before you can even consider making it to the end of the sentence that probably didn't need to be written anyhoo.

If that doesn't inspire you to read my blog, I don't know what will. You can find the Dilbert Blog at http://dilbertblog.typepad.com/

Gas or Gold?

One positive product of high gas prices in the United States is humor. And by gosh, that's always welcome.
check out this site for some comics about the pain of gas (I'm not talking about the day after Tandoori Chicken).

Marriage on the Mind

Surely, marriage is an economic contract to provide for children and to take care of mothers while they bear kids and bring them up--but it is much more than that. It is the means this animal, Homo Sap., has evolved--quite unconsiously--for performing this indispensible function and be happy while doing so.
Robert A. Heinlein, Time enough for Love

Science Fiction is an amazing source to me of the world's mind. Sometimes, things that I read in these stories just stick out at me and help clarify some of the places reason takes man, without God.

This passage above seems like a reasonable statement (evolutionary theory aside). But there's so much missing. When I move into the Biblical realm, I see that marriage is not just an association for convenience and propagation. Marriage is a sacred ordination by God himself. And why is it sacred? To us who believe, the love of a husband and a wife is a profound illustration (or should be, Eph 5) of God's love for us. So marriage, God's way, is so much more than Mr. Heinlein outlines. More than just to make oneself happy, even more than just to make the other spouse happy. It is that God is exalted and explicitly seen as glorious through the union of two redeemed hearts.

And there's so much more.

Taking informality to an arrogant extreme

I have nothing but love for Americans, but listening to the Albert Mohler program(a great segment on Biblical relationships by the way), a little tidbit he gave on american teenage informality cracked me up:

Apparently NorthWestern University's winning Lacrosse team was invited to the oval office, and some of the girls on the team wore flip flops!

Now Americans are said by people across the world to be arrogant and to disregard any kind of norms (a general opinion based on some truth) but it's funny to see this caricature find root in examples from reality.

I can just imagine - 'clickety click' (sound of said girl walking up in flip flops to the premier) "whassup, George".

It's like they're itching to provide an already provoked world with ammunition for mockery. In India we call flip flops "bathroom slippers".

2 Samuel 22

31 "As for God, his way is perfect;
the word of the LORD is flawless.
He is a shield
for all who take refuge in him.

32 For who is God besides the LORD ?
And who is the Rock except our God?

33 It is God who arms me with strength [h]
and makes my way perfect.

There is a wider context to what David is singing about, in relation to why God is His refuge, and the reasons why God is faithful: David qualifies God's faithfulness in perspective of his(Davids) own pursuit of righteousness - very interesting. However today this part of the passage screams out at me.

There is no where else to turn! With assurance like this for the days ahead, I rest in my Lord, Holy is his name.

Great Psalm - 62

from vs. 5 (ESV):

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.

Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.
Selah

Some things stand out to me from these rich words: for God alone I must wait. Reason: He is the originator, not just the focus of hope.

And I love the result that David reaches after contemplating the steadfastness of God: He calls the people, because God is faithful, not just to trust in Him, but to pour out our hearts: open the floodgates of our hearts before him.

And I thought my problems were big. Lord teach me to wait for you alone, not for the fulfillment of my whims, however justified they may seem.

The Piper pipes a haunting tune

Want to be shaken about how casually we take the matter of sexuality? John Piper is a man who'd do you in. Found a couple of sermons from the desiring god website that blew me away. Especially in the context of western culture and the "freedom" that seems to be the demand of the day, we need to step out and see things for what they are in light of God's word.

(MP3 Links)

Sex and the Supremacy of God (part 1)

Sex and the Supremacy of God (part 2)

(though I hastily add that this is an issue that pervades all cultures equally, not just the west)

Give me Grace

When my feet don't step
where my head will lead
when the future is unclear;
when control is not forthcoming
and there's a penchant for fear
give me Grace to follow
in the knowledge that you guide
to trust my feet to your goodness
you are right here by my side

When the coming dawn
brings unwelcome days
when I get what I don't ask
When I wrestle with submitting
with disfavor I cannot mask
give me Grace to bend my knees
knowing full well in the end
that your eternal plan is yet unfazed
ever wiser than I intend

When tomorrow turns
to yesterday
when all is said and done
when the rigmarole and balderdash
of my normal life's begun
give me Grace to jog my memory
looking back into the past
drawing strength for the next tomorrow
for in your faithfulness I stand fast

Talk Like A Pirate Day - September 19

Arrrr.. it be that time of the sun cycle to growl and roar and howl at the wenches, at least for a day...


Sail over to the site

Orisinal : Morning Sunshine

Feeling like wasting your life away? Here's a site that will take weeks to get old - one of the most creative flash creators around, and I've been visiting this place for years now, way before it was so famous - so why not post a blog about it, eh?

Room Noise: Did anyone get it? Guess not.

I've been listening to this song (see bottom of post) by a band that was popular when I was still pre solid-food, physically speaking. They sure knew how to write back then!

Ironically, I had this track as part of a playlist containing Contemporary Christian Music, including some of the new commerical worship music that's out there - and sure, I like a lot of it myself. Somehow though this song became more poignant in that context.

For example, a band who's music I love sang the following:

Take control of the atmosphere
Take me far away from here
There is no better loss than to lose myself in you
In a parachute to glide, I am captive in your sky
Surrender has somehow become so beautiful

I can contrive some meaning from that, but only relative to my interpretation of those words. Or another band sang this:

Praise Him under open skies
Everything breathing praising God
In the company of all who love the King
I will dance, I will sing
It could be heavenly
Turn the music loud, life my voice and shout
From where I am
From where I've been
He's been there with me
He's built a monument
His very people
So let his people
Sing, sing, sing

Again, nothing incorrect necessarily, but there's a certain lack of solidity that makes it appealing to my generation, I think. Actually, scratch that - maybe not it's the lack of solidity that makes it acceptable, but the lack of depth in my generation that makes fluffy lyrics such as these the norm. We're in the age of "Hallmark"esque Christian lyrics, and I believe people are too quick to say "that's deep".

Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for Contemporary Christian Music to start singing "A Mighty Fortress" to a death metal tune. I don't think you have to be Shakespearan to have substance. Or even say the name Jesus every third line (though it would help to mention your Lord and master some of the time) - you can be solid, boldly Christian by being serious about the content of your words - guard your mouth and raise the standard of your lyrics before a Holy God. Look at Petra. Even someone like Keith Green, who I think gets a bad rap sometimes. They said something. It's sad that the so much good music we find these days is from people who regurgitate the old - I'm sure there are Christian Musicians today who seriously have something to say for the glory of God and the enrichment of the Church.

I could go on and rant and rave, but that's not my point really - I wanted to point out that this is not an old issue - people one generation before me struggled the same way, and here's a song to prove it:

Room Noise
2nd Chapter of Acts

No more Conversation
No more idle words
Pitter pitter patter
words fall from your platter

Pseudo Gospel music
Music everywhere
but not a single drop
to drink anywhere

I don't want to be room noise
generically speaking
I don't want to be room noise
no one will stop and hear me, hear me...

Down on bended knees
Doing what you please
As you say
"Gospel Gospel music's an alternative"
Then you never have to
change the way you live

Idle, Idle lyrics
floating through the air
Invisible acting
emotional snare

I don't want to be room noise
Generically speaking
I don't want to be room noise
No one will stop and hear me, hear me...

Down on bended knee
doing what you please
PHARISEE!

I don't want to be room noise...

Twenty something years later, is someone listening?

QDB: Top 100 Quotes

Bash never fails to amuse me. [some quotes can be crass]

Edit: Well, going back to some of the other posts maybe I should say Bash sometimes fails to amuse me, infact aggravates me.

From Albert Mohler's Weblog

Check out this review on Pornified: How Pornography Is Transforming Our Lives, Our Relationships, and Our Families.

Put simply, porn is now considered cool. As Paul argues, "Pornography is wildly popular with teenage boys in a way that makes yesteryear's sneaked glimpses at Penthouse seem monastic. For teenagers, pornography is just another online activity; there is little barrier to entry and almost no sense of taboo. Instead pornography has become a natural rite and acceptable pastime."

Wow. We in the Church need to guard ourselves and our brothers - I don't think any of us, single or married, old our young, are invulnerable. I know I'm definitely susceptible. It's a shame that still, topics like this are awkward and remain un-discussed in the Church.

Monday Night at Morton's - 12/20/03

Ben Stein's last article for e-online. I normally don't care much for celebrity talk, but this guy surprised me - I only knew him for his cynicism on TV. Here's a healthy dose of it myself: Hope he means it.

Edit: Reading some of his older articles, it's interesting to see that his ideas on God don't seem to take him very far practically... very postmodern.

The Blog Site - In The News - Blogging will be "trendy" in 2004

Seems like everyone is hopping on the blogging bandwagon and this article made my day. It's a nice feeling to look down my nose at those dilettante bloggers who've just woken up to the world. You all are so... 2004.

Here's a first for Skinniyah: being aware of something before it became cool. Wow. I must be a fully culture-relevant kinda dude. Who'd've thunk it.

Still living in the 20th Century? Let UrbanDictionary enlighten you.

In Defense of Pat Robertson

I care nothing for Pat Robertson or his comments myself, but this article sure if a breath of fresh air in the midst of the journalistic mob.

I especially like how the author, Richard Kim, manages to get his point across without really being nice to Robertson. And how in his conclusion, he compares Robertson with Jack Nicholson's Col. Nathan R. Jessep in A few Good Men. Love it.

Hugging Time!

Hey World! Hey Stranger! Here's some love, from me to you.

southpaw :: Baby Got Book

LOL. Unless I have totally read him wrong, the man is serious.

Thompson Chain with the big red letters, NIV with the ribbon bookmark... sort of sticks in your head, doesn't it?

And the girlfriend looks pregnant. Wow.

And there's more?! Check out this lyrics page. That's the site where you can find out all you want about the musical genius of Dan "Southpaw" Smith.

Engadget 1985 - Engadget - www.engadget.com

Flashback to the days of cutting edge technology.

Hilarious, yet eye-opening. We've come a long way, baby!

episode iii, the backstroke of the west [language]

Tell me this isn't true!

In actual fact, I thought the dialogue in the star wars series was bad enough as it is, this takes things to a whole other level.

Grown Up Thoughts

What is being an adult? What is being immature? Where is the line between youth and manhood drawn without arbitrary lines being made? It hit me yesterday.

That microscopic moment of attitude when one switches from an obsession with trying to be and settles into the acceptance of being, is when the crucial transformation into adulthood has begun.

Maybe that makes no sense... well, I'm still trying.

Life, Written

I write.

I write because it makes me talk the way I cannot in normal speech. Inflections, pronunciations, pauses for thought need not discount the intelligence of what I say. A judgment will never be made before a proper account has been given, or after, for that matter.

I write because it frees me up to be able to express myself in ways that I never could otherwise. I write because it is the easiest way to think, to ponder, to hold discourse, to discuss. A debate with ones own mind; yes, verdict can be reached in such a dialogue.

I write because I can say things to a sheet of paper or a blank screen which cannot be uttered to the world, even a heedless world simply because it is not proper to mutter; yet, in written form I make a declaration of my opinion without hindrance or embarrassment.

I write because before me I can idealize the perfect woman, dream an idyllic meadow, create an adventurous journey, and envision the state of the world as I want it to be. I write because of the places I can take myself simply by thought, because of the loves I can love simply with a wish, because things don't have to be as they are but as they need to be, when written. Maybe this reveals in me the image of my Creator, the desire to create.

I write because in writing if find an attentive listener, one who always hears, always knows, always identifies, always “gets it.” There is no better thrill for a writer than a perpetually excited fan.

Galatians 5:6

Touching Bible Study. What good is faith, what good is belief, if it does not lead to compassionate action? Here's a song/poem I wrote this morning. I think it was St. Francis that said "Preach the Gospel at all times, when necessary with words".

We have believed in your message, O Lord
We have been set free, we have been forgiven
We have been made whole
Grace you have given, more than we need
yet, one thing we lack, and this is our plea:
Lord we have forgotten the touch of your Son
Teach us to Love

To reach out a hand, to touch the broken,
To show your example lived, more than spoken
Lord open our eyes, break open our hearts
Teach us to Love

We have become rich with your Word, O Lord
We stand for Truth, We stand in judgement
We have grown cold
This world is dying, fading away
Our eyes do not weep, our knees do not pray
We love our lives, this is not your way
Lord, teach us to Love

To open our purses, to show not just tell
Teach us to deny not them but ourselves
Jesus you gave, Jesus you died
Teach us to Love