Light for Living

Presidential Primary Elections

2012-01-20T11:29:00.002-07:00

Okay, so Michele Bachmann is out and Rick Perry is out. What is a social conservative to do? At this point I'm shifting my support to Rick Santorum. Not that my support means much, but I probably represent a lot of voters who are pro America, pro life, pro 2nd amendment, pro Christianity and pro Israel. Newt Gingrich is extremely intelligent when it comes to history, politics, foreign policy but he has a lot of personal baggage; however, he freely talks about how Christ has changed his life and is repentant; therefore, he will be my next choice should Santorum drop out. As for Mitt Romny...he is nothing more than Obama Jr.. Please Republicans don't run Romny or many of us will be disenfranchised and wont vote.

Presidential Primary Elections

2011-12-29T11:08:00.002-07:00

I am personally endorsing Michele Bachmann for president http://michelebachmann.com.
She has the same values, concerns and faith that I do. If she can handle all those foster kids she had, she ought to be able to handle the brats in congress.

If Mitt Romney wins the primary, I will sit the election out as I feel there would be no difference between Mitt Romney and Barack Hussein Obama. God help us!

Marriage

2011-06-27T11:08:00.002-06:00

what a blessing to be able to perform the marriage ceremony for my son Josh and his lovely bride Lucy. Soli Deo Gloria!

Told You So...

2011-05-23T09:52:00.002-06:00

Read Friday's blog. Watch Israel and our treatment of that nation. Though Israel is predominately in unbelief, God still has a plan for them as Romans chapter 11:25b,26, states "blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved". God's promise of blessing those who bless Israel and cursing those who curse Israel still holds true, and one day we will all glorify God for Israel's acceptance of the Messiah Jesus, as many Jews are have done and are doing today.

Harold Camping has proven himself over the years to be a presumptuous prophet. The Old Testament warns us not to listen to such. If someone states "thus and so" in the name of God, and "thus and so" does not happen, they are never to be heard or believed. The one good thing to come from his May 21st end of the world prediction was that it got secular people talking to Christians about what we believe. The bad thing is it invited a lot of ridicule and many Christians are ill prepared to give a defense of the Faith.

Finally today I will mention my personal favorite for the 1212 presidential run, Herman Cain. Mr. Cain is a baptist, an evangelical and a capable leader. He is a political outsider who has a passion for seeing the country change for the better. If the republicans try to run Romney, I won't vote, it would be like replacing one antichrist for another. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Pray for the victims of these tragic tornadoes and floods. Pray also for our country to repent of it's godless pursuits.

More Politics...

2011-05-20T11:39:00.003-06:00

Well Obama has done it again. He has managed to diss every one of our allies. However, yesterdays speech on Israel is the most serious breach of policy yet. The US made a promise to Israel concerning its boarders; yesterday Obama broke that promise. Mark my words, it will not be long before another catastrophic event happens to us. Every time we diss Israel something terrible happens. Dr. Dave Reagan of Lamb and Lion Ministries, has mapped these events out, it is both frightening and amazing at how God keeps His promise, "I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse those who curse you". Also, I discovered a great evangelist by the name of Usama Dakdok at www.thestraightway.org. Check out what he has to say about our illustrious president.
God save the United States.

Politics

2011-05-18T10:11:00.002-06:00

Well it has been eight months since my last post. In that time my father has passed away, my son is about to graduate high school, another of my sons is about to get married, and SBC politics is driving me nuts. Don't get me wrong, I love the Southern Baptist Convention. It is the best missions organization in the world, but it seems it is becoming more and more top heavy. In Baptist polity the local church is autonomous freely associating with associations and conventions. The convention is supposed to work for the local church not the other way around. I feel that some of the things that are taking place are moving the SBC to a more top down denomination. Already, many of the large and mega SBC churches are funding their own missions and giving less to the convention. If the convention begins to alienate the smaller to mid sized churches, which there are far more of than the larger or mega churches, they will find the co-operative program not so co-operative. Let me give you a couple of illustrations, when I was at the convention in San Antonio a few years back, the convention voted that the SBC entities, particularly the IMB and NAMB, not go beyond the Baptist Faith and Message in their qualifications. The entities have totally disregarded that injunction. Now NAMB is facing a restructuring that is going to kill a lot of missions in the western US. Then on top of that The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission led by Richard Land has been on the wrong side of several issues lately like supporting a Mormon candidate for president and sitting down with terrorists to open a dialog between Islam and Christians. Doesn't the Bible say something about fellowship with light and darkness?
Dr. Land should resign, retire or get de-funded. Anyway, I am not going to go to the national convention because the program looks to be about simply rubber stamping the agenda, and I have too much work to do locally. Maybe that is the problem, too many of us don't get involved in the politics, but unless you are the pastor of a mega-church your voice doesn't get heard. Or at least that is the impression many of us have. Politics, even when people are genuinely trying to do what is right, is not much fun, and when it becomes fun ie about winning and power, then it is for the wrong reasons. God save the SBC.

Misplaced Outrage?

2010-09-08T11:12:00.001-06:00

I think it is disingenuous the way the media is portraying the crazy pastor in Florida who wants to burn the Koran in protest on 9/11. Yes this guy in Florida is pulling a media stunt, and getting attention; but the fact is that this will be seen as more repulsive by our media and get more attention than the honor killings of the Said sisters by their "moderate" Muslim father in Texas. Since the holy month of Ramadan began there have been 192 terrorist attacks in the name of Allah with over 900 dead. Where is the outrage? The outrage is over some fundamentalist Christian in Florida wanting to burn books. This is a world gone crazy. I’m not trying to defend this guy, I don’t like burning books because after all the Nazis burned books; however, let’s not make burning Korans the moral equivalent of burning 3000 people in the World Trade Center bombings.

Anne Rice leaves Christianity?

2010-08-13T09:27:00.002-06:00

I guess I'm behind in the pop news because I just found out Vampire author Anne Rice left Christianity. I guess it was a couple of years ago that Anne Rice was featured in World magazine with an article about her return to Catholicism. During her tenure she wrote a couple of historical fiction books about the life of Christ. I never read them, I believe the first was titled Out of Egypt the second Christ the Lord; however, my wife read them and said they were hard to read as a Baptist because they were so full of Catholic mythology and mysticism. Since my wife is a former Catholic, I suppose she would know. The article from the Los Angeles Times stated that Anne Rice left the Catholic church because of gay rights issues, pro choice and woman's issues, etc. Bottom line is Anne Rice is a religious person who I believe to be lost. There are many people who call themselves Christians who are lost, and as Paul states in Philippians are actually "enemies of the cross". One who is "born again" does not quit Christianity. Christ himself ordained the church. In 1st John 2:19, the Apostle states: "they went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us." We need to pray that Mrs. Rice does not find a new religion but finds a relationship with the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ, not the mystical christ, nor the cultural christ but the real GOD-MAN
who loved us so much that He sacrificed Himself for our sins as a substitute taking God's wrath upon Himself, and is going to come again to judge and make war. Now is the time to receive Him!

Creation Myth?

2010-07-02T10:51:00.007-06:00

Spent some time this morning reading articles by Darrell Falk professor of Biology at Point Loma Nazarene College. He is a theistic evolutionist. Theistic evolution is the idea that God created the "world" or at least the building blocks of the world and then allowed the process of Macro-Evolution to produce the results guided of course by the Big Biologist in the Sky aka God. In one article, he was responding to Stephen Meyer, a Cambridge trained philosopher of science. Falk, first of all in syrupy language, talked about how great a philosopher Meyer was, but then slammed him as having no right to critique a biologist. Why is it that people automatically think that just because they have a diploma they are above criticism. I've heard the same arguments from teachers complaining about mothers who home school, or physicians who won't listen to their patients. The attitude is "I've studied; therefore, who are you to tell me anything." Nowhere can this attitude be found with such vigor as in institutions of higher learning. In my field as a theologian and pastor, I would be run out of the church if I took such an attitude. There are smart people who don't have diplomas hanging on the wall but whose faith can move mountains. I believe the attitude of "I know more than you- so shut up" is detrimental not only to fair debate but to the growth of the person with said attitude.
Then Falk went on to quote scripture saying he believed in Romans 8:38-39 and that he was sure Meyer also believed this in order to facilitate common ground. However, here is the real crux of the issue: is the bible true or not. The theistic evolutionist must be selective in what he believes is true in the context of scripture for the fact of the matter is that the first chapters of Genesis have to be myth according to Falk. The Genesis creation narrative must be understood or "explained away" by making it man's account (though a far better account than other creation myths) in which to convey things for a human perspective that at the time where unexplainable. The problem is that the Apostle Paul states that "all scripture", not just the New Testament, is "God breathed" or "inspired by God" (2 Timothy 3:16). Therefore, the Genesis account of creation is not man's explanation but God's revelation. The Genesis account itself claims to be history in chapter 2 verse 4 which means in layman terms: it should be interpreted literally and not figuratively or mythologically. If we say Genesis 1-3 is myth, why not Mathew through John; they too are full of miracles and even resurrection accounts, how can that be any different then interpretationally? No, the creation account of Genesis is not myth any more than the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ; otherwise, our faith would be useless. Theistic evolution is completely incompatible with orthodox Christianity and it undermines the faith of scripture.
The other problem was that Falk intimated a stupidity on the part of Meyer when he said there was biological evidence contrary to Meyer's stated opinion to the contrary. However, it is interesting to point out that where evolutionists see chaos and chance often times creationists see purpose and intention. Ultimately it is a matter of faith not biology. So the Philosopher Meyer is right to criticize the Biologist Falk. As a theologian, my advice to macro-evolutionists is "repent and believe".
If you want to know more see http://biologos.org/blog/on-reading-the-signature-a-response-to-stephen-meyer/

Great Commission Resurgence

2010-05-04T10:40:00.002-06:00

Here are some thoughts about the SBC Great Commission Resurgence Task Force proposals. I am all for focusing on the great commission; I believe that often the SBC has fallen to a numbers game that has lost sight of making disciples. I don't think any of the changes proposed will address this issue. I believe that the SBC should be streamlined and maybe even redesigned for a more effective role in the 21st century, but here are some problems:

1. the SBC is being led by Mega church mentality, which doesn't represent the smaller churches or rural areas.
2. the current trend seems to be marginalizing the state conventions and NAMB which will result in the death of a lot of ministry outside the Bible belt.

If we focus more on the IMB, then there are a couple things that can be cut in order to funnel more funds to IMB: the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission-get rid of it! I mean they proved their idiocy by endorsing Mitt Romney, a Mormon who has a track record of being pro-abortion and pro-gay marriage while there was a viable Baptist candidate with conservative values. Bottom line- the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission is incompetent and a waste of money. Another thing we could cut is the support of the SBC Seminaries. Do we really need six Seminaries? Maybe they should sink or swim...just some thoughts.

Philosophy or Phantasy

2010-04-26T12:04:00.004-06:00

Over the past couple of years I have been formulating an idea which I call Process Predeterminism. It centers around the phrase "when an event goes in motion/process the outcomes are predetermined". I'd like others to chew on this and spit it back at me (some southern tobacco lingo meaning think about it and let me know what you think). I'm not going to tell the whole development of my thought to see if others intersect or take up a new direction...more later.

2010-04-13T14:07:00.002-06:00

Notice the "infidel" hat- thanks to our friends at Ops Gear (www.opsgear.com)

2010-04-13T14:04:00.000-06:00

Pastor Bob ready to use the M-4!

Learning the hard way

2010-03-29T19:09:00.003-06:00

Last Thursday in my rush and excitement to get some shooting in between my busy schedule, I got to the range, put out my target and blasted three rounds with my M4 carbine (new gas piston version mind you) and lo and behold I forget a very important piece of equipment- ear protection. After about 30 rounds, I realized I had ruptured my ear drum-ouch. You would think after 30+ years of shooting I would remember something that important. Which reminds me of something that we as Christians often forget, and that is applying the armor of God through prayer. We are in a fierce and desperate spiritual battle and God has provided us His armor and His chosen weapon the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). But how often do we step out into the fray forgetting these very implements that will keep us safe and win for us the battle? I would say more often than not- even those of us who have been walking with the Lord for 20,30,40+ years. Prayer and the Word of God: don't leave home without it! And if your going shooting bring your earplugs.

Bob Larson: the real exorcist?

2010-03-12T10:04:00.003-07:00

I used to listen to Bob Larson's radio show back in the 80s. I found it entertaining, and Larson seemed to be knowledgeable and had an uncanny way of reading people. The show degenerated to a constant plea for money and I quit listening. He has also authored some interesting books: Larson's Book of Cults, Satanism, the Seduction of America's Youth, etc. However, his detractors claim these where written by ghost writers; I don't know if this is true. What put him on my mind lately though is a new reality show on the SciFi Chanel called Possessed. Being a student of Biblical Demonology, I was intrigued by the trailer. He claims to be the real exorcist and goes around casting out demons. My problem with many of the deliverance ministries is that they focus on the devil and convince Christians they are possessed, something I don't believe the New Testament teaches. The other thing is they charge outrageous fees for their services- Larson is no exception, his website has a charge for everything. Glamor and Hollywood seem to me inconsistent with a "real exorcist". And a huge red flag popped up for me when I looked at Larson's doctrinal statement on his website, at first, it seemed very orthodox evangelical- that is until I read his statement on the resurrection. He states:"God raised Him from the dead body." What? Is he denying the bodily resurrection of Christ? If this statement stands as read, it does deny this important tenant of Christianity. I could not recommend Bob Larson's ministry on several points, but this takes the cake. Beware the "real exorcist".

Ho hum

2010-03-01T14:24:00.002-07:00

I haven't posted in a long time thought it was about time...
My wife has me on a diet -counting calories. Unfortunately this week girl scout cookies were delivered, broke diet, though I do give God the glory for Thin Mints.

Today is a ho hum day. Even though there is lots going on: counseling appointments, visitation, etc., it is just one of those Mondays with the weather overcast and my secretary and the associate pastor out of the office, I feel very unmotivated. How do you turn a ho hum day into an exciting day? Spend time with God. This verse keeps coming to me: "Be still and know that I am God". Prayer, meditation and solitude with God seem to take a backseat with the hectic, busy lives we lead, but days like today remind us that we need to make those Christian disciplines a priority. In doing so, God is glorified and we are blessed, and the ho hum becomes the got something done. Next time don't wait for a day like today but make time alone with God an every day meeting.

Giving Credit

2010-01-14T11:13:00.002-07:00

just a note... I uploaded the last post from an article I had written in word perfect and my footnotes did not come through. So let me give you the sources for post: New King James Bible; The Counter Terrorist, The Official Journal of the Homeland Security Professional, Dec. 09, Counter Terrorism, The Journal of Counter-terrorism and Homeland Security International, Winter Issue 09, Security!? In A Church? www.carlchinn.com, The Last Crusade weblog.

I don't want to be like those preachers who quote without citation...

The Church and Counter terrorism

2010-01-12T10:56:00.002-07:00

It wasn’t just another Wednesday night. The 170 students who were meeting at the Wedgwood Baptist Church were joyful for the chance to have shared their faith at the annual “See you at the Pole” event. Every year students meet at their school’s flagpole for a time of prayer for their school, teachers, fellow students and country. Tonight was the icing on the cake so to speak, as the joyful students gathered at the church to listen to the praise band belt out anthems to Christ. It also wasn’t just another Wednesday night for another reason. Just before 7pm, Larry Ashbrook walked in carrying two pistols. In the foyer, he began his shooting spree. When he walked into the sanctuary, no one had heard the gunshots because of the loud music, and he began firing into the crowds of youth while shouting obscenities. Pandemonium soon broke out as students began screaming and ducking for cover. Larry fired three magazines full of ammunition and threw a pipe bomb before he sat down on a pew and put one of the pistols to his own head ending the terror. In the aftermath, 4 teenagers, 2 college students and 1 adult had been murdered, seven others wounded and the gunman dead by suicide.
Unfortunately such shootings are not uncommon. Between 1999 and 2009 there have been 274 violent incidences at churches/ministries resulting in 241 deaths. The counter-terrorism community acknowledges churches as ‘soft targets’. Soft targets are those people, places or things that are unprotected and vulnerable to terrorist attack. There is usually little or no security at most churches, and this writer would venture to add that most churches do not have a disaster preparedness plan or even an evacuation plan. Christian theology holds that God is sovereign and that God can take something evil and bring good out of it. This writer wholly agrees, but this should not be used as an excuse for being unprepared for such evil.
There are legitimate concerns over how far a church should go in protecting itself. Jesus has called his followers to be peacemakers. He also tells us to “love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Because of Bible verses like these some churches adopt a totally passive and pacifistic view concerning church security. Others, however, point to the fact that Jesus used violence to defend the Temple from thieves and peddlers (Mark 11:15-17). Jesus also exhorted his disciples to take provisions with them as they went out including a sword in Luke 22:36. And, some will argue that Christ tacitly approves the use of force within the context of defense and war when he offers no advice to the Roman soldiers who believed in Him to lay down their weapons or choose a different occupation. As a Southern Baptist, my denomination has been predominantly of the later thinkers. Southern Baptists have served in the military, been police officers, intelligence officers and everything in between. Usually, Baptists have no problem in the use of force to defend people and property especially in the context of the United States, which still allows such means legally. In a recent church shooting in Colorado, an off duty police officer, who was providing church security, shot and stopped the attacker. Though the attacker killed two people, undoubtedly the death toll would have been higher without the armed intervention of the volunteer church security guard. This writer believes that churches should take a closer look at security weather it is a very proactive security such as armed guards or if a pacifist mindset exists the church should still provide less aggressive means of protection and planning.
Most of the acts of violence at churches and ministries in the United States have to do with mentally disturbed individuals and are not political. However there exists an increasing threat to ‘soft targets’ because of the growing radicalization of Moslems in the U.S.

Threat Assessment of Terrorism

There are three disturbing trends within the United States that have increased the threat level for political and religious terrorism. One is the radical Islamic movement within U.S. prisons. Radical Islamic clerics, usually of the extreme Wahhabi Islam, have targeted U.S. prisons as prime recruiting grounds. These clerics take advantage of the First Amendment freedoms of the Constitution to gain access and provide literature to prisoners. Because of the current “political correctness” within our government, it is difficult to weed out the jihadists. “The pervasiveness of the radicalization of Muslim chaplains needs further study because many are not from a supremacist mindset, but the problem is certainly profound.” “The former head Muslim Chaplain for the New York State Department of Correctional Services, Imam Umar, said he found that prisons ‘are a powder keg’ and ‘the perfect recruitment and training ground’ for his Wahhabi ideas and radicalism.” Umar also stated that the U.S. would face a war that would “be carried out by prison inmates converted to radical Islam.”
The second trend is the founding of Islamic training camps across the country. Jama’at al-Fuqra is an Islamist organization in the United States that means “Community of the impoverished.” Mubarak Gilani founded it in 1980. Two front groups for this organization are Muslims for the Americas and the International Quranic Open University. Basically these groups are missionary and training centers for radical Islam. They maintain about 20-30 compounds across America where converts can learn radical Islamic ideology and train in terrorist activities. Radical Islamic converts from the prison system have been trained at some of these facilities. “The Wall Street Journal reports that U.S. investigators are discovering that more and more young Muslims are vanishing from mosques, madrassahs, and Islamic centers. The disappearances, the Journal notes, are raising grave concerns among FBI and Homeland Security officials who fear that an onset of jahadi activity will take place on American soil in the near future.”
The third and final trend, that is taking place exacerbating the terror threat level in the U.S., is the conversion and training of Mexican and South American drug cartels. The Iranian backed terrorist group Hezbollah, has established itself in Venezuela with the help of President Chavez. They have training camps and are using drug money to fund terrorism. Latin American gangs MS-13 and MS-18, former rivals, adopted a peace deal in 2007 . “The success of this treaty is demonstrated by the growing number of schools in Honduras, Panama and Venezuela where gang members are taught Arabic and instructed in Islamic fundamentalism while the terrorists who are waiting to be smuggled into the U.S. are taught Spanish and Hispanic culture.” This could be the greatest of all the threats to the U.S. Islamic fundamentalism coupled with the Latin American narcotics trade may provide the very instability that our enemies want. By coupling these two, it provides an endless supply of drugs, money, and weapons and the ability for terrorists to strike into the heartland of America.

Counter-terrorism for the Church

Counter-terrorism is the practices, strategies and tactics employed by organizations to respond to terrorist threats or actions. Given the risks of terror activity to the United States, churches, which are vulnerable to attack as proven already by the increased violence over the last ten years, should adopt strategies in order to mitigate the effects of terrorism. Here are some examples of churches that may be at higher risk for terrorist targeting: 1. Churches in close proximity to military bases and who have many military families in attendance. 2. Churches that are located in close proximity to radical Moslem populations. 3. Churches who specifically and effectually target Moslems for evangelism and conversion. 4. Churches who are outspoken in regards to support of Israel. There are other factors that may come into play but these four have been listed for consideration. However, the greatest risk factor for churches is the fact that they are soft targets and they stand in opposition to an Islamic rule. Churches can take simple steps to begin security. Here are some ideas: 1. Train ushers to watch for weapons. 2. Organize and share with the congregation an emergency exit plan. 3. Install cameras to watch parking lots and exits (with the increased technology, particularly web cams and computer systems, this type of security is less expensive and easier to operate today). 4. Muster volunteer security (off duty police who attend the church or military members are a good place to start). 5. Hire professional security. 6. Contact security consultants who specialize in dealing with churches. 7. In a church leadership meeting, bring up the topic, get ideas and find out the pulse of your churches leadership regarding security and counter-terrorism. In the United States, we still have the constitutional right to freely practice religion and we should be pro-active to protect this right and to make sure our congregations have a peaceful and safe place in which to worship God.

Both Feet

2009-09-03T17:08:00.005-06:00

Okay, if you are reading this and you have a Bible handy, open it to John 3:16 and put your finger on the passage. Is your finger on the passage? Now, let me tell you the problem with Christianity in America; many would say it is because Christians have one foot in the world and one foot in the church, but the truth is that most Christians have both feet in the world and one finger on John 3:16. The attitude is: I can live however I want because I know John 3:16. Now don't get me wrong, I believe in the doctrines of grace; I believe in Justification by faith (alone), but I'm afraid many people hold onto an antinomian "cheap grace" that diminishes the Biblical gospel. I've done funerals for people who lived like hell, never went to church a day after they turned 13, but everybody says,"praise God they got saved at camp when they were 12". They might be sorely mistaken. When speaking of false prophets, Jesus said, "you shall know them by their fruits...even so every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit." (Mathew 7:16a-17). I think we can apply Jesus' words not only to prophets but to self proclaimed Christians as well. Bonhoeffer said, "when Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die", and "no one can say they are saved by grace alone unless they have left all to follow Christ". These quotes put the proper perspective upon the importance of trusting Christ with everything not just with one finger. We need to get our feet out of the world and put our whole selves into Christ and His gospel. " But the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God".(1 Cor. 1:18). Just as you can't take the bloodied cross out of the gospel, you can't take godly sorrow, repentance and good works away from faith for without them you don't have a true gospel nor a true faith.
(PS I can't take all the credit for the "finger on John 3:16" illustration- my lovely and godly wife came up with that)

What in the world is going on?

2009-09-03T12:00:00.005-06:00

What in the world is going on? This isn't just a book by David Jeremiah (one of my favorite preachers) but it is a question a lot of people are asking today. We live in some crazy times, and as I watch the news and read news publications things seem a bit surreal. There is so much going on with our government, it is hard to keep track of, but there are pieces coming together of a large and complicated puzzle. I don't think anyone should doubt our president's intent of change... the change being socialism. Despite the "tin-foil-hat" image being portrayed of all the conspiracy theorists out there, many things are now seeming as plausible realities. Case in point, our academies,universities and governments are full of "ivory tower liberals" who believe that the world cannot sustain its current population growth. In a speech before the Texas Academy of Science Dr. Eric R. Planka advocated a 90% population reduction; his method of choice the airborne Ebola virus, but he also liked things such as the bird-flu. It is scary to think there are nuts out there like this; it is even scarier to think they hold positions of power. Unfortunately even our own president is putting people with similar views into positions within the administration. Yet still there are people who choose to deny the facts; who want to view the current president as a smart, intelligent, nice guy with our best interests at heart. Wake up and smell the roses all his buddies are radicals; bottom line, beware of any mandatory swine flu vaccines.

Now let me take off my "tin-foil hat with the antenna and the propeller," and tell every one what is happening at FBC Socorro. We have a lot going on lately. We are about to finish a remodeling project of the fellowship hall and kitchen; it looks great and the people have worked extremely hard. We have a big group of kids going to the Lives Ablaze Student Conference at Glorieta this weekend. Awanas is going to start up soon, and I am preaching through the book of Nehemiah. God is good!

I do recommend David Jeremiah's book to all. Another compelling book for all you church leaders that are out there is Vintage Church by Mark Driscol. An interesting, but theologically inept, thriller is the Doomsday Key don't remember the author's name but it came out not too long ago. It has a lot of twists and was a fun read, and the plot is similar to what Dr. Planka was addressing at the Academy of Science. So put on your "tin-foil hats" when you read it, and if you don't have one, call me, I have plenty to go around.

Is there a Post?

2009-05-01T10:18:00.002-06:00

Wow, it has been a long time since I posted. Why has there not been a post? I've been busier than a one legged man in a jumping contest (that is not exactly how the phrase goes, but it is more PC for this blog). President Obama has been doing all the things that I had predicted, the Southern Baptist Convention is promoting a new manifesto, and the Republicans can't find their face with both hands (another saying that has been changed for this blog). Well as you can see, I am rambling on, I suppose because I hadn't blogged in a while; I felt like I should say something. That may be the problem with preachers, sometimes it is better to say nothing as one of the decons in my church puts it, "you don't need to tell all you know." Good advice.

Inaguration Day

2009-01-20T11:12:00.003-07:00

Rick Warren did a fine job with his prayer- in the Name of Jesus! He called us to higher standards of respect and civility, and he reminded all, especially the new president and the Washington power players, that we will stand one day before God. Amen, brother Rick!

Obama's speech raised a few red flags with me like when he mentioned a religious syncritism that sounded very one-worldish. Many may wonder why Christians get so uneasy concerning a one world philosophy. It is because the Bible speaks of a time where there will be a one world government with a one world religion and a one world currency that is from the Antichrist the one world leader and the power of the Dragon that is Satan (Rev. 13). We seem to be on a roller coaster ride toward that time. Christians need to get busy sharing the gospel like never before.

The end of Obama's speech was fantastic. He is a great speaker and the words were well crafted. I believe the ending will be as memorable as John F. Kenedy's inaguration speech, maybe not in the wording itself but certainly in the hope it inspired.

We shall find out a great deal about this new leader when he actually does something. But for now we can all bask in the pagentry and patriotism an inaguration brings.

Bush says goodbye

2008-11-06T10:00:00.003-07:00

In a tearful address to staff, President George Bush said goodbye. His presidency was marked by serveral monumental events. Through it all, he held to his convictions. Though many opposed the war in Iraq, getting rid of Saddam Hussain was a good thing. I believe his most notable deeds, though, were on the war against aids in Africa. Africa has had no better Presidential friend than Bush. Also under Bush and his Supream Court appointments, constitutional conservatives have had two great victories, one- the partial-birth abortion ban, and two- the overturning of the D.C. handgun ban.

Now that the liberals are in control of both the executive and legislative branches of government I'm afraid of what is going to happen. Here are some things I am worried about coming to pass under the new administration:
1. a weakening of America's defenses.
2. appointment of liberal judges.
3. overturning of the partial-birth abortion ban, and more federal funding of abortion.
4. gun bans starting with a new assult rife ban and moving to ammunition bans and eventually handgun bans and registration of all firearms.
5. a federal law legalizing homosexual marriage.
6. a widening of hate-crime laws to prevent ministers from preaching what the Bible teaches concerning homosexuality.
7. reinstituting the "fairness doctrine" in order to eliminate conservitave talk radio.
8. federal takeover of the internet.
9. represive enviornmental restrictions that will put many out of business, and a broadening federal take over of big business.
10. a restrictive treaty with the EU and Arab League.
11. a pull back from support of Israel.

that names a few... there are many others, but these are the ones that come to mind first and ones I believe we could easily see in the next four to eight years. God help us!

The Antichrist

2008-10-24T09:30:00.007-06:00

The antichrist is a term (often loosly) used to suggest a world ruler who would be the antithesis to the Christian Jesus. Many have been accused of being the antichrist from Nero to Hitler, Kissenger to Gorbachev. I John 2:18 states that the Antichrist is coming and already many antichrists have come. Antichrist means "in the place of" and "against" the Christ. The Apostle John points out that there is a future culmination of all that is antichrist in one person the Antichrist, but that already antichrists have appeared and are types of the future manifestation. What do we know about this coming Antichrist? The Bible gives us many clues:
1. He will be the leader of a revived Roman Empire (Dan. 9:26b, Rev. 13:1-10, Dan. 7:23-25).
2. He will be a gentile (Rev. 13:1 "sea" refers to the countries around the Mediterainian, the Sea of the Gentiles).
3. He may be a homosexual (Dan. 11:37).
4. He will make a peace treaty with Israel and allow the rebuilding of the temple but will break the treaty and desecrate the temple after three and a half years ( Dan. 9:27).
5. He will call himself god and make people worship him (2 Thess. 2:4, Rev. 13:8).

TO BE CONTINUED...

Demon Hunter Live!

2008-06-06T10:09:00.003-06:00

If listening to Christian Rock is a vice, as many believe, it is one vice I have. I grew up playing guitar and listening to Rock and Roll. I played in a rock band from 1982-1985 called Bounty Hunter. I love music of all types. The first Christian rock concert I went to was Ressurection Band. I was awestruck that these godly people could make music with a message that was relavent to my culture. So, I have never been one to say that certain kinds of music were demonic and others were not. You can find demonic, evil music in any style- just listen to Wagner.

About a year ago, I discovered a band called Demon Hunter. I loved the name and thair logo- a demon skull with a bullit hole in the center of it. Their music was evocative, a mix of melodic rock and thrash metal. I have to admit I became a fan. Last night they were in Albuquerque so I dragged my two older boys and a professor from the local university with me to their concert. I was delighted with the performance, not only delighted but blessed. It is great to see Christians taking on the culture without compromise of the Christian message.

Here is a sample quote from Undying by Demon Hunter:

Tearing through these days I find the tolerance to strive and push on
I know what lies beyond this life for me is already won
No one can take away the blood that covers over my fall
Without the blood of perfect life I know I’m nothing at all
So now I reign forever hallowed in eternity’s hand
No man can shake me from the everlasting ground that I stand
Undying!

Eschatology

2008-05-12T10:41:00.002-06:00

The decline in Southern Baptist Convention membership has been discussed on several blogs and on Baptist Press. There have been many conjectures regarding the decline, however; I have not seen this view expressed: Could it be that this decline in membership that has not only affected the SBC but many other churches as well is a part of the great "falling away" before the "Day of the Lord" (from 2 Thess. 2:3). I don't know about any one else but I can feel something in my bones concerning these days in which we are living...

Something prophetically interesting from C.H. Spurgeon as he was commenting on Ezekial 37 in 1864: "If words mean anything, and if context means anything, it is quite clear that one day there will be a political restoration of the Jews to their land- to be followed by their spiritual restoration!"

2008-05-05T10:31:00.003-06:00

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is:
Earl Charles the Precocious of Chipping Sodbury
Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title

Fun stuff! a thanks to Dr. Gaylon's blog for posting this unique site. For those who care: my first name is actually Charles. Bob is a derivative of my middle name Robert.

Thoughts for the week

2008-04-25T12:11:00.007-06:00

In celebration of Earth Day, I drove my Suburban!

What Language did Jesus speak? Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic and Latin. He also speaks through the Bible in any language in which it is translated. He also speaks to our hearts in the language of Love!

In what language was the New Testament origanally written? Greek. There are no original manuscripts found in Hebrew or Aramaic.

The last two questions and answers are prompeted by a debate I had this week. I asumed this was common knowledge, but apparently not. I think we preachers sometimes assume that all Christians study as we do, but I'm afraid that much of what Christians learn is from television and pop-books. All the more reason to exalt the teaching ministry in our churches. Evangelical scholarship is our friend.

Witnessing to muslems? I found a great website that can help: www.answer-Islam.org.

Finally, Joe Calzaghe beat Bernard Hopkins butt for the Light-Heavyweight belt. I don't know what fight the one judge who gave it to Hopkins by a point was watching, but it wasn't the same fight I was watching. The other two judges scored it correctly
116 to 111 and 115 to 112. I had it 9 rounds Calzaghe to 3 rounds for Hopkins. Hopkins didn't win the fight, but he deserved an accadamy award for his long break because of a "slight" low blow in the tenth round. He was gassed and needed a break.
Go Joe at 45-0.

Problem With Page... Repenting on a Previous Point

2008-02-22T11:17:00.005-07:00

I must repent for some of my last blog. First, I was incredulous and somewhat miffed upon reading the Trouble With Tulip, and therefore some of my comments were supercilious. I must admit, I love Frank Page as a brother in Christ and as a capable leader of our Convention. He is , I am sure, a good scholar. The Trouble With Tulip was written on a popular level and is not a scholarly endeavor. However, I do stand by my critique of the message of the book. Page seems to suggest that all Calvinists are hypers. Church history is full of 5-point Calvinists who were not only evangelical, but were the cornerstones of frontier missions such as William Carey, Adoniram Judson, the Haldain brothers, John Patterson, etc. etc.

Secondly, I have been a student of reformed theology for 20 years and I have never heard the claim that Page makes on page 21 of The trouble with Tulip that "the image of God in human beings was totally destroyed" according to Calvin. It is interesting there is no footnote there, because I believe Page made that up. Here is what Calvin says regarding the image of God in man, "The concept of the image of God emerges clearly as we see the skills in which he excels, and which reflect God's glory. However, a more accurate assessment still comes from looking at God's remedy for sin. It is undeniable that when Adam fell from grace, he became alienated from God. So, although we know that the image of God was not completely wiped out, it was so damaged that what remains is an ugly deformity. Our salvation begins with that new start which we receive from Christ. This is why he is called the second Adam, because he restores us to wholeness." (Institutes, Abridged Edition, Baker, 1986). Again, this shows a total lack of what Calvinism represnts on the part of Dr. Page. According to Spurgeon, Calvinism was simply a nickname for the gospel itself (from a Defense of Calvinism by C.H. Spurgeon).

I am no advocate of double-predestination, but Dr. Page says " God never predestined a person to hell"(p.55) and suggests that he cannot find any reference to such in the Bible. I need to point out Judas. He is prophesied about clearly in the Old Testament. He was chosen by Christ as a disciple, and Jesus called him the Son of Perdition (hell). Blanket statements about what God can or can not do should be assessed in light of the Bible and should never be made hastily.

Dr. Page suggests that Calvin substituted absolute Sovereignty for grace through faith(p.16-17 Trouble With Tulip). Page dosent seem to understand that grace and faith as well as sovereignty are attributes of God. God is graceful, God is Faithful and God is Sovreign. Can we not see that all these work together. More later...

The Problem With Page and the Trouble With Tulip shall be continued...

The Problem with Page in the Trouble with Tulip, Part 1

2008-02-06T11:10:00.001-07:00

I have just finished reading The Trouble With Tulip, by Dr. Frank Page. I must say that I am profoundly embarrassed that the best and the brightest the SBC has to offer seem to have lost their minds, as evidenced by this booklet from Dr. Page. The lack of good exegesis, sound logic, or solid historical research are apparent throughout this short treatise (which is astounding for someone who has a PhD). To boil it down the Trouble with Tulip has five fatal flaws. First, Dr. Page doesn't seem to understand the points in which he is trying to refute. Secondly, he espouses a universalist view of atonement; thirdly, he lacks a biblical understanding of faith. Fourth, Dr. Page's use of Acts 2:38 is misinterpreted. Fifth, and finally his acronym for grace is neither clear nor biblical. In the forthcoming critical review articles I will show the depth of these flaws and point out the scriptural, logical, and historical refutations of each.

Evangelists and Calvinists

2008-01-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

I find it somewhat amusing that some SBC Evangelists are bemoning the rise of Calvinism in the SBC (see BP article from Jan. 11th). Don't they know that George Whitfield was one of the greatest evangelists ever and that he was a hard-core Calvinist? or how about the great "soul-winner" and baptist pastor C.H. Spurgeon? He was also a Calvinist. This reflects a larger debate in the SBC over this subject. The main points of Evangelical Calvinism are 1) man is unable to save himself. 2) God chooses to save sinners. 3) Christ attoned for the sins of all who have or will believe in Him by shedding His blood and dying on the cross in their place. 4) The Holy Spirit effectually draws men to Christ through the Gospel and 5) a true believer will be saved. These are all biblical truths concerning salvation. Most Baptist's hold to these tenets, so I don't see what all the fuss is about?

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T10:26:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas!
Celebrating the birth of Christ is a good thing. I know some of our puritan brothers from the past didn't do it, but I believe it provides a great oportunity to say to the world: Jesus the Messiah has come and He is coming again (soon)! People will dispute the date, but Edershiem in The LIfe and Times of Jesus the Messiah
has a great explanation of this; I believe silencing the critics. Another thing some Christians rail about is the so called pagan origins of Christmas. Certainly that may be valid, but does anyone think of that today when putting up trees, etc. and after all isn't that what the Gospel is all about: making things new in Christ. My best advice... celebrate Christ at Christmas; exchange gifts in memory of the greatest gift Jesus Christ, put up a Christmas trees remembering the evergreen as a symbol of eternal life in Christ Jesus, and light-up candles or Christmas lights (or down here in New Mexico- luminarios)because the Light of Christ has come into the world, and above all prepare your hearts for His coming again.
Merry Christmas!

Mormons Embarrased by Their Own Doctrine

2007-12-21T11:08:00.000-07:00

Recently, Mike Huckabee made a remark in an interview: "Mormons believe that Jesus and the devil are brothers, don't they?" This unleeshed a firestorm of attacks against him. The Mormons put out an official statement saying that anti-mormons always use this type of retoric to bash them. Mitt Romney flat out said that the idea of Jesus and Satan being brothers in Mormon theology was not true. Problem is...
it is true. Mormons teach that Jesus and Lucifer are spirit brothers, both son's of one of the Mormon gods, Elohim. I say one of the Mormon gods because they believe that there are many gods:"In the beginning, the head of the Gods called a council of the Gods; and they came together and concocted a plan to create the world and people it" (from a sermon by Joseph Smith Journal of Discourses Vol.VI, pg.5). However, Mormons, as seen by the reaction of Romney and his church don't seem to want to admit these doctrines. Are they embarrassed by them? Mormonism is not a Christian denomination. It is a non-Christian cult. Pointing out the doctrines of mormons is not an attack unless you feel the doctrines are so crazy you don't want to admit to anyone you believe them.
If that's the case you should repent and leave the Mormon church. If not admit your doctrines and defend them; do not lie about them or try to hide them, as the Mormon Church and Romney seem to be doing.

Politics

2007-11-26T11:11:00.000-07:00

I do not like to talk about political campaigns from the pulpit, but I feel free to express my personal opinions in this open forum. God is not democrat or republican. God is sovriegn over all. It is He who establishes governments and likewise it is He who brings them down; all for His glorious purposes. However, we as American citizins should use our right to vote while we still can. That said I freely admit that I am a citizen of the Kingdom of God before I am an American. I have one King and one Lord who I am to obey and it is the Lord Jesus. So, when it comes to my vote I will not knowingly support anyone for office who is pro-abortion, I will not knowingly support anyone for office who is not a Christian (that is an evangelical, Bible believing, Christ-follower). If no candate fits my litmus test: I will not vote. Now some will say, you should support your party or at least support someone who has the same moral values. I say nuts! Enough of my rambling... suffice it to say that I am glad that God is in control. and Mike Huckabee can win if we will support him and if God wills it!

High Church Baptist?

2007-11-20T10:59:00.000-07:00

Sunday evening I participated in an ecuminical thanksgiving service. I was asked to lead the responsive reading, and this I did from Psalm 118. We had a grand entrance, the congregation singing 'We Gather Together" and the respective clergy all processing in their finery. Not to be out done, I donned an alb and borrowed a stole. I think this is about the funniest thing one could see: a baptist in an alb and stole. Some might think that was a compromise of baptist principles or flirting with popish traditions; it was neither, I just like to dress up. It is part of my make-up, it is the way I was wired. Since I was a child, I dressed up: I had a costume for everything. If I was watching a war movie on the Saturday matinee, I would drag out my army suit and plastic tommy gun. If I were playing cowboys and indians in the backyard, I could select from my closet a cowboy hat, boots and capguns, or a feather headress and bow and arrow as the mood might suit me. Sundays at our house was a formal occassion. My mother believed in the saying, Sunday best". I was always dressed in a suit and tie, or nickers and a bow tie. I loved it. It has never changed: when I ride my motorcycle-leathers, when I go to my cousin's ranch-cowboy hat and boots, when I play the bagpipes- kilt, when I preach- sometimes a suit and tie, sometimes a frock coat, sometimes a zoot-suit, sometimes a button up shirt with blue jeans (which Christianity Today calls the new dress for the post-modern pastor), sometimes my doctoral gown and hood, and last Sunday evening an alb and stole. You can call me a high church baptist, you could call me crazy but just don't call me late for supper.

Convention

2007-10-25T10:28:00.000-06:00

I just got back from the BCNM Convention in Albuquerque. It was very good; in fact, I wish that the SBC conventions were as fun. There was great music, challenging messages from Bobby Welch and Wayne Barber, and quick and easy business sessions.
The California fires were on everyone's mind, especially the disaster relief crews. The DR people are just waiting for the word to go. While I'm on the fires, I found it interesting that the fires broke out just after Gov. Schwarzenegger signed House Bill SB777. This bill prohibits any bias against homosexual, transgender or bi-sexual lifestyles in public schools. Kindergarten and up would learn about these practices and be taught that they are normal alternatives. Could the fires be a wake up call. Most westerners don't think God would do such things. I'm afraid our view of God is skewed. The Bible declairs that God is Holy! Holy! Holy! but we don't like to see God in this light. All we want to hear is grace, mercy, and love not sin, repentance, and righteousness. I thank God that He is rich in mercy, for I need His mercy more than any living person, but how can I see mercy untill I see my sin in light of a Holy and (dare I say) angry God. Go figure...

The Occasional Blogger

2007-09-28T13:13:00.000-06:00

Well, it has been months since I last posted a blog. I think I should have named my spot: The Occasional Blogger instead of Light for Living. Today I have a moment of peace to pose three thoughts for pondering.

1. Why do many in our country embrace President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad? My feeling is that, realativism, which has been so hard at work in our schools, has become the formost philosophy of our day. Therefore, people do not believe in evil. Oh, you have a few that call out evil, but they are castigated as intolerant fundamentalists. When a class of philosophy studens at a state university wouldn't admit Hitler was wrong and evil- we have a problem. Of course, I see this as a sign of the times- the approaching Day of the Lord. Which leads me to my next question.

2. Why do so many Christians shun the study of Bible prophecy? I see so much scepticism, doubt and fear among Christians concerning this topic. It drives me crazy that many seem to love this world more than they love Jesus and His Kingdom. Don't we believe what we pray: "Thy Kingdom come". I say come Lord Jesus. We are called to "watch" not bury our heads in the sand.

3. Why did the SBC adopt the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message if they didn't believe it? One day at a Baptist meeting, I suggested that this particular group could save a lot of writing on a doctrinal statement if they simply stated that they were in agreement with the Baptist Faith and Message 2000. You would have thought I had denied the Holy Trinity. I'm suprised some didn't pick up stones to hurl at me. Instead they hurled comments: "that's too controversial", "we don't agree with the BFM 2000", etc. I was somewhat doumbfounded. I guess I'm ignorant of all the subtleties of Baptist thought, but I figured if you want to be a Baptist you ought to be in agreement with Baptist doctrine. Go figure.

New Resource

2007-05-24T11:34:00.000-06:00

This past week I attended a couple of seminars at Trinity Southwest University. While there, I was made aware of a resource called Bible Interact Institute. This is a great website and you can register for free. They offer lots of Bible study helps along with many other cool resources. Check it out at www.bibleinteract.com.

2007-05-24T11:28:00.000-06:00

Repent!

2007-03-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

Before we as Christians make unwise comments about tornadoes or bus accidents, we need to heed the words of scripture. Please read Luke 13:1-5. Sometimes our immediate response to tragedy is to think that God is judging those to whom it befalls. But remember Job, bad things happen to the righteous and the unrighteous. The point God seems to always "drive home" is "where is your heart?", "are you right with me?". I think for most of us a lot of the time- we need repentance. To repent means to make an "about face", turn around, turn away from our sin and selfishness and turn toward Jesus. If we could practice repentance; we would always be ready for whatever comes.

The Message

2007-02-28T12:27:00.001-07:00

The gospel of John in the first 14 verses sum up what the Bible is about, and who it is about. It is all about Jesus coming to reconcile those who receive Him and believe in His name. Who it is about is Jesus described in these first few verses as the Word, the God, the Creator of all things, the Life, the Light, God in the flesh and the only begotten of the father. The message of the Bible is Jesus, C.H. Spurgeon said, "as all roads lead to Rome, all texts lead to Christ". Our Christiology must be such that Jesus is always exalted; His works are always magnified, His death, burial and resurrection always lifted up before the eyes of men by the exposition of God's holy word. As the old puritan saying declares "the Bible is the crib that contains the Christ". In Him is the message to all peoples everywhere: " believe on the Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 16:31). My friend, whoever you may be trust in Jesus today. Read God's word, the Bible, and pray that He will guide you. Please find a church that preaches the Bible, verse by verse, chapter by chapter, precept upon precept. If your a preacher reading this; I want to encourage you to put down your 'intent driven' books and pick up your Bibles, pick up your word study tools and pick out some good old commentaries and go to the work of "rightly dividing the Word of truth". You'll be amazed what God does when we exalt His Son through exposing His word. Jesus is the message.