New Jerusalem News.com

Easter 2008

2008-03-25T20:59:00.002-05:00

This day that defies words

No thought of man can grasp

The rising of the dead.

Say it out loud. Listen to your lips articulate the phrase. A man has risen from the dead. Say it again. Do you feel ridiculous? Do you feel childish?

The kingdom belongs to you.

Brian Zhand breaks down Rhonda Byrne's "Secret"

2007-06-07T10:51:00.000-05:00

"The Secret" movie was loaned to me by some enthusiastic friends. I made it about halfway through and then I had an important appointment to keep. I just never got around to finishing it. But what I did see was an idea that glorified idolatry. An instruction that used the bible "out of context" to legitimize itself. Its attractive because you want it to be real, sort of like the Smurfs or Care-a-lot, but deep down, especially if you have spent time in God's word, you know there's just no way.

But enough of my opinion, Brian Zhand absolutely devastates this whole business on his most recent blog post, simply entitled, "The Secret."

The Secret
Monday, June 04, 2007 - 3:54 PM

It's a beautiful day.I'm sitting on my deck reading Ephesians in the New Living Translation.

My eye fall upon these words: "God's secret plan has now been revealed to us; it is a plan centered on Christ." (Eph. 1:9)

I pause for just a moment with this thought floating in my head: God's secret plan.

Just that moment Peri comes out on the deck and hands me an article in Newsweek. "Decoding The Secret"

Spooky. The Newsweek article was about the mega-bestseller book, The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne.

Full Story

Can you taste caffeine in pop? The New Jerusalem News Exclusive Study answers the question!

2007-06-03T18:06:00.000-05:00

It was a day like any other. The sun had once again risen on God's green creation. There were ants in my living room. Friends were over.

The question arose, through random conversation. Can you taste caffeine in pop? If so, is there a preference?

It was then that New Jerusalem News decided to take the challenge! With the help of Chad Waldron, a first-year Psychology Student at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, the experiement shaped up mighty nice. For those of you who care about such things, here are the details.

Soda Used: Pepsi, Caffeine Free Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Diet Caffeine Free Pepsi, Diet Coke, Diet Caffeine Free Coke

Test Subjects: Robin (28), Mikayla (9), Corina (7) , Billy (29), Chad (29), Kristen (28)

Itinerary: Subjects are given two cups, one containing a caffeinated pop, one uncaffeinated. They are then asked one of two questions; "Which do you prefer?" and "Which of these is caffeine free?" They do not know what is contained in the cups.

Intention: The intent is to discover not only if a subject can actually taste caffeine, but if the subject would prefer a caffeinated beverage to an uncaffeinated one, without knowing which is which.

Results for each subject were as follows:

Kristin preferred the taste of Caffeine Free Pepsi over regular Pepsi, She guessed wrong about which contained caffeine. She did not prefer the taste of either diet sodas, and could not tell the difference between the diet sodas, caffeine or not.

Robin Preferred the taste of Caffeine Free Pepsi and Diet Caffeine Free Coke. She guessed correctly which regular sodas contained caffeine and which diet sodas contained caffeine.

Mikayla preferred the taste of Caffeine Free Pepsi and Diet Caffeine Free Coke. She guessed wrong about which sodas contained caffeine both times, diet or not.

Corina preferred the taste of Regular Pepsi and Diet Caffeine Free Coke. She guessed correctly which regular and diet sodas contained caffeine.

Billy was given three seperate tests and asked which contained caffeine. He guessed right on all three. He was not asked which he preferred.

Chad was given three seperate tests and asked which contained caffeine. He guessed right on two and wrong on one.

Conclusion: A total of 22 tests were given. Subjects preferred the taste of uncaffeinated soda over caffeinated 2.5 to one. Subjects were able to guess which soda contained caffeine with a ratio of 3 to one. Based on that data, New Jerusalem News must conclude that subjects prefer uncaffeinated soda and can taste the difference.

ATM Spirituality

2007-05-30T01:43:00.000-05:00

Alcoholism

2007-05-23T22:14:00.000-05:00

There is an insidious disease creeping through our nation. It is infiltrating people from every walk of life. I daresay that most people afflicted with this don't even realize they have it. It brings just as much pain and suffering as any other fatal illness that may be brought about by a virus or other pathogen. In fact, this disease is brought about by a bug that could be considered more deadly than any other. A virus of the mind. It acts like any other virus, replicating itself until it takes over. But instead of a physical creature, this replication takes place in the form of diseased electrical impulses. Diseased thoughts. These viral thoughts continue until they overwhelm the brain's natural defense system against such things. You know, the part of the brain that shuts down such obsessions as wiping off every doorknob you see for fear of germ infection (we laugh at such people, think "What about Bob"). Or natural brain function that tells the hand not to thrust itself into hot coals.... No matter how pretty they look. It removes the minds ability to laugh a knowing laugh at a ridiculous idea.

Alcoholism is an obsessive disorder that disarms all logic, all rational thinking.

This "thought germ" is killing my wife right now.

To Disagree, To Dislike, or to Hate, By Rex M. Rogers

2007-05-19T13:22:00.001-05:00

The other day I was listening to one of my favorite radio stations and on came the 60 second radio program, "Making a Difference, with Rex M. Rogers". He's the president of Cornerstone University.

Both the audio and transcript can be found at the link below.

Making a Difference, To Disagree, To Dislike, or To Hate.

Subconsciously, I have always shied away from people who didn't share my views exactly. Thanks to Rex, I am liberated from this shallow thinking.

B

Athiests attack Jerry Falwell....Now that He's Dead.

2007-05-17T11:11:00.000-05:00

I just wonder why this guy didn't come out and say these things about Falwell while he was alive?

Hitchens: 'I wish there was a hell for Falwell'
Celebrated atheist labels Jerry 'ugly little charlatan'

So much for Atheism being the religion of love and tolerance.....As if it ever was.

The Atheism Debate

2007-05-10T21:53:00.000-05:00

Let me say that I did not watch the Nightline debate between the Comfort/Cameron duo and the founders of "The Blasphemer's Challenge". I did, however, see enough video snippets on abcnews.com to find a few thoughts roaming about in my head about the subject....

Athough they meant well, I couldn't shake the feeling that all Ray Comfort did by sending that e-mail to Nightline challenging the atheists to a debate was bring undeserved and unwarranted legitimacy to a ridiculous, almost comedic, attempt to defame God.

I have to admit I was amused and felt love swell up in my heart for the male athiest as I saw him speak. I really think that God prefers honest doubt to false piety. He would rather someone say, "I have no reason to believe in you!" than walk through life faking smiles at church and then going home and kicking on the Mtv and worshipping their 24-pack of Coors Light. I also know that God proves Himself faithful. He is bigger than atheism. He is bigger that 800 people on You Tube professing thier lack of faith. He is just bigger than that Nightline debate. He is bigger than any argument you can put against Him.

I once saw a bumper sticker that put it in perspective: "If you're living like there is no God, then you better be right!" But I digress.....

The writer/preacher George McDonald says it best in his sermon in June of 1882 at Brixton Congregational Church.

.....with one on this side and one on that side crying out, "I have reached, I have seen, and I have found no God." Settle this with yourselves to begin with. Not all the intellect or metaphysics of the world could prove that there is no God, and not all the intellect in the world could prove that there is a God. If you could prove that there is a God, that would imply that you could go all around Him, and buttress up his being with your human argument that He should exist. As soon might a child on his mother's bosom, looking up into his mother's face, write a treatise on what a woman was and what a mother was.But do not think that God is angry with you because you find it hard to believe. It is not so; that is not like God; God is all that you can honestly wish Him to be, and infinitely more; He is not angry with you for that....

It bears repeating, God is all that you can honestly wish Him to be and infinitely more...

I just want to yell at the top of my lungs, "Would you please stop trying to be so ADULT about this whole thing!!"

Jesus said something like this. Unless you accept the kingdom like a child, you will never understand it. I think those who claim to be athiests are just trying to be old. Rejecting the foolishness of a child.

Doesn't anyone remember how fun it was being a kid?

Anti-God Starbucks Cup Has Customer Steaming

2007-05-07T13:26:00.000-05:00

An Ohio woman is steaming after reading an anti-God message published on the side of a Starbucks coffee cup.
The message that got Michelle Incanno's blood boiling reads:
"Why in moments of crisis do we ask God for strength and help? As cognitive beings, why would we ask something that may well be a figment of our imaginations for guidance? Why not search inside ourselves for the power to overcome? After all, we are strong enough to cause most of the catastrophes we need to endure."

Full Story

And now for my commentary. As a professing follower of the teachings of Jesus Christ, I believe this message is good! Why??

Our God is bigger than this. If it creates discussion about salvation in a Starbucks then so be it; its not easy to just walk up to some stranger and say, "Hey dude, what do you think about eternal damnation?" Or "Hey bro, what exactly are your views on the third heaven?"

This cup empowers Christians everywhere to start up a conversation and possibly help them in a way they have never been helped. I am very disappointed with World Net Daily's opinion poll on this story, where Christians are portrayed as very cynical about the subject.

Yes, it does defame God. But we are followers of Jesus Christ! When people defamed God in front of Him, He turned it into an opportunity! The religious leaders of His day defamed God continually before Him. If Jesus had silenced them with hate-rhetoric, the Gospels would be a whole lot shorter. If written at all..

Listen, Christians.... Each and every man, woman and child that lives on this earth is made in the image of God. Yes, we're mixed up. Yes, we make dumb comments. But Jesus' primary message was one of Love. Remember this? (a paraphrase). The whole law is summed up in this, to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself.....

Who is my neighbor?

Jesus now tells the story of the Good Samaritan. A man gets robbed and left for dead on the side of the road. A priest and a sadducee walk by and do not help him. Then a Samaritan walks by and bandages his wounds, puts him on his own mule, and carts him to a nearby town. Then, the Samaritan puts the guy up at an inn, paying for everything until the man is better. Who then, acted as a neighbor, the priest, the sadducee, or the samaritan? (aha!)

But here's the kicker.... Jesus was telling this story to a crowd of people who hated Samaritans.

B

National Gas Out on May 15th

2007-05-06T17:34:00.000-05:00

It's time to fight higher gas prices....

I recently recieved this e-mail from a friend and I plan to participate.

>> NO GAS...On May 15th 2007. Don't pump gas on MAY 15th. In April 1997, there was a "gas out" conducted nationwide in protest of gas prices. Gasoline prices dropped 30 cents a gallon overnight. On May 15th 2007, all Internet users are to not go to a gas station in protest of high gas prices. Gas is now over $3.00 a gallon in most places. There are 73,000,000+ American members currently on the Internet network, And the average car takes about 30 to 50 dollars to fill up. If all users did not go to the pump on the 15th, it would take $2,292,000,000.00 (that's almost 3 BILLION) out of the oil companies pockets. For just one day, so please do not go to the gas station on May 15th and Lets try to put a dent in the Middle Eastern oil industry for at least one Day. If you agree (which I cant see why you wouldn't) resend this to all your Contact list. With it saying, ''Don't pump gas on May 15th".....

When researching this online, I found many detractors. Many people saying, "it won't work" or "don't bother because one day won't mean a thing". Cynicism will get us nowhere. Even if the facts for this aren't totally accurate, the idea is sound. Maybe a whole week off from gas would do better, but let's see if we can organize one day to begin with! It has been said, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

This is that step.

BTJ

Rich

2007-05-04T14:07:00.000-05:00

How do we reconcile ourselves with this?

David Crowder's Foreverandever Video

2007-05-02T20:51:00.000-05:00

Youtube, youtube, youtube!!! If it weren't for you, I would have never seen the coolest music video since....ummm......Ok, it's the coolest one I've seen since......ummm...... Well, I promise you, it's cool.

Baby Got Book

2007-04-30T17:52:00.000-05:00

There is no possible way the world can go on without this post.....

The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything

2007-04-29T21:50:00.001-05:00

"and I've never licked a sparkplug, and I've never sniffed a stinkbug, and I've never painted daisies on a big red rubber ball, and I've never bathed in yogurt, and I dont look good in leggings, and I've never been to boston in the fall!!!!"

Go to Hell

2007-04-24T10:52:00.000-05:00

Last night I was sitting up at about 11 o'clock and pondering the secrets of the universe. As I did so, this thought came to mind;

If America as a society is truly as "secular" or "godless" as it is portrayed to be, then why is a knowledge of the spiritual found in simple slang, catch phrases, and common curses?

Example: (Names have not been changed to protect the guilty)

Bill (the 19 year-old athiest) is driving down Highway 131 attempting to exit at 9th street. As he slowly merges onto the off-ramp, a man in a shiny, red sportscar speeds up next to him and promptly swerves over in front of him, and then slams on his brakes. Bill's eyes get large, his pulse quickens, his mind races. Words are beginning to come out of his mouth. What are they?

A) Go to Hell, you idiot!
B) Oh my God!
C) God Dammit!
D) All of the above, in succession.

Based on these popular phrases, one can draw a few conclusions about Bill. They are...

1) Bill has heard of a place called Hell where bad people go.
2) God exists and in some capacity can hear him.
3) God has power to do things on earth (in this case, damning someone)

Now if I have my theology correct, Bill is over three-fourths of the way to becoming a follower of Jesus. It would seem that even the most hardened athiest/agnostic/unbeliever has at least a rudimentary knowledge of God simply based on his language. As the Old Testament Proverb says, "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.."

Assuming this proverb is also true, Bills heart may have an abundance of misplaced anger, but it also has a knowledge of the Father, and Jesus gave us a way to get back into fellowship with the Father through His death on the cross.

Are you that foul-mouthed athiest who needs redemption? Do you know someone who is? Please, don't delay because today could be your last day on earth and without Christ you will spend eternity in a place called Hell. With a humble heart, pray this prayer out loud:

Father God, I admit that I cannot save myself. I have sinned and am guilty. Today I accept Your Son, Jesus Christ as my savior. I submit my life to Him and I pledge to follow all of His teachings. Amen

Now tell someone about it and start reading your bible daily. find a church and grow in your faith. I am praying for you.

B

The Madman

2007-04-16T14:14:00.000-05:00

Today I was playing with my baby daughter on the floor when a thought came shooting into my mind that was so different from my regular thoughts that it could only have been from my Father in heaven. I write it here for your benefit.

I was once like a madman. Picture him sitting on the dusty ground, wearing ripped up, worn out rags for clothing. His skin is coated with crusted and dried dirt. As you scrutinize from your vantage point about two armslengths away, you catch a fire in his eyes and notice that he seems to be stalking an unknown prey. Suddenly, he jerks and pounces! His hands rifle into the sandy dust. Fingers grasping at this thing that you cannot quite make out. Then, he slaps his hands to his lips. You move closer in time to see the madman frantically grinding the grainy dirt into his front teeth! You can even hear the squeaky rasp of the particles embedding themselves in his soft enamel. Think of the look on your face right now....

Gums bleeding, his head shakes animalistically as a look of great satisfaction creeps across his filthy face. Crimson mixed with dirt makes its way down his chin as his wild eyes meet you, the only onlooker to this neurotic scene. Then, to your horror, he begins to repeat the same process again....

This friend, was me before Christ.

Take it for what you will.

BTJ

George McDonald Breaks it Down

2007-04-09T21:39:00.000-05:00

I was changed by this. Its excerpted from a sermon given by George Mcdonald in June of 1882 at Brixton Congregational Church. If you read it all, I believe you too will experience something of God Himself. (Bold emphasis is mine.)

I question if there is a doubt or a sense of difficulty that prevails now that has not passed through my own mind as a thing to be encountered and understood and settled. It is natural that we should doubt, with such cries especially on all sides of us, and the intellect so much more awake than ever it was before, and indeed the conscience not more asleep than before; and with one on this side and one on that side crying out, "I have reached, I have seen, and I have found no God." Settle this with yourselves to begin with. Not all the intellect or metaphysics of the world could prove that there is no God, and not all the intellect in the world could prove that there is a God. If you could prove that there is a God, that would imply that you could go all around Him, and buttress up his being with your human argument that He should exist. As soon might a child on his mother's bosom, looking up into his mother's face, write a treatise on what a woman was and what a mother was.

But do not think that God is angry with you because you find it hard to believe. It is not so; that is not like God; God is all that you can honestly wish Him to be, and infinitely more; He is not angry with you for that. And He knows perfectly well what the scientific man calls truth--although you will observe that he is always constantly, and everywhere changing his theories--that what the scientific man calls truth is simply an impossibility with regard to God; And God knows it. Your brain, the symbol of your intellect, cannot, concerning Him, if He exists, receive that kind of proof which you have when you read a proposition of Euclid. It commends itself to your mind and your understanding. You say, "So it is, and it cannot be otherwise." But you cannot receive that kind of; there is no such proof with regard to the Mighty God. And therefore I say if you doubt the existence of the living God, He is not angry with you for that. But I am speaking of those who would fain believe if they could, I ask you, have you been trying the things not seen? Have you been proving them? This is what God puts in your hands. He says, " I tell you I Am. You act upon that; for I know that your conscience moves you to it; you act upon that and you will find whether I Am or not, and what I Am." Do you see? Faith in its true sense does not belong to the intellect alone, nor to the intellect first, but to the conscience, to the will, and that man is a faithful man who says "I cannot prove that there is a God, but, O God, if Thou hearest me anywhere, help me to do Thy will." There is faith, "Do this," and he does it. It is o, friends, that is faith; it is doing that thing which you, let me say, even only suppose to be the will of God; for if you are wrong, and do it because you think it is His will, He will set you right. It is the turning of the eye to the light; it is the sending of the feet into the path that is required, putting the hands to do the things which the conscience says ought to be done. You will notice that all this chapter from which I have taken the text is a list of people that did things. Some of them were made kings, and some of them were sawn asunder for it; but it was all for faith, and nothing but faith. There was a truth; there was a live truth; a truth that had welled through and called the knowledge of truth up in us, nay, called up in us the very possibility of feeling truth; and according to this law these men walked through all the world, and all the worlds together set themselves against them, and in the name of the original vital law of the universe-- namely, the living God--they walked right on and met their fate. Yes; victory and the participation of the Divine nature, that was their faith.
Therefore, friends, the practical thing is just this, and it is the one lesson that we have to learn, that whatever our doubts or difficulties, we must do the thing we know in order to learn the thing we do not know; but whether we learn it or not, "If ye know these things," saith the Master, "happy are ye if you do them." It is the doing that is everything, and the doing is faith and there is no division between them.

*Edit*

This is really the tip of the iceberg for this text. I printed the whole thing (6 Pages) and have read over it several times, getting something new each time. Its really good to meditate over because there is so much good stuff there. Here is the link to the whole text...

Faith, The Proof of the Unseen, By George McDonald

BTJ

Brigette Gabriel

2007-04-09T12:07:00.000-05:00

Did you know that Islam has declared war on the Rotary and Lions' Clubs?

How about "peaceful" muslims tying one leg of an infant child to its mother, the other leg to its father, and pulling the mom and dad apart unti the baby is split in two?

A quote:

"They started massacring the Christians, city after city. Horrific events the western media seldom reported. One of the most ghastly acts was the massacre in the Christian City of Damour where thousands of Christians were slaughtered like sheep. The Muslims would enter a bomb shelter, see a mother and a father hiding with a little baby. They would tie one leg of the baby to the mother and one leg to the father and pulled the parents apart splitting the child in half. A close friend of mine was mentally disturbed because they made her slaughter her own son in a chair. They tied her to a chair, tied a knife to her hand and holding her hand forcing her to cut her own son’s throat. They would urinate and defecate on the altars of churches using the pages of the bible as toilet paper. They did so many things I don't need to go into any more detail. You get the picture."

Brigette Gabriel was an eyewitness to this and many other atrocities. This native-Lebanese Christian has now emigrated to America and is leading the quest to inform and equip the average American citizen to win the war on terror.

Her account had me ranging from sadness to joy to rage. Please read it and disspell all doubts in your mind that peace can ever be made with terrorists.

Brigette Gabriel Interview

After you read that, please check out the American Congress for Truth, and sign their petitions against Islamic terror in the United States.

BTJ

A Quote

2007-04-09T11:43:00.000-05:00

"The mind is a monkey: all you need to do is let the monkey into a forest; you do not have to tell him where the nuts are to be found. You don't even have to guide him toward the good nuts."

Lin Yutang, in "From Pagan to Christian" (World Press 1956)

Imagination, Dreams, and God

2007-04-05T16:11:00.000-05:00

I am struck dumb and humbled by this quote from Christian theologian GK Chesterton in his book, "Orthodoxy".

"Imagination does not breed insanity. Exactly what does breed insanity is reason. Poets do not go mad, but chess-players do. Mathematicians go mad; but creative artists very seldom...Poetry is sane because it floats easily on the infinite sea; reason seeks to cross the infinite sea, and so make it finite. The result is mental exhaustion...The poet only asks to get his head into the heavens. It is the logician who seeks to get the heavens into his head. And it is his head that splits."

I have always tried to "get the heavens into my head" and sometimes it does feel like its splitting. I was once a poet. Then I grew up......

The Icy Wind, (A Ballad of Spring)

As the icy fingers creep in through the drafty windows,

my skin tightens, the furnace strains.

Just last week I was walking in the sun, warmed and filled,

breeze caressing my skin.

Just last week I was on the trampoline, feeling my stomach lurch.

Falling and scraping my elbow.

Fluffy white covers the newly green grass.

My toes long to slide between its downy blades.

But not today.

BTJ

Can we believe the Gospels?

2007-03-29T14:15:00.000-05:00

It is a common thing for me to question the reliability of the Bible. Doubt is always creeping into my mind when I hear other men coming up with reasons NOT to believe the Bible's truth.

It's full of contradiction
The gospel writers had their own agenda

There is something deeper than my rational mind that knows the Bible is true, but the mind itself is the place of debate and arguement. I find myself there sometimes and I'll bet most Christians are in a similar place from time to time.

As friends have said "ITS BLIND FAITH!" In other words, there's no logic to believing God's word, it's like believing in fairies or leprechans. You don't think too hard about it, otherwise you may find that you really don't believe in the little people.

Recently, I found an article that helps my thinking mind to digest the revelation of the Gospels in a more logical way. A former Australian magistrate (Judge) breaks down the reliability of the gospel witnesses from a legal standpoint. Would Matthew, Mark, Luke and John's testimony be accepted in a court of law?

Read for yourself....

A former chief magistrate examines the witnesses to the resurrection

This quote from the article really sticks in my mind....

"They portray Jesus as one who taught with great authority and conviction, as one who had a passion for truth, who abominated hypocrisy and abhorred lying and deception. They themselves were committed disciples of the man they were writing about. As men of Jewish stock, steeped in the Old Testament, they knew the requirements of their law that witnesses be true. The only logical and sensible inference from all this is that they themselves were honest men who were concerned for the truth. They were not deceitful.
Put in another way, the writings of these five men contain some of the highest moral and ethical teaching the world has known. If these men were not honest, then they represent a baffling contradiction of what they themselves were proclaiming."

BTJ

Banana Bread

2007-03-24T21:37:00.000-05:00

I sit here, observing the loaf. I notice its lumpiness. The mild shine that graces its top invites the tastebuds to explore erotic worlds yet unknown.... Walnut-chunks are creating a mountainous landscape, bringing the American West a little closer to home (flat) home. The clear plastic container seems intent on caging in the succulent, bananarama of smells that would be wafting into my nostrils.....

Ever wonder what's in banana bread? I have! At least, in moments of complete boredom. Since you are reading this, I must assume you have entered a similar state.

Ingredients:

Bananas
Sugar
Flour
Shortening
Eggs
Soda
Salt
Buttermilk Powder
Water
Walnuts

That's ten-steps to happiness, my friends! Since I don't actually make the bread, but simply buy it at the store pre-made, I can't give you measurements or anything so droll as that. It's not the making I'm interested in, anyhow. It's the eating. And speaking of the eating, nothing in more essential to the proper enjoyment of your banana bread than the proper margarine to lubricate the blissful swallowing of this American delicacy.

Due to strange effects my cholesterol level seems to be having on my aging body, I use a light margarine to butter my banana bread. Usually, I use Parkay, which sells for the low, low price of just $2.39 for the big tub. Its an amazing deal considering the generic tub tastes like industrial waste and sells for twenty cents more. Right now, however, Shedd's Spread Country Crock Light Margarine is on sale for $2.00 for the big tub. I took a flying leap and gave it a shot. Dear reader, I must inform you that the Country Crock Light tastes identical to Parkay. If you don't believe me, then see for yourself, but wait until it goes on sale because the Country Crock is usually well over $3.00 for the big tub.

My current banana loaf is 14 luscious ounces, cost $3.39 (a necessary indulgence), and will go bad on 3-29-07. This leaves me little time to.... (see second and third picture at top)

BTJ

The Gardener, A Story by Brian Zhand

2007-03-21T09:33:00.000-05:00

The Gardener, By Brian Zhand

Once upon time there was gardener. For six days he worked planting a garden. It was a good garden full of spices and everything nice. On the sixth day, it was a Friday, the gardener made a clay man and a clay woman. Then the gardener breathed into his clay man and woman and they came to life. When the gardener was finished with his work on that Friday, he looked at all he had made -- his garden and his clay couple -- and he said it was good. On the next day, Saturday, the gardener rested from all of his work.

For a while the gardener and his living clay couple lived happily in the garden of spices. But one day a snake crawled into the garden and that's when things began to go bad...real bad. The snake was a talking snake and it told lies to the living clay couple -- lies about the garden and the gardener. The living clay couple listened to the lies of the snake and disobeyed the good gardener. That's when the clay man and woman died on the inside. Because of this the clay couple had to leave the garden. This made them sad.

Ages went by and the clay man and woman had millions of clay children. Even though these clay children could walk and talk, they were dead on the inside.

Then the gardener did something wonderful. He made another clay man, a clay man who had the gardener's own breath on the inside of him. This was the gardener's own son, the gardener made of clay. The son of the gardener did many good things and made life better for everyone around him.

But one day evil clay people hung the gardener's son on a tree. It was a Friday. At the end of the day the gardener's son cried out from the tree, "It is finished." Then the breath left him and he died. Friends of the gardener's son buried him in a tomb in a garden and filled the tomb with spices.

On the next day, Saturday, the gardener's son rested in the garden tomb among the spices.Then came Sunday morning. The first day of a new week. It turned out to be the first day of a new age. Because early that morning the breath of the gardener came back into the gardener's son and he got up and left the tomb. When one of the friends of the gardener's son came to the tomb in the morning, she found the tomb empty. This surprised her. Then she bumped into the gardener's son and thought he was the gardener. When she found out what had happened, that the gardener's son was alive again, she ran off to tell her friends.

Later that day, it was a Sunday, remember, the gardener's son came to where a bunch of his friends were. Then he breathed on them just like the gardener had done with the first clay couple a long, long time ago. When he did this the clay people came to life on the inside. This made them very happy.

The gardener's son then told his friends to go tell all the other clay people how they could come alive on the inside. The gardener's son also promised to make a new garden even better than the old garden. He told his clay friends that when the new garden was finished, they would all live happily ever after.

Until the Gardener's Son breathes on us we're dead men.

The End.

Brian Zhand is the Senior Pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Freedom of Speech?

2007-03-20T11:44:00.000-05:00

What do you think the "agenda" of this teacher was?

Oregon Teacher Fired Over Bible References

BTJ

The Division

2007-03-20T07:57:00.000-05:00

I was over reading Brian Zhand's Blog again (See links over there --->). He illustrates an amazing point. In Jesus' Israel, there were four main types of Jews making up the body of the faith, these were:

1. The Moralists -- the Pharisees and their "take back Israel for God" movement.

2. The Zealots -- who wanted to take up the sword and violently overthrow the Romans.

3. The Compromisers -- The Sadducees and Herodians who collaborated with and adopted the values of the Gentiles.

4. The Separatists -- Like the Essenes who escaped into the wilderness in order to create the Kingdom of God separate from the wider world.

And then he goes on to make the point:

*Jesus was not a moralist. He ate and drank with sinners.

* Jesus was not a zealot. He taught His disciples to turn the other cheek.

* Jesus was not a compromiser. He called people to repent of their sins.

* Jesus was not a separatist. He was fully engaged with the surrounding culture.

I believe these four ideas are highly applicable to the church today. I know of Christians who are Moralists in the same vein as the Pharisees of old. There are entire denominations devoted to this idea. I have read of churches that are compromisers, changing the Bible to suit their political agenda. I know of entire Christian cultures that are seperatist and want nothing to do with the world at large.

Each of these is equally dangerous. All of them are based in pride. We want to take pride in our works instead of the Grace. What is the Grace? Its the very thing (the only thing) that can combat pride. Its the realization in the human heart that God will not accept us no matter how many good works we do or how good of a person we are. Every single one of us are guilty of breaking at least one of the Ten Commandments at some point in our lives. Most of us are guilty of breaking one (or more) each day! I include myself in this.

The Grace is the gift of God. It cannot be earned. NO matter how many old ladies you help across the street, no matter how honest you are, you still fall short of God's holiness. You are condemned to an eternity in Hell for your sins.

The Grace is God saying to humanity, ENOUGH! He has provided a Way for us to become holy. We can't earn it. We simply must accept the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He paid for our sin in full. We must follow Him with all our hearts and seek to examine ourselves daily to make sure we are in the faith. We must feed our spirit by reading God's word every day and grow in knowledge of who he is. Would you like to spend eternity with a stranger?

This is more than a blog entry. This is a call to action. Examine yourself today. Are you in the faith? Have you prayed a prayer one time to accept Christ but there is no evidence of a difference in your life? Jesus told a parable about the Kingdom of God that illustates this point. Its known as the Parable of the Sower and can be found in Matthew 13.

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Other seeds fel l on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!

And then we find the explanation of the story in Mark 4.

The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”

Live it out. Jesus came to save you. Your life is but a vapor.

BTJ

How Many Christians Does It Take To Change A Light Bulb?

2007-03-14T10:05:00.000-05:00

Found at http://www.hopeforishmael.org/

Q: How many charismatics does it take to change a light bulb?A: One, since his/her hands are in the air anyway.

Q: How many Calvinists does it take to change a lightbulb?A: None. God has predestined when the lights will be on. (Calvinists do not change light bulbs. They simply read the instructions and pray the light bulb will be one that has been chosen to be changed.)

Q: How many liberals does it take to change a light bulb?A: At least ten, as they need to hold a debate into whether or not the light bulb exists. Even if they can agree upon the existence of the lightbulb they may not go ahead and change it for fear of alienating those who use fluorescent tubes.

Q: How many Charismatics does it take to change a light bulb?A: One to change the bulb and nine to pray against the spirit of darkness.

Q: How many neo-orthodox does it take to change a bulb?A: No one knows. They can't tell the difference between light and darkness.

Q: How many independent fundamentalists does it take to change a light bulb?A: Only one, because any more might result in too much cooperation.

Q: How many Amish does it take to change a light bulb?A: "What's a light bulb?"

Q: How many youth pastors does it take to change a light bulb?A: Youth pastors aren't around long enough for a light bulb to burn out.

Q: How many members of an established Bible teaching church that is over 20 years old does it take to change a light bulb?A: One to actually change the bulb, and nine to say how much they liked the old one.

Q: How many Anglo-Catholics does it take to change a lightbulb?A: None. They always use candles instead.

Q: How many Evangelicals does it take to change a light bulb?A: Evangelicals do not change light bulbs. They simply read out the instructions and hope the light bulb will decide to change itself.

Q: How many Atheists does it take to change a lightbulb?A: One. But they are still in darkness.

Q: How many Brethren does it take to change a light bulb?A: Change?????

Q: How many Pentecostals does it take to change a light bulb?A: 10, one to change it and 9 others to pray against the spirit of darkness.

Q: How many TV evangelists does it take to change a lightbulb?A: One. But for the message of hope to continue to go forth, send in your donation today.

Q: How many campfire worship leaders does it take to change a lightbulb?A: One. But soon all thoses around can warm up to its glowing.

Q: How many baptist's does it take to change a light bulb?A: The whole congregation needs to vote on it!

Q: How many charismatics does it take to change a lightbulb?A: Three, one to cast it out and two to catch it when it falls!

Q: How many charismatics does it take to change a lightbulb?A: Twenty one, one to change it, and twenty to share the experience!

Q: How many conservative Anglicans does it take to change a lightbulb?A: Three. One to change it and two to storm out in protest if the person changing it is a woman!

Q: How many Calvinists does it take to change a lightbulb?A: None. If God wants the lightbulb changed He will do it Himself!

Q: How many missionaries does it take to change a light bulb?A: 10. Five to determine how many can be changed by the year 2000, four to raise the necessary funds, one to go find a national to do the job!

Q: How many United Methodists does it take to change a light bulb?A: This statement was issued: "We choose not to make a statement either in favor of or against the need for a light bulb. However, if in your own journey you have found that a light bulb works for you, that is fine. You are invited to write a poem or compose a modern dance about your personal relationship with your light bulb (or light source, or non-dark resource), and present it next month at our annual light bulb Sunday service, in which we will explore a number of light bulb traditions, including incandescent, fluorescent, three-way, long-life, and tinted--all of which are equally valid paths to luminescence."

Q: How many Southern Baptists does it take to change a light bulb?A: 109. Seven on the Light Bulb Task Force Sub-committee, who report to the 12 on the Light Bulb Task Force, appointed by the 15 on the Trustee Board. Their recommendation is reviewed by the Finance Executive Committee of 5, who place it on the agenda of the 18 member Finance Committee. If they approve, they bring a motion to the 27 Member church Board, who appoint another 12 member review committee. If they recommend that the Church Board proceed, a resolution is brought to the Congregational Business Meeting. They appoint another 8 member review committee. If their report to the next Congregational Business Meeting supports the changing of a light bulb, and the Congregation votes in favor, the responsibility to carry out the light bulb change is passed on to the Trustee Board, who in turn appoint a 7-member committee to find the best price in new light bulbs. Their recommendation of which hardware is the best buy must then be reviewed by the 23 member Ethics Committee to make certain that this hardware store has no connection to Disneyland. They report back to the Trustee Board who then commissions the Trustee in charge of the Janitor to ask him to make the change. By then the janitor discovers that one more light bulb has burned out.

Q: How many Nazarenes does it take to change a light bulb?A: 4 ladies. One to carefully unscrew the bulb. One to wrap it carefully and another to package it. The fourth to mail it to the mission field.

Jesus' Grave Found

2007-03-03T14:06:00.000-05:00

The bones of Jesus Christ are supposedly found, rendering my faith irrelevant and making a mockery of all my friends in the faith. I would like to personally thank James Cameron and his crack staff of archaelogists and scholars for saving me from my ignorance. Without him, I would be doomed to a world of disillusionment. After all, our salvation is really "rooted in our mastery of technology," (A quote from Cameron). So all you people out there who can type over 40 wpm, you are well on your way to the hereafter.

Oh yeah, I just need one more thing in order to recant my faith in Jesus Christ and His resurrection with a clear conscience. You'll have to grant me this as a matter of principle. You see, the apostle Peter was crucified upside down for his faith in Jesus Christ. If James Cameron or even any one of his "followers" are willing to do this to support their claims, then consider me "on the bandwagon." In fact, if James Cameron is willing to submit to any one of the following gory deaths, I will again, recant.

Matthew suffered martyrdom in Ethiopia, killed by a sword wound.

Mark died in Alexandria, Egypt, after being dragged by horses through the streets until he was dead.

Luke was hanged in Greece as a result of his tremendous preaching to the lost.

John faced martyrdom when he was boiled in a huge basin of boiling oil during a wave of persecution in Rome. However, he was miraculously delivered from death. John was then sentenced to the mines on the prison island of Patmos. He wrote his prophetic Book of Revelation on Patmos. The apostle John was later freed and returned to serve as Bishop of Edessa in modern Turkey. He died as an old man, the only apostle to die peacefully.

Peter was crucified upside down on an x-shaped cross, according to church tradition because he told his tormentors that he felt unworthy to die in the same way that Jesus Christ had died.

James the Just, the leader of the church in Jerusalem, was thrown over a hundred feet down from the southeast pinnacle of the Temple when he refused to deny his faith in Christ. When they discovered that he survived the fall, his enemies beat James to death with a fuller's club. This was the same pinnacle where Satan had taken Jesus during the Temptation.

James the Greater, a son of Zebedee, was a fisherman by trade when Jesus called him to a lifetime of ministry. As a strong leader of the church, James was ultimately beheaded at Jerusalem. The Roman officer who guarded James watched amazed as James defended his faith at his trial. Later, the officer walked beside James to the place of execution. Overcome by conviction, he declared his new faith to the judge and knelt beside James to accept beheading as a Christian.

Bartholomew, also know as Nathanael, was a missionary to Asia. He witnessed to our Lord in present day Turkey. Bartholomew was martyred for his preaching in Armenia when he was flayed to death by a whip.

Andrew was crucified on an x-shaped cross in Patras, Greece. After being whipped severely by seven soldiers they tied his body to the cross with cords to prolong his agony. His followers reported that, when he was led toward the cross, Andrew saluted it in these words: "I have long desired and expected this happy hour. The cross has been consecrated by the body of Christ hanging on it." He continued to preach to his tormentors for two days until he expired.

The apostle Thomas was stabbed with a spear in India during one of his missionary trips to establish the church in the subcontinent.

Jude, the brother of Jesus, was killed with arrows when he refused to deny his faith in Christ.

Matthias, the apostle chosen to replace the traitor Judas Iscariot, was stoned and then beheaded.

Barnabas, one of the group of seventy disciples, wrote the Epistle of Barnabas. He preached throughout Italy and Cyprus. Barnabas was stoned to death at Salonica.

The apostle Paul was tortured and then beheaded by the evil Emperor Nero at Rome in A.D. 67. Paul endured a lengthy imprisonment which allowed him to write his many epistles to the churches he had formed throughout the Roman Empire. These letters, which taught many of the foundational doctrines of Christianity, form a large portion of the New Testament.

The details of the martyrdoms of the disciples and apostles are found in traditional early church sources. These traditions were recounted in the writings of the church fathers and the first official church history written by the historian Eusebius in A.D. 325. Although we can not at this time verify every detail historically, the universal belief of the early Christian writers was that each of the apostles had faced martyrdom faithfully without denying their faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Reference: Jeffrey, Grant R., "The Signature of God", Frontier Research Publications, Inc. (1996), p.254-257

Remember, all ancient history is based on continuity of manuscripts and scrolls from various historians.

Fact: There are more than 24,000 partial and complete manuscript copies of the New Testament.These manuscript copies are very ancient and they are available for inspection now. There are also some 86,000 quotations from the early church fathers and several thousand Lectionaries (church-service books containing Scripture quotations used in the early centuries of Christianity).Bottom line: the New Testament has an overwhelming amount of evidence supporting its reliability.

FACT: Norman Geisler makes several key observations for our consideration:
No other book is even a close second to the Bible on either the number or early dating of the copies. The average secular work from antiquity survives on only a handful of manuscripts; the New Testament boasts thousands.The average gap between the original composition and the earliest copy is over 1,000 years for other books.The New Testament, however, has a fragment within one generation from its original composition, whole books within about 100 years from the time of the autograph [original manuscript], most of the New Testament in less than 200 years, and the entire New Testament within 250 years from the date of its completion.The degree of accuracy of the copies is greater for the New Testament than for other books that can be compared. Most books do not survive with enough manuscripts that make comparison possible.

WHAT IS OUR AGENDA? What is lost by believing that Jesus is the Son of God and died for our sins? Only one thing that I can think of and that's Pride. All I hear on the blogs of this generation are attempts to justify themselves by themselves. OK, so man is its own God! What exactly is your plan for the earth? For mankind? Athiest societies (China, Former Soviet Union etc.) have the worst human rights records of all! So you would have us convert to your way of thinking, elect Stalin or Mao Tse Tung as Dictator in Chief, and worship the Government because they provide all of our needs, including an AWESOME secret police force to save us from our own silly thoughts! Yes, I do need someone at the public school to explain to my children the virtues of condom use and homosexuality, I can't be trusted to do that myself, now can I? Wouldn't want the kids to say, Abstain from sex until they're married, (that would be old-fashioned.) And Forbid if they were to marry someone of the opposite sex, (that would be intolerant!)

I propose James McGreevey and Richard Dawkins run on the same ticket for President in '08. They would do the best job in making a statement to the world what a sideshow the United States has become.

BTJ

Insane Clown Posse

2007-03-01T13:20:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I met a very interesting young man.

Zack was 15, the friend of a friend. He found himself sitting at my dining room table describing the Insane Clown Posse concert he had just attended at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was attempting to elaborate on the strippers.

"I liked the strippers, but they were the same ones (girls) that they used last time." said Zack, disappointedly. " As he said this, his buddy David (my friend) reached across the table to hand him a blunt wrapper that was handed out at the concert. Zack wondered aloud, "You don't want the kids to see this, do you?"

When I was a teenager (in the early 90's), I too listened to Insane Clown Posse. Their music was the soundtrack for my years of drug-use, unprotected sex, and disobedience to my parents. These years led me into numerous health problems, and several misdemeanors and one felony on my permanent record. Insane Clown Posse's hate-inspired lyrics gave me the fuel I needed to justify my own anger. They're now influencing an entirely new generation of teenagers. This is not easy for me, but here are the lyrics to what was once one of my favorite ICP songs.

Well i'm headed down the southern trail, i'm goin' chicken huntin'.Choppin' red neck chicken necks i ain't sayin' nothin'To the hillbilly, stick my barrel in his eye, boom-shaka, boom-shaka,Hair chunks in the sky.Why? i, never liked chicken pot pie or the chopped chicken on rye.Tell mr. billy bob i'm a cut his neck upSlice, poke, chop-chop, stab, cut."what can you do with a drunken hillbilly?"Cut his f###in' eyes out, and feed 'em to his aunt nilly.Willie, willie chicken neck. chicken huntin' gotta love it.Hit him with the 12 gauge >f###en, chicken nugget<.Layed out all over the grass. bet his little hound dog'll eat 'em upFast.(pre-chorus):Last as long as you can, my man,Cuz when that chicken head hits the fan you got:Blood, guts, fingers and toes. (w/ echoes)Blood, guts, fingers and toes. (w/ echoes)Blood, guts, fingers and toes. (w/ echoes)Sittin' front row at the chicken show, so...(end prechorus)(chorus):"who's goin' chicken huntin?""we's goin' chicken huntin'.""who's goin' chicken huntin?""we's goin' chicken huntin'.""who's goin' chicken huntin?""we's goin' chicken huntin'.""cut a mo#####in' chicken now, ""right!"(chorus)Lemme get a chicken sandwich, with manwich, ah,Feel the red on a chicken neck.Choppin up hella yeah, billy bob billyCuz i chop m######in' red necks silly.Peeped in your yard tell me what did i see?I seen a chicken boy, f####n' this sheep. i said,"mister, mister, what the f### you tryin' to do?"Badau-bad-a-badau-badau-bauBarrels in your mouth, bullets to your head,The back of your neck's all over the shed.Boom-shaka-boom, chop, chop, bang,I'm 2 dope, and it ain't no thingTo cut a chicken, triggers clickin'Blow off his head but his feet still kickin'(pre-chorus)(chorus)Went to kentucky, i got lucky,Met this hogcallin' b### named blocky.Ridin' on a chicken, milkin' a sow.Hittin' switches in a drop-top, low-ride tractor. wow.Red neck fella, moon-shine sella,Hangin' by his neck bone. chicken bone's locked in the cella',Yella' bellied chicken plucka'. you red neck f####!(chorus)Rich b####!Yeah! yeah! yeah!Ha ha ha ha ha!Uh!

I believe that only the prayers of the saints can stop this sick and twisted evil from continuing across our nation. This music group is currently touring the United States, bringing a new brand of evil to cities near you. Don't be afraid, don't be mad, just count on the power of the God who brought me out of that lifestyle to do the same for all those who are under their deception. Please pray that God would put an end to this group as only he can. Pray for the salvation through Jesus Christ of Violent J (Joseph Bruce) and Shaggy (Joseph Ustler). Only love (in Jesus name) can defeat this wickedness.

BTJ

Federal Hate Crimes Bill

2007-02-21T11:45:00.000-05:00

Well, its finally happening. The quickening.

The Federal Hate Crimes Bill: Federalizing Criminal Law While Threatening Civil Liberties

This bill criminalizes thought. Circumventing the constitution has now left the realm of large corporations but now has entered social justice. Question: Social Justice has to negate the constitution (the most liberating governing document in history) then is it really social justice?

You don't believe it? How about the true story of two Pennsylvania Grandmothers who were arrested for handing out Christian literature outside of a Gay Rights Convention (under the Pennsylvania version of the same Hate-Crimes Law that the Federal Government proposes to pass).

When grandmas go to jail for witnessing

The truth is, homosexuality is a sin just like adultery, murder, covetousness, and theft.

1 Corinthians 6:8-10 (New King James Version)

No, you yourselves do wrong and cheat, and you do these things to your brethren! Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals,[a] nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.

All of these sins can be found in the church. I myself have been guilty of committing pretty much all of them. I am no better than someone who is practicing any of these sins even if I am not currently practicing them. God's law is like a sheet of glass, it doesn't matter if you drive a truck through it or shoot it with bb's, once its broken, its broken.

The hope of Christ is that even though we all have broken God's law, He loved us so much that He gave us a way to reconcile ourselves to Himself. To repair the brokenness that is sin. That Way is the death of Jesus Christ on the cross.

When a person accepts Jesus as their savior and begins learning about His teachings, they begin the process of renewing their mind and changing that sinful person they once were. A believer will still have sinful desires, but will now have a conscience that these sins grieve the heart of God.

I love my Mom, always have. I have done things to grieve her heart but have always felt bad about it later and apologized. She has forgiven me due to her mutual love for me. This is the same as God's love. This is also the good news of the gospel!

This hate-crimes bill is a smokescreen for inhibiting the spread of the good news of God's forgiveness to an unforgiven world. It would seem that people would rather be told by the government what and how they should believe instead of hearing all sides to the story and making an informed decision.

Join me in praying. Lord Jesus, please open the hearts and minds of men and women across the country to your wonderful love. Amen

BTJ

Philosophy of Aquinas

2007-02-16T09:28:00.000-05:00

I have been devoting my writing time to other things lately, so I haven't been updating as often as usual.

I would like to direct your attention to a blog by a very good, hard-thinking preacher by the name of Brian Zhand. One of his most recent post, entitled "Thomas Aquinas" had me thinking for a few days. A quote...

Aquinas asserted that Faith and Reason are in no way contradictory. There are not two truths -- spiritual truth and rational truth -- but only Truth. Indeed, all truth is God's truth. I've said before that, in theory, one could study any object in the universe, a pea for example, and ultimately it would lead to the knowledge of God.* But the problem is it takes too long, and thus the need for what Aquinas called "special revelation" -- a divine shortcut to knowing God. Primarily, special revelation is the Scriptures.

Full Article

BTJ

Read this before forming an opinion on Hillary Clinton

2007-02-08T11:02:00.000-05:00

I have always had mixed thoughts on Hillary. I do feel a certain inevitability to her presidency, as though she is the chosen one.

Just today, I was surfing CNN's website and found this very cool excerpt from the book, Bill and Hillary, By Christopher Anderson. What sets this apart is the inside information and transcripts of actual conversations that the President had with his wife, advisors, and friends.

It took me almost 30 minutes to read the whole thing but it gave me more REAL information about "Hillary the Presidential Candidate" than any media source. This article is an election-year MUST READ!

A quote:

Hillary Clinton had also sought spiritual guidance from decidedly less traditional sources. In the spring of 1996, she turned to "reflective meditation" sessions with New Age psychic philosopher Jean Houston. Hillary confided in Houston that she had always felt the presence of Eleanor Roosevelt in the White House. At Houston's urging, Hillary actually sat in her room and "talked" to Eleanor Roosevelt. "I was a huge admirer of Eleanor Roosevelt -- I wanted so much to be like her, to make a real contribution as First Lady," Hillary said. "But after three years in the White House I felt stymied. I wanted to know what this brilliant woman would have done if she were alive today." At this time it was not unusual for White House staff members to hear Hillary, behind closed doors, having animated -- if one-sided -- conversations with Eleanor's ghost. "I try to figure out what she would do in my shoes," Hillary recalled. "She usually responds by telling me to buck up or at least to grow skin as thick as a rhinoceros."

BTJ

David Duke, Evolution's Great Proponent

2007-02-07T10:58:00.000-05:00

If you find yourself siding with the mainstream evolutionary theories, you are in agreement with David Duke, famous racist and Nazi. It is well known that the Nazi party of Germany was attempting to use selective breeding to remove "inferior races" from the earth, hence their wholesale slaughter of Jews. But few people realize this thinking had its basis in Darwinistic Evolution. Conversely, if one believes that everyone on earth came from one man, Adam, then we are all brothers and sisters and racism is not just morally wrong but cannot exist.

Consider this quote:

Race mixing is especially anathema to Duke, and is the reason why he is so concerned about segregation. Preserving the Caucasian genotype is critical, and interracial marriage, which can be prevented only by separating the races, is required to prevent degeneration of the human genome. Duke notes that interracial marriage is genocide, and is no less terrible than what the Germans attempted against Jews—and the ultimate result, he stresses, will be identical. Preserving the Caucasian race is but a precondition for continuing its evolution to a higher level.

Read the entire article, Darwinism’s influence on modern racists and white supremacist groups: the case of David Duke.

If evolution is true, then there are grounds for people to say that races are different, evolving along different lines and having superior and inferior characteristics. In short, Hitler was right. Thousands of men and women died in World War 2 in hopes of defeating such flawed thinking. Anything less than complete rejection of evolution's evil empire is dishonoring their sacrifice and spitting on their graves.

BTJ

NFL Shuts Down Church's Super Bowl Party

2007-02-02T15:07:00.000-05:00

So the Church of Excesses (AKA the NFL) doesn't want the Church of Jesus Christ in on their version of Easter Sunday. They have banned one church in one town from having a Super Bowl party and have cited some pretty ridiculous reasons why. An excerpt from the article...

"While this may be a noble message," NFL assistant counsel Rachel L. Margolies wrote in a follow-up email, "we are consistent in refusing the use of our game broadcasts in connection with events that promote a message, no matter the content." --Rachel L. Margolies (NFL Representative)

Read the whole article

OK NFL, that's a great point, except for the fact that it completely contradicts itself. What about the bars and taverns that use your game broadcasts to bring more alcoholics into their establishments. What about the casinos who are using your broadcast to make millions of dollars in gambling revenues off of the game. Do neither of these things promote a message? Or is it just NOBLE messages you are concerned about. It's perfectly all right with you that the Super Bowl is used to promote the message that alcohol is the answer to your problems and that gambling is a fine pursuit as long as the message is not NOBLE.

What about the commercials? Do they not use the broadcast to promote a message? The girls who will watch the Super Bowl will see their actress peers dressed in "not-enough-pants" and "you-call-that-a-shirts" and they're not promoting a message? That women are sex objects to be used and viewed as such?

A message to the NFL:

Christianity brings hope to the alcoholic and the gambling addict. It promotes morals and ethics that dissuade women from dressing like prostitutes. Therefore it is your enemy. May as well treat it as such. Your organization has brought joy to many, downfall to some. Why not have a policy that reflects both the good and the bad about your league and quit trying to pretend that the NFL isn't promoting a message itself!

BTJ

The Muslim Strategy: An Essay

2007-01-31T13:39:00.000-05:00

There was a time when Syria, Iraq, and Egypt were predominantly Christian nations. Little known fact: the first Christian monastery was founded near Memphis in Egypt in 305 A.D., not in Europe as is so often believed.

By the year 632 A.D., the empirical structures that protected Christian communites all around the mid-east were beginning to crumble due to political strife and infighting among various denominations on doctrinal issues. The addage that Christ Himself gave to His followers that "they will know you by your love for one another" had been lost in the muck and mire of the very traditionalism that Jesus had been so vocal against. The time was ripe for something big to happen, and it did.

Muhammed was born about 570 A.D. He was the son of a poor merchant and his family lived in the city of Mecca. He was orphaned the too-young age of six and was raised on the streets. It is even likely that at some point in his young life, he was in the tutorage of a Christian Monk by the name of Sergius Bahira. He began his public preaching in about 616 with a message of an end to idolatry and charity to the poor. The religious leaders of the day (who were mixed between Christians and various polytheisms) attempted to blockade him in his house and starve him to death for his efforts. When unsuccessful, an assassination was attempted and failed. The persecution caused Muhammed to flee his hometown for Medina.

By now, he had acquired more than a few followers. It was with this ragtag bunch that Muhammed began his military campaigns against his persecutors. The force was organized into raiding parties and practiced small-scale guerrilla warfare against the city of Mecca.

As his forces increased with new converts to the faith, they grew more bold, eventually taking Mecca in the year 629. He made it the religious center of Islam and gave the all the Arabs four months to convert willingly or else. At his death in 632 A.D., Muhammed's new religion controlled all of Arabia, which consisted of the modern-day countries of Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Yeman, and Oman.

Islam was kept going after Muhammed's death by his appointed successor, Abu Bakr, who continued the militancy of the now-powerful philosophy by embarking on campaigns against the Persians and the Romans. As they successfully won victories in city after city, the Muslims implemented the most briliant re-education strategy the world has ever seen.

The Jizya was a tax that the conquering Muslims imposed on Christians and Jews who refused to be converted. In return for protection and the tolerance of their repective religions, the conquered peoples paid the tax, which varied in amount, and also had to follow certain rules. Jews and Christians could "enter no intrigue, build no new churches, could not publicly sound church bells, show the cross in public, own a horse, attempt to convert a Muslim, marry an Islamic woman, never speak ill of the Koran or baptise their children in Christianity or Judaism." They also had to help any Moslems who had lost their way and repair roads and bridges. Why was this so revolutionary? Let the stats speak for themselves.

Under Omar, the second Caliph who ruled from 634 to 644, the jizya tax was bringing in 120 million dirhams per year. By 685, the amount had dwindled to 40 million. Within 50 years, two-thirds of the population converted to Islam. Many of the remainder apostasized by the early eight century. The entire middle-east had ceased to be Christian and the revenues from the first-ever "religion-tax" built the Dome of the Rock constructed on the very site of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem.

Christianity was built on the blood of the martyrs. It's King, Jesus Christ, set the example of self-denial to be carried on by His followers. A Roman Governor once remarked that "for every Christian we kill, ten more spring up". The power of the faith was in its humility, its willingness to die. As it turned out, this strategy could not be beaten by raw carnage.

Islam took a different route eradicating the Christian faith than the insane Caesars that preceeded it. They gave the conquered an easier choice. You can still practice your faith, pay the tax, follow the rules and we'll leave you alone. No ultimatum of "RECANT OR DIE" was given. This would have played directly into the strength of Christian Ideology.

Certianly the Muslims had their fair share of atrocities and massacres. War is never pretty. But the bottom line is this. Islam was forged in battle, but it was made plausible and powerful through skillful manipulation of the conquered.

BTJ

Source: The Faith, A History of Christianity, By Brian Moynahan

The Athiest Mama Shuts Down Her Comments Page

2007-01-30T14:37:00.000-05:00

Last night I posted this comment on the contact page of the weblog, "The Athiest Mama".

The simple fact of history is that the greatest evil has always resulted from denial of God, not pursuit of Him. Dennis Prager has noted, "In this [20th] century alone, more innocent people have been murdered, tortured, and enslaved by secular ideologies, nazism and communism, than by all religions in history."
Grab an older copy of the Guinness Book of World Records and turn to the category "Judicial," sub-heading "Crimes: Mass Killings." You’ll find that carnage of unimaginable proportions resulted not from religion, but from institutionalized atheism.
Guinness reports, "The greatest massacre ever imputed by the government of one sovereign against another is the 26.3 million Chinese killed during the regime of Mao Zedong between 1949 and May 1965. The Walker Report published by the U.S. Senate Committee of the Judiciary in July 1971 placed...the total death toll in China since 1949 between 32.25 and 61.7 million."
In the USSR, Nobel Prize winner Alexander Solzhenitsyn estimated that state repression and terrorism took over 66 million lives from 1917 to 1959 under Lenin, Stalin and Khrushchev.
The worst per capita genocide happened in Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge. According to Guinness, "More than one third of the eight million Khmers were killed between April 17, 1975 and January 1979."
The greatest evil does not result from people zealous for God. It results when people are convinced there is no God to whom they must answer.

Christianity's Real Record, By Gregory Koukl, Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Suddenly, mysteriously, as of 1-30-2007, the very next day, the comments section of her contact page (where I posted) is CLOSED!

To The Atheist Mama and her contributors: I'm sorry that I offended you with my comment. If my comment was deleted because of its factual content, I must say that I am certain of my sources and by no means intended to create strife on your website. Admittedly, I was trying to present a dissenting view which I believed would benefit your readers.

BTJ

World War 3 has Already Begun

2007-01-30T14:04:00.000-05:00

A third World War is already underway between Islamic militancy and the West but most people do not realize it, the former head of Israel’s intelligence service Mossad said in an interview published Saturday in Portugal.

Read the full article here.

I am not an alarmist, but I believe it is important to be realistic about the current situation.

BTJ

An Answer to the Afghanistan Problem

2007-01-29T22:26:00.000-05:00

I believe this article sheds bright light on the reason Afghanistan has been such a problem for invading countries.

Former Afghan customs chief says Afghanistan losing war against drugs

I have read somewhere that a top official in the U.S. government has said that the current drug policy in Afghanistan is not working. Apparently we have been attempting to mechanically destroy the opium crops and are proposing herbicide spraying (which has since been struck down by the Afghan government).

It has been suggested that the opium market in Afghanistan be opened up for companies who purchase the raw material legally for medicinal use. This would certainly put an end to all the problems because there is a shortage of raw opium in the legal market. The results would not only provide Afghan farmers with a stable, legal market for their crops, but it would also lower the cost of prescription drugs that contain opiates worldwide. This solution has also met stiff-opposition from the cartel-controlled Afghan Government.

I suspect, however, that there is a greater force at work here. When man-made solutions no longer are making sense we must look to the spiritual realm for answers. I believe that the only hope for Afghanistan is fervent prayer.

Pray for the spiritual forces of wickedness that rule this land to be broken. Pray for the gospel to penetrate and the hearts and minds of the people to be freed from bondage. Pray for Jesus to crash into Afghanistan and blow the doors off the whole thing.

We are at war. The U.S. government is proposing further escalation of the conflict in Afghanistan. More American sons and daughters are going to be put in harms way. They will be fighting against an enemy who is financed by heroin users around the globe. We are constantly reminded to pray for our troops. I tell you, God is bigger than that!

The same God that can protect a person from a bullet can change the status quo of a nation so the soldiers don't have to die there in the first place.

Let's make prayer our exit-strategy.

BTJ

Christianity's Real Record

2007-01-28T20:11:00.000-05:00

A summary of Christianity from a refreshing and non-distorted viewpoint.

Christianity's Real Record

BTJ

School Lunch Around the World

2007-01-26T21:02:00.000-05:00

My daughter was recently commissioned by her school's Student Council to write a paper on "How to Improve the School."

She was stretching for a topic so I made the suggestion, "Why not write about how to improve the school lunch?"

My mind went back to about 2 months ago when I opted to eat the school's lunch with my daughters. The food was just plain bad. The nachos on the menu with salad bar sounded good! Unfortunately it was anything but.

The nacho chips were OK, but the beef was classic "mystery meat" and the cheese sauce tasted like it had about 25,000 grams of sodium. To top it off, the salsa looked like a 1st grader's attempt at strawberry jello mixed with ketchup, with a similar flavor.

The salad bar did not offer a very good option, either. It was poorly stocked, with only lettuce, carrot sticks, and apples. The lettuce was brown on the edges and obviously more than a few days old. The apples were bruised and unappetizing. The only thing that looked palatable was the carrot sticks, and they were gone before half the kids were fed.

So, my experience with the Public School Lunch program was bad. I feel sorry for the kids, but it's better than nothing.

For the Student Council paper, we ended up doing some research on school lunch programs around the world. The results were startling. I encourage you to read this enthralling article that became the centerpiece of the paper.

School dinners around the world

We are blessed in the U.S. But I think we should eliminate the highly expensive and failing school lunch program in favor of some of the ideas used in other countries.

BTJ

Recycling the Sponge

2007-01-26T19:33:00.000-05:00

It is a common dilemma, what to do with that dish sponge once it gets stinky. Usually, it takes about a week for the food and grime to build up into an offensive smell. Then, the sponge gets relegated to toilet duty before it finally ends up in the dumpster.

For those of you who are like me and hate throwing that $1.50 in the trash once a week, and for the rest of you who could care less about the buck-fifty but want to be assured that your sponge is disease-free, the University of Florida has the answer.

A team of crack researchers was put on the case.

They assembled a group of willing sponges.

They went so far as to dip the sponges in fecal matter, (not so different from what you may find in my garbage disposal).

And then they nuked the suckers...

Yes, world! You too can have a disease, bacteria, and otherwise stench-free sponge. Researchers have found that just 2 minutes in the microwave on full power will kill 99% of germs. Even the kind that reside in my garbage disposal.

This is great news. Go Gators!

BTJ

Microwaves can sterilise sponges in just 2 minutes

Book Review: The Desire of the Everlasting Hills, by Thomas Cahill

2007-01-26T14:31:00.000-05:00

It began as a research novel for a class that I'm taking. It ended as re-invigorating my perception of the Bible.

This book's subtitle, "The World Before and After Jesus," really only applies to the beginning and end of the book. The majority of "Desire" is devoted to an in-depth study of the four gospels and Paul's letters, with some smattering of other New Testament books thrown in.

Despite the title's incongruency, this book makes for an enlightening read. You will find yourself immersed in pre-Christian culture in a way that I have not yet experienced. Cahill writes with an offhanded quality that is rare among such scholars. I found myself enjoying his diatribes even if I didn't agree with them letter-for-letter.

This book is rare indeed, in that it keeps the reading lively with gee-whiz annotations on nearly every page.

I have learned more from this commentary than any other I have read. Cahill does an excellent job of setting the stage for every thought and then completing it in an often-entertaining manner. The reader will find knowledge and enjoyment in the pages of "Desire."

The Bottom Line: This book could be found on the shelf of a Evangelical Christian, a Jew, and an agnostic and they would all glean something meaningful from it. Worth owning, worth reading.

BTJ

Beatin' Dogs and Spankin' Kids

2007-01-22T12:35:00.000-05:00

Is it OK to put a man in prison for killing a dog?

Is it OK to penalize a person by law for spanking their kids?

Certainly the case could be made for either side, but really only one opinion matters, that's the opinion of God.

Proverbs 22:15 (New King James Version)

Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him.

Would the animal rights activists have us chastise King David for cruelty to animals?

2 Samuel 8:4

David took from him one thousand chariots, seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand foot soldiers. Also David hamstrung all the chariot horses, except that he spared enough of them for one hundred chariots.

In case you don't know what hamstrung means....

tr.v. ham·strung (-strng), ham·string·ing, ham·strings
1. To cut the hamstring of (an animal or a person) and thereby cripple.
2. To destroy or hinder the efficiency of; frustrate: "These worthwhile books are often hamstrung by unimaginative formats and inaccurate art" Don Lessem.

Society in general was aware that these horses were under the dominion of man. It is David's decision what to do with the horses. Was it the wisest choice? Maybe not. Should he go to prison for it? Well, world history would be drastically different today if he had.

BTJ

P.S. Check out the article "Human Rights are for Human Beings" for further reading.

Andy Rooney Didn't Say It

2007-01-19T09:29:00.000-05:00

Recently, I recieved an e-mail with a supposed rant from 60 Minutes journalist, Andy Rooney.

As it turns out, Andy Rooney didn't say it. But why would it be a "BIG AMEN" even if he did? The truth is, most of these comments were made by comedian George Carlin in a piece titled "The Bad American". I challenge you to read it and then ask yourself if you would give a "BIG AMEN" to his views.

This e-mail was cleverly written, with a well-respected pop-icon given credit to the statements.

The piece even throws in references to God in a subtle attempt to reconcile the consciences of any spiritual types that may be reading. The end of the matter is this, if Andy Rooney had made most of these statements, he would no longer be well-respected.

I saw this on a sign once.

TACT: The unspoken part of what you're thinking.

The truth is, everyone thinks bad thoughts now and then. I myself have thought some of the things written in this e-mail. But it's not what you think that counts, it's what you put into action.

Proverbs 18:21 "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

This proverb does not say; "Death and life are in the power of the thought.."

Proverbs 16:3 "Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established."

Eureka

BTJ

For extra credit, check out David Bresnahan's views on this subject. It's a nice article.

British Troops Stage Daring Rescue in Afghanistan

2007-01-18T22:10:00.000-05:00

All I can say is, this is the stuff movies are made of...

British troops stage daring helicopter rescue in Afghanistan

BTJ

World Vision Fights Sex Tourism

2007-01-18T12:02:00.000-05:00

For those of you who don't know, there is a huge underground sex-trade going on in the world today. Many females are kidnapped, coerced , beaten, threatened, and tortured into sex-slavery. Some of these girls are as young as 10.

There are underground companies dedicated to giving the sex-tourist a fun trip. These companies must be stopped.

Enter World Vision.

They helped sponsor a law that gives up to 30 years in prison to Americans who are found guilty of sex-tourism. They are placing dramatic and effective ads in strategic places across the world of tourism. They are taking the lead in this relevant and necessary war against the insanity that is the world sex-trade.

To view all of their ads and videos, as well as get more information about how to send a letter to your congressman, check out the article "Slavery in the 21st Century".

It's time for Christians all over the world to wake up and join the fight.

BTJ

Democrats Congressional Gains Came From Secular Voters

2007-01-17T23:08:00.000-05:00

It seems to be all over the place. Did the Republican Party lose support of the evangelical vote? Was the ill-fated Ted Haggard correct when he said (in the documentary "Jesus Camp") that if evangelicals vote, the GOP wins?

According to a the Pew Research Center's Exit Poll Analysis, the Democrat's Gains did NOT come from a change in how evangelicals voted. It did not even come from a reduction in the amount of evangelical votes.

According to Pew:

"The exit polls clearly show that the Democrats' gains in 2006 came largely among non-Christians and secular voters. House Democratic candidates gained 25 points among Jews and 7 points among those of other non-Christian faiths, compared with 2002. They also picked up 10 points among the much larger group of secular voters."

BTJ

20,000 Scientists Sign Anti-Global Warming Statement

2007-01-16T11:55:00.000-05:00

I thought I would watch "An Inconvenient Truth," buy a more fuel efficient vehicle, and be done with this Global Warming phoenomenon. But as it turns out, there is a whole lot more to this issue than the media-at-large would have us believe.

As I said in my review of "An Inconvenient Truth," this film is designed with a broad appeal. It simply doesn't make a focused effort to offend. I must admit that I was hornswaggled by the slick presentation and "soft-sell" tactics.

It started with a friend e-mailing me this statement:

"....if you take even the minimum thickness of the earth's atmosphere (troposphere = 5miles) and calculate the mass of air surrounding the earth and add the CO2 from a billion gallons of gas (about 19 pounds per gallon), this has added about .000000165 percent greenhouse gases into the atmosphere."

Seems like a small and insignificant amount, but futher investigation was necessary. I started checking around some of my most reliable Christian scientific sources, and, lo and behold, I found this article.

Human-Caused Global Warming Slight So Far

In it, the author, Michael Oard, reports that 20,000 Scientists have signed this statement:

There is no convincing scientific evidence that human release of carbon dioxide, methane, or other greenhouse gasses is causing or will, in the foreseeable future, cause catastrophic heating of the Earth’s atmosphere and disruption of the Earth’s climate. Moreover, there is substantial scientific evidence that increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide produce many beneficial effects upon the natural plant and animal environments of the Earth.
I also advocate this position and further reasoned research, providing a forum for the views of both advocates and dissenters of extreme human-caused global warming.

I must admit that 20,000 Scientists is an impressive amount. Enough for me to say that, upon further investigation, Global Warming is a concern and should be addressed.... BUT, it seems that it is becoming a way for the far-left to bring their pantheistic/athiestic, millions of years/evolutionary thinking further into the mainstream of America.

It is up to us as stewards of the mystery of the gospel, to hold falsehoods and misrepresentations up to the light of Truth. I encourage you to e-mail Michael Oard's article to as many people as possible. Everyone deserves the benefit of a different, dissenting perspective.

BTJ

Video Review: National Geographic's "Afghanistan Revealed"

2007-01-15T22:45:00.000-05:00

"Afghanistan Revealed" may be the definitive film on post-Soviet Afghanistan. Only available on VHS, it illustrates the pre-9/11 world majestically and makes sense of the current situation in a way no other film has.

Ahmad Shah Massoud takes center stage as Geographic journalists document the guerrilla war that was raging in the late 90's. Massoud is given his deserved due by the filmmakers as a shining light in an otherwise bleak situation. His leadership skills, both civilian and militarily, are showcased here. The observer comes away with the opinion that Massoud was a rare man indeed, with all the qualities of a legendary leader of men on par with the elite of history.

But this is not just a glory-film for Massoud.

National Geographic brings to point the suffering experienced by Afghan refugees, particularly women and children, in a dignified yet startling way. The scenes from the refugee camps, set in a rocky hollow on the side of a windswept mountain, are particularly heart-wrenching and will inspire activism from the soft-hearted. The sickly faces of malnourished, diseased children cannot and should not be forgotten, and give this film a life-changing potential.

Perhaps the most mind-bending part of "Afghanistan Revealed" could be the haunting, prophetic warnings of Ahmed Massoud. Numerous times, especially toward the conclusion, he is quoted as specifically warning the United States of the inevitability of terrorist attacks on the horizon. Surely his experienced eye caught something that was missed by the rest of the world.

The Verdict: After watching this 45-minute gem, you will come away with a vastly deeper grasp of the current geopolitical situation in and around the middle-east. This is a must-see for any American.

BTJ

About Jack Whittaker

2007-01-15T10:07:00.000-05:00

There was a time when I bought lottery tickets, aspiring to be blessed with that big, ol' jackpot.

I surely won't be tempted again, now that I've heard the story of Jack Whittaker.

It all started with big hopes and big dreams.

Yes, West Virginia, there really is a Santa Claus

But a short time later, there were signs of trouble.

Lotto winner robbed at strip club

And now, it seems, four more years later, poor ol' Jack has literally become "poor ol' Jack."

$485 Million Lotto Winner Says He's Broke

There are all kinds of things a person could say about this man's transgressions. Certainly he could have made better choices? Not hanging out at strip clubs would probably have been a start.....

But I offer a different perspective. After winning the jackpot, Jack Whittaker gave 10% of his winnings to the Church of God. He obediently brought his tithe into the storehouse. Many people talk about doing such a thing, but he stepped out in faith and did it. Based on the extreme turmoil that ensued in his life afterwards, I can only conclude that Jack Whittaker was likely the victim of a series of violent, spiritual attacks.

The world's way would be to marvel at his stupidity, criticize his poor decisions, and let him go down in history as the dumbest lottery winner ever. The Christian way is quite different. Let's show him as much love as possible.

Thank you, Jack Whittaker, for your bravery. Thank you for sacrificing yourself for whatever purposes God had for you. Bless you, sir, and bless your family. I hope the next seven years are better than the last. In Jesus name

BTJ

Gas Prices Drop, Finally!

2007-01-14T21:18:00.000-05:00

It was a great relief to finally see gas back down under $2.00 per gallon. Unfortunately, January is typically the month that fuel prices bottom-out and we may be seeing the lowest prices of the year.

The Oakland Press has published one of the most informative articles on the web concerning today's gas prices. Read about it here.

I also found a very interesting Crude Oil Price Chart.

In the meantime, gratuitously drive somewhere FAR!!

BTJ

Bibles Unbound hits 100,000

2007-01-13T16:18:00.000-05:00

100,000th Bible sent through Bibles Unbound

Voice of the Martyrs, a Christian ministry that provides support to persecuted Christians around the world, has experienced great success with its new Bibles Unbound program. The new method allows people to buy Bibles in the language of any country and mail them directly to Christians who are in need. The program also provides the necessary addresses.

Anyone interested in spreading the gospel message should consider using this program. Voice of the Martyrs has led the way in Bible distribution to restricted areas.

For more information, visit http://www.biblesunbound.com/qry/mc_home.taf

BTJ

An Inconvenient Truth

2007-01-12T00:47:00.000-05:00

Out of sheer curiosity, I just watched Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth." This slow-moving, ivy-league-lecture-on-film painstakingly presents every single bit of scientific evidence available that supports global warming. The sheer amount of information presented allows little room for leftist spin or political pandering. Scenes from the Florida Recount and snide attacks toward the current administration are thankfully kept at a minimum and keep the film worth watching.

Instead, the focus on the data is kept intact. If you can stay awake, you will see some of the coolest powerpoint ever witnessed and some gee-whiz science that miraculously stays within the realm of reality (most of the time).

Mr. Gore and I are seperate on many issues and idealogies, but while watching this feature, I felt his message. There is compelling evidence that points toward a globally climactic event within the next 50-70 years. This event is most likely linked to an increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Surprisingly, Mr. Gore referred to these possible catastrophes as "a walk through the book of Revelation."

I encourage you to watch this video. Let me assure you, I DESPISE doom and gloom, world's gonna blow up, sensationalist/Greenpeace activism. But "An Inconvenient Truth" presents climate change in a hopeful, matter-of-fact way that even appealed to me. It allows you to draw your own conclusions, that is, if you can stay awake...

His lecture even inspired me to go so far as to dig up this interesting news story on weather in Russia.

Central Russia Experiences Unprecedented Warm Spell

Let the conclusions begin!

BTJ

The website for the film is http://www.climatecrisis.net/

Dragons or Dinosaurs?

2007-01-11T16:23:00.000-05:00

Dragons or Dinosaurs??

I explained it to my kids like this. Evolutionists will tell you that you came from a puddle of slime, the Bible tells us that we are created in the image of God. Which one sounds more believable to you?

Your kids won't let you down...

BTJ

Children's Book Review: Ugly Fish by Kara LaReau and Scott Magoon

2007-01-10T23:52:00.000-05:00

I fully expected to find nothing suitable at the library this time, and my foresight seemed to be intact. As I perused the children's book section for the second time this week, all I could think about was the fact that I had not noticed another "really cool" looking book. Sure, I was searching for another Camilla Chameleon, but it's children's literature! Shouldn't all the books have really eye-catching drawings with neon colors? I decided to just give up and read the kids one of their "Little Golden Books" tonight before bed.

I was at the checkout counter with my wife when my 6-year-old sneaked in a very ordinary looking hardcover. Just another drab-looking, run-of-the-mill, I thought.

About 3 hours later, it was time for that bedtime story.... That's when my gorgeous 6-year-old pulled out her drab-looking book.

"Ugly Fish?" I inquired, with a hint of repulsion. "Let me see that."

As I more closely examined the cover art, my repulsion softened. The illustrations actually looked quite cool. "All right, UPSTAIRS KIDS, and we'll read it..." I was ready.

Kara LaReau's tale of the ill-fated "Ugly Fish" gets a little repetitive at times, just like any good book for three-to-seven-year-olds should. The words are short enough to tempt an early-reader, while the tension-building plot will easily hold the eyes of your first-grader. Even though the story is quite enjoyable, it really is the illustrations that make this book stand out.

Scott Magoon's color pallette is decidedly deep-sea drab. Although he does spice it up with a masterful usage of oranges, reds, and yellows which bring him a little closer to coral-reef Rembrandt. In fact, the colors work harmoniously with Scott's very unique drawings. The main character is reminiscent of an aggressively depressed Spongebob Squarepants with a major underbite. With all his pug-like charm, Ugly Fish himself is not the only highlight this book has to offer. Your kids will particularly enjoy the last page, but don't look at it first because it will kill the whole thing.

The Verdict: My kids and I still enjoyed Ugly Fish even after the third read. Owning it would be very cool.

BTJ

What Moderate Muslims Really Think of Christians (From their own mouths)

2007-01-10T16:26:00.000-05:00

READ WITH CAUTION!

I really struggled with whether or not to post this. I was a little hesitant because of how revealing it is about the popular Islamic sentiment toward Christians. My heart was moved when I read this, but others could construe it as an attack.

Christian Zionism: Terror In Jesus' Name

This article opened my eyes to the mind of Islam. We're not talking about fundamentalists either. This was posted on the moderate website"The American Muslim." The article is quite long, but it is easy reading and completely worth it.

Please Pray for Muslims today. That Jesus would show them His truth and that they might accept the free gift of salvation without prejudice and preconcieved notions.

BTJ

David Crowder Band MSN Artist of the Year!!!

2007-01-08T22:30:00.000-05:00

If The David Crowder Band had not been voted Artist of the Year at MSN Music, I would have thought it was just another attempt to pander to the highly-affluent Contemporary Christian audience. Now I suspect that God is rebuilding the worship temple of David. Consider this scripture.

Acts 15:15-17 (New King James Version)
15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: 16 ‘ After this I will return And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, And I will set it up; 17 So that the rest of mankind may seek the LORD, Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the LORD who does all these things.

Can I get an Amen?

The first time I ever heard The David Crowder Band, it was "O Praise Him" as covered by worship leader Mike Popenhagen. I had heard many, many worship songs before BUT this music truly introduced me to the Spirit of worship. Until Crowder, worship was just what we did before the sermon. After getting into this new music, worship became the purpose of going to church. Worship became what I did, on my face before the Lord in my living room at 10:00 at night with "Come Awake" playing softly in the background. Worship became real. Where there had once been a vacant, run down lot, the tabernacle of King David now stood in all its glory.

Apparently there was some controversy to this victory.

Read all about it at David Crowder's Xanga Blogsite. It's quite amusing.

I would like to encourage everyone to join me in praying for The David Crowder Band. First off, that fame would not alter their tender and candid songwriting and that God would always come first. Second, that The Spirit would move through their music and into the hearts of the lost like a rushing, mighty wind.

"It is about the tension that exists in the living of life, here, where the sky meets the broken earth. It is about a tsunami in East Asia. It is about a sunrise over Hiroshima. It is about too many who know intensely what pain the word 'cancer' holds and the words of my friend whispered in my ear, 'It's okay. None of us are getting out of here alive you know.' It is about victory. It is about the joy that comes when blood tests return and a miracle is announced. It is the hope in a rescue that has come, the hope in a rescue that has found us, and the relentless hope in a greater rescue that is still coming - one that has not yet arrived but is no less present. This music, broken, improper and inadequate in its response is rooted in that hope.

The Kingdom of Heaven is now and coming."

From "A Collision" album insert, page 8.

BTJ

P.S. For a deeper view into the band and some of their highs and lows, read Christianity Today's AWESOME interview with David Crowder, A Collision of Life and Death.

P.S.S. If you haven't already, buy "A Collision"!!! You have no idea what you are missing.

Nuke Iran?

2007-01-08T11:28:00.000-05:00

As the anti-semitic voice of Iranian president Mahmoud Ahamdinejad becomes louder on the world stage, the Israeli state becomes restless.

It doesn't really even matter whether or not Israel is planning a nuclear strike on Iran. The rumor is enough.

Even though Israel has not been confirmed to have nuclear weapons, it is widely believed that they have a substantial arsenal.

Make no mistake, this story originated from Israeli intelligence. This story is a warning shot being fired across the bow of the Muslim world. Don't be surprised if this is followed by pressure for regime change in Iran.

Check out this article from the San Francisco Chronicle pertaining to this subject...

To Bomb or not to Bomb; is Israel Targeting Iran?

Meanwhile, the war of words continues....

BTJ

The Gerenuk and the Giraffe

2007-01-07T22:18:00.000-05:00

The debate over creation vs. evolution has waxed and waned in the United States since the mid-50's. Recently, there has been an explosion in anti-creation rhetoric led by Scientist Richard Dawkins, himself a vehement athiest. As a result, Creationist Scientists have been working diligently to refute these attacks on God's Word line-by-line, point-by-point.

Enter the Gerenuk and the Giraffe.

The Giraffe's Neck: icon of evolution or icon of creation?

BTJ

Gerald Ford Comments on Former Presidents

2007-01-07T15:22:00.000-05:00

Given the fact that Gerald Ford gave exclusive commentary to the Grand Rapids Press only to be published after his death, this information is pretty reliable.

Gerald Ford Comments on Former Presidents

A real eye-opener...

BTJ

Gay Rights vs Religious Freedom

2007-01-07T00:16:00.000-05:00

Is it right for a Christian Group to exclude certain people because they're not, well, CHRISTIAN?

Christian Group in Legal Fight Over Politically Correct Campus Ban

Please join me in saying a prayer for Exeter University, the British High Court, and the men and women who are involved in this situation. There is more going on here than meets the eye.

The Battle is spiritual, and the prize is the hearts and minds of a generation.

BTJ

Camilla Chameleon

2007-01-05T18:24:00.000-05:00

I was at the library. My fussy 6-month-old had lost her bah-bah. My 6-year-old daughter was nowhere to be found. My 3-year-old had to pee and the situation was continuing to deteriorate. To top it off, my impatient 9-year-old wanted to sign out enough books to start her own public library.....

Among this morass of pre-pubescent angst, I was attenpting to pick out a bedtime story. Not the same iconclastic fare of Dr. Seuss and the 10,000 Rhyming Words, but something that would engage my 3 older children.

My savior was sitting on display in the children's "New Book Section." My savior was "Camilla Chameleon."

Not since the first time we read "Goodnight Moon" has a children's book so delighted my family. We have had it for less than 5 hours and it has already been read aloud three times and silently four more. I knew we had a winner when I observed my wife wistfully flipping it's attractive pages and digesting it's refreshing storyline.

Camilla is a girl born unto a mother with an affinity for Cream of Chameleon soup. Because of her mom's strange diet, Camilla has inherited some very useful traits. These traits take her on a fun and unpredictable adventure which is masterfully penned and illustrated in this family-friendly volume.

Colleen Sydor's storyline is new, refreshing and highly creative. The neat concept should spawn a series. Pascale Constantin's awesome illustrations are groundbreaking, and are certainly worthy of national recognition.

The Verdict: Instant Classic

BTJ

Quiverfull Revolution

2007-01-04T23:46:00.000-05:00

A GROWING MOVEMENT FOR GROWING FAMILIES FOR GOD

So it seems there really are more like me out there...... I never would have thought....... I sure hope my wife doesn't read this.......

Really, as a man, deep down inside, isn't there something at the core of "who you are" that rejects birth control? Something possibly God-inspired? Psalm 127:3-5 does give prestige to the "children of one's youth." I hear God saying, when you're young and full of spit and vinegar, don't feel guilty about your urge to be fruitful.

I reflect upon the stories from the Old Testament of women who were "barren" and how that label brought great shame. People like Jacob (who had 13 children) were honored with each new addition to their families. So there certainly is biblical precedent.

On the other side, one could argue that the culture of the time dictated large families due to the labor-intensive lifestyle. Today's couch potato generation sort of negates the need for a large familial labor force by default.

This issue is a toughie for my wife and I. If you ask me, "Are you going to have more kids?" I will say, much like Ken Carpenter from the news story, "Whatever God has in store, we will accept." But at the same time, my wife and I are being careful.

I suppose it comes down to your own personal relationship with God. If you feel led to have 12 kids, then it's right for you. But if God is putting the brakes on intentionally (like He did with Abraham) then that's OK too.

To interfere with the "natural" is a necessity for human beings. Because of sin, we are all slowly dying. Taken to its fullest fruition, this thought would have one refusing a life-saving surgery or medical treatment. In a fallen world, death is natural, yet we should fight it tooth and toenail.

Childbearing is also natural, and once a child has been concieved it certainly should be given a chance at life. And yet, is God not bigger than abortion or birth control? Can He not supersede the will of man? It's really about obedience. It is conceivable to say that there are those who God has called to be childless. Equally so, there are those God has equipped to bear 2,4 or 10 children.

Recently, my wife began reading an annotated version of Uncle Tom's Cabin. In it, there is a very interesting factoid about Harriet Beecher Stowe and her husband. Their method of birth control was to spend long months away from one another. Whenever they got together, Harriet got pregnant. Having a conscience toward God, they refused other methods of birth control and relied solely on abstinence to reduce the size of their family.

Something to think about..

BTJ

P.S. For more information, check out Quiverfull.com

Boycott Toyota! (if you drink and drive)

2007-01-04T19:49:00.000-05:00

Today I read a news story that should get those drunk drivers out there a little worried. Apparently, Toyota plans to make vehicles that won't run if the driver has too much alcohol in their system. This new technology has been on the wishlist of "parents with teenagers" for generations!

Certainly, technology has the ability to improve our lives, but does this encroach on our freedom? You decide.

Toyota Developing Drunk Driving System

BTJ

The Holy Spirit

2007-01-03T23:32:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I think Pastor Lee can read my mind. I guess that's the power of a person known as "The Holy Spirit."

Tonight, at church, we learned a little about this mysterious member of the Holy Trinity. Here are my notes...

John 16: 5-15 is the defininitive teaching of Jesus Christ about the Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit gives us access to the same anointing Jesus himself had, but en masse.
In Greek, the Holy Spirit is called parakletos, or helper. This draws the image of someone picking up a weak or wounded soldier during battle and carrying him to safety.
1 Corinthians 2:6-12. The Holy Spirit reveals the deep things of God. There are shallow (obvious) things that speak to God's glory, like the grandness of creation. But the Holy Spirit takes us to the next level.
The Holy Spirit is like a nerve ending connecting us to God.
Proverbs 25:2. I am king!

I have to say, this teaching went right to the heart of many things that I have personally been struggling with. It blows my mind that Jesus said that having the Holy Spirit is better than having Him here in the flesh! That's how good we have it!

BTJ

You are not the only one

2006-12-14T14:30:00.000-05:00

Today's golden nugget:

You are not the only one!

Here are the lyrics from a song by The David Crowder Band that I believe sums up the whole thing.

"Come Awake" (2nd verse)

You are not the only one, who feels like the only one.
Night will soon be lifted, friend.
Just be quiet and wait for a voice that will say.....
Come Awake, from sleep, arise!

Also, Proverbs 14:28

"In a multitude of people is king's honor, but in the lack of people is the downfall of a prince."

WE must get around other people who are wise and are seeking to know God. WE must learn that isolating ourselves only drives the nails of deciet deeper into our hearts. Our honor as Christians is in the multitude! Gives you a really good reason to go to church!

Billy