Leaving Laodicea

What a great passage of scripture! Thanks for pos...

2009-10-22T20:16:05.229-07:00

What a great passage of scripture! Thanks for posting!

Americans need to stop tossing the phrases "your r...

2009-09-06T15:18:55.811-07:00

Americans need to stop tossing the phrases "your religion vs. my religion" and "your way vs. my way" around. We ALL need to realize that NONE of us are perfect, and start looking to God's Word to honestly seek the Truth. If we sincerely do this, we will be on God's side, and He will take care of us.

Jim, My name is Eric Huggins. I have heard some ...

2009-08-18T08:09:35.575-07:00

Jim,
My name is Eric Huggins. I have heard some about your trip to Puerto Rico. How did it go? How do you perceive the spiritual situation over there and the needs in the churches? Thanks. If you could, e-mail me at chuggins11@gmail.com. Thanks again. Eric Huggins

Thanks Casey, I just finished reading "Tortured f...

2009-08-17T17:55:42.256-07:00

Thanks Casey,

I just finished reading "Tortured for Christ" by Richard Wurmbrand. I am going to put a review of it on this blog. I think reading about people who willingly get disfigured b/c of their love for God is inspiring. If you haven't read it, you should get a copy. They give them away free at persecution.com.
Thanks for reading the blog.
-JC3

Great article, Jim. That's one of those verses I'v...

2009-08-17T05:43:57.019-07:00

Great article, Jim. That's one of those verses I've read over a lot. It really is amazing to think that Paul endured THAT much. I'm sure he kept himself dressed at all times, but can you imagine what the Christians would have thought when they saw his mangled body? What an inspiration it would have been to them!

Thanks for the comments. I have discovered that I...

2009-04-22T11:41:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the comments. I have discovered that I spent a lot of time confused as to why I couldn't conquer sin. Then I realized that I was trying to do everything myself. When I finally started letting God conquer sin through my life and actions it changed everything.

Trying not to sin feels like a waste of time somet...

2009-04-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

Trying not to sin feels like a waste of time sometimes. Probably because it is if we don't let God help us out. Believing He can help is probably the hardest part. I say that believe He can help but I don't fully understand how He does it and that can make it hard.

Greatly apreciate your thoughts.

Hey Jemima, Wanted to let you know that I did rec...

2009-04-15T12:31:00.000-07:00

Hey Jemima,

Wanted to let you know that I did receive your questions, and I will post a response in the next day or two. I will probably do so in a new post, so others will be aware of your very good questions.

- JC3

I have a question for you. (maybe three)When I rea...

2009-04-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

I have a question for you. (maybe three)
When I read through the Genesis creation account, the one thing that stood out to me was that humans were designed for the earth, and the earth for humans. God went to a lot of trouble to create all the magnificent things we see in the material universe and especially on our earth. I have searched in Genesis and I cannot find one mention of death in the Garden of Eden except as a penalty for disobedience. Does this mean that God originally intended for humans to live on earth forever without ever dying? If the first paradise was on earth, why is it now changed to heaven? I also read in Romans 5:12 that it was through the man that sin entered into the world. Why does it blame Adam when it was his wife who ate the fruit first?

No problem Adam. Glad your back. Pat,Thanks for p...

2009-03-26T15:16:00.000-07:00

No problem Adam. Glad your back.

Pat,
Thanks for posting a comment. I really appreciate you reading my blog (and Adam's) and I appreciate the encouragement. I am glad that you have found some of this material useful. Please feel free to comment and participate in the discussion here.
- JC3

This is my first time commenting but I wanted to c...

2009-03-26T07:30:00.000-07:00

This is my first time commenting but I wanted to commend you for the willingness to advertise your friend's blog. I like the mixture of your blogs. You're blog is very encouraging and I really like the book reviews that you do sometimes. Adam likes to go on the offensive and invites discussion, even if it does get heated sometimes. You both have helped me quite a bit, even though your styles are different. I wish you both continued success in His kingdom.

Pat

Thanks for posting this, Jim. It's hard to get a ...

2009-03-24T09:23:00.000-07:00

Thanks for posting this, Jim. It's hard to get a hold of everyone when you take some time off to let them know you're back!

Hey James.Thank you so much for the very kind word...

2009-03-03T15:08:00.000-08:00

Hey James.

Thank you so much for the very kind words. I really appreciate it!

Glad you enjoyed the book, and I pray that it can be used in the lives of many to help them as they serve in the army of King Jesus.

To God be the glory!

Thanks for the shout out here, Jim.

2009-02-18T11:30:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the shout out here, Jim.

Excellent response. We all need to remember that ...

2009-01-13T09:10:00.000-08:00

Excellent response. We all need to remember that we need to conform our lives to Jesus not conform Jesus to what we want Him to be. Your blog is an inspiration to me! -Kate

Hello!

2009-01-12T19:01:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Hello again Mark,Thank you for continuing to parti...

2009-01-12T18:48:00.000-08:00

Hello again Mark,

Thank you for continuing to participate in the discussion here. I am glad that you are expressing the “other side” of this issue because it allows us to demonstrate the conflict that exists between our worldviews. You see, that is what we have; a conflict in worldviews. Mark, I believe the Bible. I believe it is inspired, inerrant and is the word of God. I believe that He wrote it and that whatever it requires of me is the least that I can do (Lk 17:7-10). This is where a lot of our conflict exists. In the beginning of your last post you said; “I mostly accept the idea of a New Covenant in general…” This statement is indicative of the attitude of most people in our world today. You seem to think that you can approach the words of Jesus with a pencil and cross out the sections that you do not like. Please allow me to tell you that as much as you have that (God-given) freedom, you cannot approach God’s word this way and please Him. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says that “all scripture is given by inspiration of God.” That word “inspiration” means “God breathed” and that is exactly how God uses the word. As intelligent a man as you seem to be, and as accomplished as you may now be, you do not have the authority to arbitrate what is and is not acceptable in God’s word…and neither do I.
You proceeded to say that you believe Jesus’ words were not perfect (and that you realize this is heresy to some). Here we find our strongest agreement: I know that it is heresy to impugn the words of the Son of God. Jesus Christ was “God in the flesh” when He spoke the words that you claim to be “imperfect.” I am curious as to whether you would describe yourself as a Christian. If so, are you aware what Jesus says about His words, and what is required of the one who would call Himself Jesus’ disciple? Furthermore, the claim you made that Jesus was fallible is a manifestation of one of two misunderstandings; either 1) you are saying that He suffered from some type of “original sin” which is a popular false doctrine hatched by Augustine and perpetuated by the Catholic church and was a key misconception responsible for Calvin’s many false teachings, or 2) you think that because Jesus had flesh He was no different than you and I. If you would like to study about the incarnation we can do that, but let me assure you that what you will discover in the New Testament will not support your theory.
In regards to your question regarding slavery I think we have another fundamental misunderstanding. Mark, you seem to think (as many do) that Jesus came to this world to cure its’ social ills and bring about earthly justice and prosperity. However, this is quite the opposite of what He said. In Luke 19:10 Jesus tells us exactly why He came – to seek and save the lost. Jesus was and is concerned with our spiritual well being. The notion that He is focused on our current social or economic position is a product of materialism and covetousness that men have allowed to break into their heart and commit incest with their faith. As you said, slavery was a very big part of the life and times in which Jesus lived. It was and still is a problem in the world. I do not think Jesus approved of slavery, but again you are wrong in your slander of the New Testament. You say that it does not address the issue of slavery, but it does! 1 Peter 2:18-25 tells us how to behave if we find ourselves in the position of a slave. We are to be obedient, remember who the true master is and serve Him. You may wish Jesus had endorsed the idea of revolt or political upheaval, but He didn’t. Why didn’t He? Again, He was more concerned with our spiritual circumstances than our physical. But perhaps you will ask how a person should have reacted if they became a Christian yet still owned slaves. Did you know that the entire book of Philemon addresses this subject? Mark, the answers to your questions are in the Bible, you just need to actually read it.
And as for your comments as to what I was “taught”, I would simply say this; you presume that all people are simply mirrors of the things they have been told to believe. This is very sad, but it explains a lot. We live in a culture that values inclusiveness above nearly all other things, but this is not a “Christian” principle. Jesus did not set out to make us all feel “approved” of God no matter how we are living. He called us to transform ourselves (Rom 12:1-2) and live like Him and become approved of God.
Mark I know this is a lengthy response, and I am sure you will have follow up questions, and I look forward to those, but allow me to say one more thing. Your last paragraph illustrated the difference in our beliefs better than any which you wrote. You said of Paul that his beliefs about homosexuality were the product of the times in which he lived and you implored me to reconsider “the truth as we know it today.” Of all the statements you made, this may have been the most disappointing. You really seem to believe that Jesus and Paul and their message was a product of their times, but let me assure you that you’re wrong. The “truth as we know it today” is not truth unless it conforms to the words of our Savior and Lord. Jesus is the Truth (Jn 14:6) and the “sum of His word is truth!” If you are unwilling to accept this then you are not willing to accept Jesus. So I implore you to change. Why not cast off your current life and follow Him? I would love nothing more than to see you conform to the image of God’s dear Son, and I am willing to help you if I can.
I look forward to hearing from you.
-JC3

Hi Jim,Thank you for your thoughtful, detailed, an...

2009-01-06T19:38:00.000-08:00

Hi Jim,

Thank you for your thoughtful, detailed, and civil response.

I mostly accept the idea of a New Covenant in general and as it applies to animal sacrifice in particular. I think where we differ is that as radical and positive a change as Jesus' teachings were, they weren't perfect. (I realize that to say so is heresy to some. However, if one believes that Jesus was both man and the Son of God, then as a man he was fallible).

Specifically, allow me to focus on our differing views of Luke 12:42-48. I understand it is a parable. But why use a master-slave relationship as the analogy for God's relationship with man if you don't believe in slavery?

You might say, "Because it's an analogy the people at the time would understand." But why would Jesus tacitly endorse a reprehensible practice merely to make a point?

The fact that Jesus did not choose another analogy indicates that he did not believe that slavery was wrong. This assertion is supported by the fact that nowhere in the New Testament does Jesus condemn the practice of slavery.

Therefore, I don't see how one can avoid the conclusion that the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, endorses the practice of slavery. It is accepted as the normal state of affairs.

Which brings me back to my original question: How do you know what to believe? Why, even though Jesus never condemns the practice of slavery, do you believe slavery is wrong?

I suggest that it is because you are a thoughtful, compassionate man who uses the brain God gave him to conclude that slavery is immoral. In addition, you were undoubtedly taught by your parents and teachers that slavery is immoral.

At the same time, you were taught, either explicitly or implicitly that homosexuality is wrong. But imagine if your parents and teachers taught you that all people are created equal and that the Bible is wrong about homosexuality, just as it's wrong about slavery. If that had been the case, you might now have a different opinion.

But that is not what you were taught. I therefore ask you to employ that same thoughtfulness and compassion that leads you to logically conclude that slavery is wrong and consider the possibility that Paul's beliefs about homosexuality were heavily influenced by the culture in which he lived, rather than being the truth as we know it today.

Thank you for your consideration.

All the best,

Mark

Thanks, I appreciate that.

2009-01-06T07:52:00.000-08:00

Thanks,

I appreciate that.

Well answered.

2009-01-06T07:27:00.000-08:00

Well answered.

your blog is very good......

2009-01-06T01:28:00.000-08:00

your blog is very good......

I posted a response in a blog entry dated 1-5-09

2009-01-05T20:37:00.000-08:00

I posted a response in a blog entry dated 1-5-09

Hey Mark,Thanks for commenting on my blog. The qu...

2008-12-25T19:31:00.000-08:00

Hey Mark,
Thanks for commenting on my blog. The questions you raised are ones I would love to talk about. I will answer in detail next week when I get home. I am on vacation with my family and have intermittent internet access.

I'm not sure if you intend to "preach to the choir...

2008-12-23T08:04:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if you intend to "preach to the choir" or if you wish to change the minds of independent and moderate voters who are undecided on the issue of civil rights for LGBT people.

If you desire to communicate only with people who already agree with you, then please ignore what I write next.

On the other hand, if you wish to persuade the undecided, you need to recognize that the "pick and choose" approach to Biblical arguments doesn't work with most thoughtful people.

Until you clearly articulate how exactly you determine what you believe in the Bible and what you consider outdated, your Scriptural quotes are not convincing.

For example, I assume you do not believe that:

1) Members of other religions who worship pagan totems should be slaughtered (Deuteronomy 13:13-14);

2) Rape victims who do not cry out for help should be stoned to death (Deuteronomy 22:23-24);

3) Slaves who don't follow orders should be whipped (Luke 12:47);

4) Parents should honor the birth of a child with an animal sacrifice (Luke 2:22-24).

The question is why do you no longer believe those Biblical passages but you do believe the passages that promote prejudice and hate toward homosexual people?

Lisa Miller, the author of the Newsweek article you criticize, explains how she interprets the Bible. Would you do the same?

Sincerely,

Mark

P.S. I can't take credit for the examples above. I got them from a satirical web site called Paul The True Believer

I hate we missed this lesson!

2008-11-25T18:31:00.000-08:00

I hate we missed this lesson!