Monthly Archives: May 2009

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Jehovah’s Witnesses- Part V

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Reasons- Part I

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Reasons

I randomly came across a blog post called Losing My Religion.  (This is not an endorsement of the site- it is simply giving credit where credit is due!)  It was written by someone who claims to have been a Christian who now does not profess any faith.  As I read through the post, I was intrigued.  Some of the very reasons the author claims as reasons why he abandoned his faith are the very reasons why Christianity makes so much sense to me.

I am going to embark on a mini-series as my own personal response to his listed reasons.  This is not an attempt to create a scholarly critique of the of the reasons given, but to merely present my own reflections on the author’s thoughts.

One other note: there is much discrepancy as to whether or not it is possible for a Christian to lose their faith.  While I hold to perseverance of the saints, my goal is not to discuss this particular aspect of the Losing My Religion post.  Perhaps the title is what makes it clear- a religion can be lost, a relationship is eternal.

That being said, here is reason one as stated by the author:

God is wrathful, jealous, hateful, and kills nations of people like it is a bodily function. He is certainly not just or “holy” in nature.

The problem with this argument is that the author supposes God cannot be both wrathful and holy.  In our finite minds, it seems difficult to comprehend that both could be true.  But when logic reigns, it is clear that in order for God to be holy, He must also be wrathful.  A god who is indifferent to the sin of His created beings is not a God I would want to worship.

Ironically enough, the author is claiming his own ability to determine what is just based on his own standard.  His basic complaint is that God does not respond to evil the way he thinks God should respond to evil.

My contra-statement would be this:

God demonstrates wrath towards sin and allows death as a result of the fall of Adam.  His anger towards sin and His judgment on sin are clear examples of His justice and His holiness.

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Frugal Starbucks

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My Starbucks

I am a bit of a Starbucks junkie.  I hear plenty of complaints about the $5 cup of coffee.  But I don’t think that enjoying Starbucks instantly means that one is spending a lot of money.  So here are my frugal Starbucks tips:

  • Hot tea- a tall (Starbucks small) hot tea is under $2, and if you drink in shop, often you can ask for more hot water at no charge, sometimes getting the comparable two cups of tea for the price of one.
  • Iced tea- may I suggest the Tazo Passion?  Again, it’s just a couple bucks for a tall.  Even a Venti (Starbucks large) is around $3.
  • Hot coffee!  Leave room for cream- it’s STRONG and bitter.  I love it.  A tall is again under $2- and if you have a registered Starbucks gift card, you can get a free refill!
  • Register your Starbucks gift card!  Not only will you get the free refill on your coffee, but they will also replace the card if it is lost or stolen.  My wallet was stolen last year, and Starbucks replaced the card for the full value, even though the thief used part of the card!
  • Brings your kids- kid’s hot chocolate, juice, or milk (white or chocolate) is just $1.10 in my area.  I like treating my siblings when we are out together.
  • Iced coffee and Iced Americano are also inexpensive choices.
  • Blended ice drinks, specialty hot chocolates, mochas, etc. are all budget breakers.  Avoid them!  If you can’t help yourself, the plain coffee version of the Frappuccino is the best price.
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Amazed by the Blood

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I finally finished reading through Numbers.  What a reminder of God when viewed in light of the whole of Scripture.

I was amazed as I read through chapter 35.

Moreover, you shall accept no ransom for the life of a murderer, who is guilty of death, but he shall be put to death. Numbers 35:31 ESV

I was struck with the contrast this is to Jesus!  Whereas no ransom could be make for the life of a murder in Numbers, Jesus came to be a ransom for all.

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.  1 Timothy 2:5-6 ESV

There is such a vast difference between the law and grace.  The law always fell short.  Jesus never falls short.  We cannot fully understand grace without first understanding the law.

I love seeing Jesus in the Old Testament.  I think it is too easy to view the OT as a different section of history versus a Sumpremely designed part that points to the glorious Savior of the NT.  God’s workings are evident in the details from His impartation of the law to His impartation of grace thorugh His son.

What the law could not do in its incompletion, Jesus did in full through His death on the cross.  May I never cease to be amazed by the blood.

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Online for Beginners- Part I

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I was reminded today that not all people who find themselves online actually know what they are doing or where to begin.  My mother is a perfect example.  For a while she was convinced there was no “Q” on the computer keyboard because she could not find it.

So here is my meager attempt to introduce you all to the internet.

  • For free e-mail, use Google Mail.  No ads.  It’s just better.
  • For keeping up with all the great blogs you find, use Bloglines.  It’s like a filing cabinet that keeps all your blogs in one place.  (To test it, click “Add” and then type in: entrustedwith.wordpress.com ;).)
  • For filter software (and accountability) to protect you and your family from the questionable internet content, use Covenant Eyes.  Not free but worth every penny.

More to come.  And the “Q” is in the upper left corner of the keyboard in case you are searching.

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The Modern Church

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Have you ever noticed that some modern day worship services seem to be more about bringing glory to the preacher than glory to God?

I am so saddened when I hear speaking that comes so close to the truth but leaves people with such confusion.

I just listened to a message like this, and I am confused.  It incorporates Scripture but is not founded on it.  In fact, it incorporated almost as much about a popular television show as it did about the Bible.  That is scary.

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.  James 3:1 ESV

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Christianity Today: Speak the Gospel

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Christianity Today has an interesting article called Speak the Gospel.  The premise of the article is that the quote, “Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words” was not an actual reflection of  the supposed originator Francis of Assisi.  The goal of the article is to point to a rephrase of the quote, “Preach the gospel—use actions when necessary; use words always.”

At first glance, this rephrase sounds grand.  It encourages speaking the gospel versus the obscure nature of showing the gospel through action.  Some of the comments on the article make a great point.  Our actions should accommodate our words.  There are many examples I can give of sharing the gospel with words that were falling on deaf ears.  An action that accompanied the words made all the difference- be it a cup of coffee or a generous tip.  The actions paved the way for the words to be heard.

We see this example in Jesus and His disciples when they fed people and healed people and also spoke the truth of the gospel.  Actions are often necessary.

I do not think the purpose of the article was to minimize deeds done well for the Lord.  The purpose was to counteract the rather cop-out statement that it is sufficient to live out the gospel and only use words when necessary.  Perhaps the quote should really be, “Preach the gospel boldly and use your actions as tangible demonstrations of the gospel you present.”

HT: Between Two Worlds