So the mole is now over... I am not the world's biggest fan of television... I admit though that I did grow up on Gameshows... Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, Press Your Luck, What's My Line... The list goes on... Now adays though TV has gone decidely downhill... Both in character and mentality... Then along comes a gem... The Mole...
A show where the audience actually participated without actually affecting the show... 12 people competeing in varying competitions to add money to a prize pot that only 1 was going to win with a cap of 500,000 dollars... The catch... One of the 12 is actually working for the Producers of the show to sabotage the missions, and keep money from the pot while staying under the radar of the other players... The Mole...
The single best part of this is that no one but a select few actually know who the mole is... Not the players, the host, most of the crew, and especially us at home... We got to play along and scrounge through the editing to try and answer that question... Who is the Mole?
Then in a stroke of brilliance, the players were eliminated based upon themselves... It is not a vote, or physical test... They all simply take a quiz that culminates in that question... The lowest scorer is executed and sent home...
So what now that it is over? I guess the ratings were low for this show at the beginning, and several people on the message boards started a few petitions to try and save this show... Some are even sending lemonheads to the executive offices of ABC (I probably will too)... There is even a website coming up soon called www.abcsavethemole.com ...
So in conclusion, in an age of trashy television and "mental taffy," as one influential person in my life puts it, it was great to get a show that made ya think, even if it was at 10 o'clock at night...
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Evangelism with a touch of Logic
So I am teaching Logic... That is with a heavy emphasis on Evangelism... Pastor/Principal Sutton always reminds the teachers of all the steps of a good lesson plan and usually places an emphasis on the Attention Getter step. The Attention Getter for me usually is how am I going to tie it into Evangelism. The great thing though is that I have not had to think too hard on that thought. And now I would like to share one lesson now with you...
In one of the most recent lessons we were studying about Superimplications and Subimplications. They are two distinct but similar relationships. One (Subimplication) tells us that if a person says that, "All trees are green." Then we can imply that there are no non-green trees. Assuming that the first statement is true.
The other (Superimplication) says that "No, some trees are red." This automatically makes the original statement false. Application: When preaching someone the Gospel, we are sure to convince a person that they are a sinner. Then we continue on to tell them that sin sends people to hell. Then we ask that first real conclusion question: "Do you deserve hell?" and the typical response is, "No" Our original statement is that (This is just for Evangelism, not saved people) All sin is Hell-sending. But the person says, "No, My sin won't send me to hell. I am not that bad of a person." Re-worded they are saying: Some sin is hell-sending.
In logic it is okay to go from saying All to only Some, but it is a no-no to say that Some goes to All. If you can show that only Some is true, then you prove the All statement to be false. That is what unintuitively (That word was for PJV) is going on in the back of their minds. It is a wrong way of thinking, bad logic, bad logic. We need to correct it and the only way to do that is to go back to the All statement and prove it to be true. Are we all sinners? Do we all sin? Are you part of all? Does sin send people to hell? Do you sin? Are you part of people? I know it can sound demeaning and childish at times, but some people, myself included at times, need to go down a few notches and remember the simple facts of salvation. We need to preach those facts, pray for God to work with those facts that He provided us to use, and above all else, not make it so muddled and complicated like so many religions have already done. But that's another post.
In one of the most recent lessons we were studying about Superimplications and Subimplications. They are two distinct but similar relationships. One (Subimplication) tells us that if a person says that, "All trees are green." Then we can imply that there are no non-green trees. Assuming that the first statement is true.
The other (Superimplication) says that "No, some trees are red." This automatically makes the original statement false. Application: When preaching someone the Gospel, we are sure to convince a person that they are a sinner. Then we continue on to tell them that sin sends people to hell. Then we ask that first real conclusion question: "Do you deserve hell?" and the typical response is, "No" Our original statement is that (This is just for Evangelism, not saved people) All sin is Hell-sending. But the person says, "No, My sin won't send me to hell. I am not that bad of a person." Re-worded they are saying: Some sin is hell-sending.
In logic it is okay to go from saying All to only Some, but it is a no-no to say that Some goes to All. If you can show that only Some is true, then you prove the All statement to be false. That is what unintuitively (That word was for PJV) is going on in the back of their minds. It is a wrong way of thinking, bad logic, bad logic. We need to correct it and the only way to do that is to go back to the All statement and prove it to be true. Are we all sinners? Do we all sin? Are you part of all? Does sin send people to hell? Do you sin? Are you part of people? I know it can sound demeaning and childish at times, but some people, myself included at times, need to go down a few notches and remember the simple facts of salvation. We need to preach those facts, pray for God to work with those facts that He provided us to use, and above all else, not make it so muddled and complicated like so many religions have already done. But that's another post.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
As for Me and Now...
So what am I up to seems to be a standard question asked by the people who are wondering just what it is I am up to.
Well, I weigh more than when I left. I am almost 200 again... I have not been getting up at 5 to go swimming every morning like at college. Instead I play basketball twice a week after the evening services with the teens, Pastor and Kelso.
I work between two official jobs and one un-official job. Officially, I still cater about every other Friday and Saturday from 3 in the afternoom till 1 or 2 in the morning. I also work for the public school district here as part of a government program (Do not be too scared for me, I get to make my own rules and such). Finally, unofficially I get to teach logic to three of our high schoolers here at Bethel.
I live at my Grandmother's house, helping to take care of her, my great-grandmother and a whole lot of stray cats. We recently added a little dog and I promptly started to feel like doing a little subtracting or at the very least dividing.
So I keep myself busy, and helpful as much as possible.
Right now I have to go back to getting things ready for the Pre-season basketball tournament on Saturday.
Well, I weigh more than when I left. I am almost 200 again... I have not been getting up at 5 to go swimming every morning like at college. Instead I play basketball twice a week after the evening services with the teens, Pastor and Kelso.
I work between two official jobs and one un-official job. Officially, I still cater about every other Friday and Saturday from 3 in the afternoom till 1 or 2 in the morning. I also work for the public school district here as part of a government program (Do not be too scared for me, I get to make my own rules and such). Finally, unofficially I get to teach logic to three of our high schoolers here at Bethel.
I live at my Grandmother's house, helping to take care of her, my great-grandmother and a whole lot of stray cats. We recently added a little dog and I promptly started to feel like doing a little subtracting or at the very least dividing.
So I keep myself busy, and helpful as much as possible.
Right now I have to go back to getting things ready for the Pre-season basketball tournament on Saturday.
Paying a Price
I often have told people you are who your friends are, or that a little piece of each of your friends shape, mold or at the very least influence who you are... And I did not even heed my own advice. My first two years at Fairhaven I did not do as well as I should have (and even that is an understatement). It is not that it was not profitable, I learned things, grew, and met a lot of good people, but I made a lot of the wrong friends too.
In the dorm at college there really are all types of people. You got the gung-ho I'm going to do right and live for God group. You have the I have to be here for one year because my parents or pastor is making me so my heart really is not in it group, then you have those who are here because I know it is better than secular college, but I am not so sure I want to devote myself to full time service group and finally, you have those other people who I believe look good on the outside, but are as much on the inside.
My freshman year I made the friends with the wrong group and I became lazy academically and finacially. I racked up the school bill as fast as I racked up the F's in my classes. This basically is the reason why I am not back this year at school. My desire to please others at all times, superceded my brain and I made too many bad mistakes.
I do look forward to returning, and I do miss everyone out there. I'll miss the fellowship, help, love, cooking, and other activites that I enjoyed helping with while I was there. Yes, even candy sale too...
I appreciate any and all prayers sent this way,
Christopher A. Myers
In the dorm at college there really are all types of people. You got the gung-ho I'm going to do right and live for God group. You have the I have to be here for one year because my parents or pastor is making me so my heart really is not in it group, then you have those who are here because I know it is better than secular college, but I am not so sure I want to devote myself to full time service group and finally, you have those other people who I believe look good on the outside, but are as much on the inside.
My freshman year I made the friends with the wrong group and I became lazy academically and finacially. I racked up the school bill as fast as I racked up the F's in my classes. This basically is the reason why I am not back this year at school. My desire to please others at all times, superceded my brain and I made too many bad mistakes.
I do look forward to returning, and I do miss everyone out there. I'll miss the fellowship, help, love, cooking, and other activites that I enjoyed helping with while I was there. Yes, even candy sale too...
I appreciate any and all prayers sent this way,
Christopher A. Myers
Monday, July 09, 2007
I'm so sorry... I have been internetless for the past couple of months... I am just down here getting the truck smogged and the nice lady said that the offer surfin' the net as a waiting room bonus... Go figure... Anywho... I have several things I got to get into typing about and I will have to go to the library to do it... Until then Ta-ta... The truck is ready!
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Preaching Conference
This has been one long week...
It all started with the trip to Chicago on Saturday to go pick-up the boys from the Airport... Things were going according to schedule until the airplane decided to do a few extra circles around the airport and the luggage guys were having issues and the van overheated... But the worst part was the fact these boys were physically 2 hours behind the rest of us... Meaning we were tired and they slept on the plane... (in theory)Sunday was pretty much a normal day, except for the new buddy Kirk made... Him and Seth are now pals... (Seth asked about you, not by name but by size...)
That afternoon, they found Kelso and their week was pretty much set...
That afternoon, they found Kelso and their week was pretty much set...Monday, I got to go out to George's ("Any excuse is a good excuse to go t o George's." -- Steve Brady) with Mr. Kris Brandenburg... I enjoyed the afternoon with that branch of the family... Kirk did do the double take when he saw Dan Corey (Fairhaven's miniture version of him) and Glenn, Marlowe and I agreed that he looks like Pastor with a goatee... Glenn also made the observation that Brooke looks exactly the same only taller...
Tuesday was the competition day... Every one did a great job from what I understand... I only listened to the Preaching Competition and the Bible Stories... The sermon that night by Doctor Green on the Historicity of the Holy Spirit seemed to solidify the tone and theme of the conference as was pointed out by Pastor Whitecar on Thursday...
Wednesday was the Trip to the Cubs game... Unfortunately they were winning when we left, so the attitude was as dreary as the sky was... The key event of the day for me was the message from Pastor Unger that night... He preached on trials and the necessity of them... whether or not that was the point of the message that was what I got out of that besides getting to sit next to Melanie and Elizabeth... (smile)
Thursday, We, the California guys (-Sean, his choice, too good for us or something like that) went to go eat at a chinese buffet, was good like usual. Then came awards... Everyone did a good job like I stated earlier... Just a note of a couple of things... I usually do not like to judge judges, but I think there might have been some bias on a particular judge that allowed Kiandy to beat out Kirk for grand prize, maybe just an idea, throwing it out to munch on... (kidding of course)... 2nd was the unfortunate tactical, logistical error that cost James his placing... He did do a phenomenal job on the violin...
I even played a good game of basketball on Thursday night... It ended pretty late or early in the morning depending as you look at it... Kirk waited until Thursday night/Friday morning to pack... The alarm went off at 3:30 AM, we were on our way to the airport t 4AM with no major events, except some road construciton... Joseph and I tried to pay tolls for cars behind us, do a good deed, but none would follow us... Too bad for them...
Saturday was a return to normal day... Well almost, I got to play in the mud most of the evening that day... Woohoo, I think I did get something productive acomplished though... I better go check on it after the rain last night...
In conclusion, 10 good things from this week...
10. I got to see people from back home.
9. I got to shake Doctor Corkish's hand every service.
8. I got to be the only snorer in the room.
7. I did not have to march around the walls of Jericho like David.
6. Pastor Mallinack remembered me by name. (I hope that is a good thing.)
5. There was a tremendous amount of preaching on the simple subject of the power of God.
4. I scared Trevor.
3. Joseph has a new younger brother.
2. I got all my math homework for the rest of the year done.
1. I can do two laps in the pool now without stopping both crawl and on the back.
Looking just 17 days ahead (Glenn only 16),
Christopher Myers
Monday, April 16, 2007
Heroes of my Faith (pt. 2)
Sometimes in life people do really stupid things... I am one of those people... Sometimes you hafta make up for those really stupid things... So I am here to apologize for offending 1/2 of my second Hero. Mrs. Voegtlin. I sorrow over the fact that I have not properly praised the perfection of the meals you have prepared for me. I lament over the fact that you had to make the bed that I should have made, but did not. I fret over the times that I have rolled the window down and thereby got the seat wet. But nothing gives me more grief, than the pain that I caused you by calling you ugly. So, in an open public forum, I am sorry, apologetical, and other words the Thesaurus could come up with for it. I would be graveling on my feet for forgiveness if it would not have been to awkard to type at the same time, although the people in the Library are laughing at me... I guess that what I am trying to say is that I bit the hand that literally fed me and I will make it a conscientious effort not to do it again... 
Now on to the Voegtlins together. One of the biggest blessings to me this year was right at the begining back in August when I went into Pastor Whitecar's session on ministry placement and he asked me why I was there. I said something to the effect of because I am supposed to be getting signed up for a ministry and he said that I did not have an option, Pastor Voegtlin already said that I was his. I had a little swelling of pride at that moment. I figured that I must have been some use to him, or that he liked to pick my brain, or something, but for that time I felt special. (But that is another blog -- inside joke) Now I know that I am just everybody's favorite picker-oner. But that is okay. They pick on me because they love me. Seriously though, I have enjoyed the verbal sparing with Mrs. Voegtlin, she is a quick thinker, has a lively attitude and her drive to do the best has and is an inspiration and blessing to me. I also enjoy diving into the shallow end of the conversation pool with the new Doctor every other Saturday. I know that my faith has been more thought through, I know that Speedway has the best Hot Cocoa, but dirty bathrooms, but above all else, you never fail to simply make me think slower and more thouroughly...So in conclusion, to the people who have fed me, gave me a place to sleep, trusted me, did my laundry, given me rides, challenged me mentally, spiritually and physcially, and allow me to tease those two girls... I thank you, Heroes of my Faith...
Looking Forward to Next Week and May,
Christopher Myers
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Heroes of My Faith (pt. 1)
I probably should finish my other series first before I start this one... But due to circumstances beyond my control (in otherwords it is my fault), I am starting it now...
A lesson I learned recently is that Heros come in pairs... And the first hero I would like to brag about are these two... Here's a dichotomy... My Pastor and his wife... One is really smart and the other blogs... Or rather one is smart and the other cooks... Or rather they are both at the top of the list of people who have influenced my life... I have always appreciated (sometimes not expressedly enough) all the things and opportunities and encouragements and food and clothes and lectures and knowledge/education and reprimands and on and on that he and she have given me over the many years... 
I am thankful for the many things that they have done, just to be redundant... They have helped me grow, shapen me, given me opportunites, forgiven me, lifted me up in times of sadness and have always been there to help me...
I look forward to going home and getting yelled at on the basketball court, for not having my clothes ironed, but above all else... I look forward to being with two of the top heroes of my faith...
P.S. Don't worry I can drive well, and I will take good care of Kirk (and those other kids...)
Looking forward to less than a week and little more that a month...
ChrisTopher Myers
Friday, April 13, 2007
Candy Sale
I believe that this picture pretty much sums up the Candy Sale for me... I know that this picture was taken on the way back from the rally but I still believe it is fitting... Tired, too much sugar and a McDonald's cup...
Just some review... I went out Candy Selling several times this last month... Sabrina, Elijah, Barak, Chris, Travis, Christian, Diego, Cesar, Seth and Jessica... Phew... I am happy to say that all the goals were met, many miles were travelled, and the lady at the McDoanlds in Burns Harbor is really nice... Free Breakfast... MMmmm...
Secondly the rally, it went well. We filled the historic rotunda at the Indianapolis capitol building... Lots of people were there in support of the admendment... There were two crabby ladies who did not know that God loved them were there in opposition of the admendment... A few days later though, we all received an e-mail and it was in the newspaper... the admendment was denied access to the floor to be voted on... So now it looks like we will have to wait another year... Seriously though... It needs to be prayed for...
Lastly, White Glove is upon us here at Fairhaven... I get to cleanse the shower stalls... I am going to try and get the most toxic substance I can to cleanse them... Getting everything ready for the big Preaching Confrence next week... I am looking forward to having friends out here... You know who you are... even if they are making me get up at 4 am to take them to the airport... Grr... Seriously, pray for the Confrence as well... We cannot have success without God...
Looking forward to Preaching Confrence and May...
Christopher Myers
Friday, March 30, 2007
Good Policy Verse #4
Joshua 1:7-9
Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
There is a repetitive reminder in this chapter to be strong and courageous. Something that is very important for us in our life. We have this strength and courage for three basic reasons.
1) The words to say our in our mouth. They will not leave the tips of our tongue as long as we are meditating in them day and night.
2) We succeed in life because we study the Bible and focus our life around it.
3) We know that always God is with us, and will be by us wherever we go.
Our part is to just stay in His Word, and be strong and courageous in the face of any opposition. Afterall, greater is He that is in you then he that is in the world. That counts for circumstances too...
Looking forward to Preaching Confrence and then May,
Christopher Myers
Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
There is a repetitive reminder in this chapter to be strong and courageous. Something that is very important for us in our life. We have this strength and courage for three basic reasons.
1) The words to say our in our mouth. They will not leave the tips of our tongue as long as we are meditating in them day and night.
2) We succeed in life because we study the Bible and focus our life around it.
3) We know that always God is with us, and will be by us wherever we go.
Our part is to just stay in His Word, and be strong and courageous in the face of any opposition. Afterall, greater is He that is in you then he that is in the world. That counts for circumstances too...
Looking forward to Preaching Confrence and then May,
Christopher Myers
Monday, March 26, 2007
Christopher
Another person I appreciate a lot is me... So I thought I should just insert a couple of pictures of me just so I can have one to post as my picture in my profile... Seriously though. I have three ideas I'd like to share first...1st... Tomorrow we are going down to Indianapolis to support a bill going through the Indiana State Legislature that will ammend the State's Constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman. (Duh...) For those of you who will be reading this before then and even afterwards, lots of prayer will be needed... Nevermind the picture of FDR and his New Deal quote on the wall... This is not a matter of political preference... It is a matter of letting people spite God and a Christian we should not let them do that... As the song goes... Stand up and shout it if you love my Jesus... I know I will be tomorrow...
2nd... I was doing some thinking about stuff the other day. Hence the very thought provoking look on my face over to the left. Pastor Whitecar preached a very good and applicable message this morning in chapel. I just wanted to share two thoughts. The first is that we should remember not to throw the Bible stories that we know so well, and have heard over and over. We need to remember them and that they were written for our examples. The other idea was that the more we stand for God, the greater those around us, who are not right with God, will hate and spite us. Like those "people" that we will also be rallying down in Indianapolis tommorrow.
Finally, I just re-ordered the debate between Pastor Brandenburg and Mr. Hafley. This time I am getting the debriefing from down in Texas. This should be interesting. I was having a conversation with someone in the dorm about eternal security and I (I will admit it) started to brag about my Pastor and his debate. I only have the CD's of it. So this time I ordered the DVD's. I look forward to either enjoying a sloberknocker, or losing my lunch... I dunno which. But I am sure to get some more ammo for this topic for sure...
Looking Forward to May...Christopher Myers
P.S. These are my friends Melanie, Tabitha and Elizabeth...
P.S.S. The answer is no.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Marlowe
This is just a break from the Good policy verses for just an amusing thought. I did a brief survey about this picture and asked people what was the first thing they noticed about it. The response was more varied then I expected. One of the things people noticed was that Marlowe looked cross-eyed. Others noticed Jesse's mouth is wide opened. Still yet others thought that the writing on the box was doctored in. One person, who will not be named, even noticed that Marlowe was not looking at the camera. For me, the first thing I notice is the irony of the picture. Marlowe would be the first person to share something with you if you were in need.He has been my friend for many years. He is studying to become a Pastor of a church, and knows that is exactly what God would have him to do with the life God's given him. I just wanted to give him some open encouragement for the path he is taking, and give him some long overdue credit for having put up with me for these many years.
So, Marlowe I salute you. And I know Kirk appreciated your concern as well. Just remember that God is with you and that you will always have a friend in me and all of us around you. Keep on keeping on and, as always, Have A Nice Day.
Looking forward to May,
Christopher Myers
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Good Policy Verse #3
Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
I went to the car back in Feburary. It's one of the many big dating activities out here. Coincidently, it was the 13th and there was a big romantic, candle-lit dinner that night as well. But enough of that soap box.
I like this picture because in this picture are three people and myself. These three people I associate my self with on a primary basis. Joseph and Julian quite often, and Stephen, well, he is a good chess player. I spent the day with these guys looking at the expensive pieces of metal and I have to admit. I learned a little something about cars, and maybe even learned to appreciate them a little more. Why? Because it was what dominated the conversation, it was what the environment around us was all about, and they were determined to get me to change my mind.
A friend is a person who is your friend no matter what. I know I cheated and defined a word using the word, but that is poetic liscence and I can do that to add emphasis.
Conversation...
It is easy to control a conversation with someone you do not know, or someone you do not care to know but already do. However, it seems to be more difficult to do so with someone who is your friend. The reason being is that they are your friend and so they should have the right to talk. And it is easy to talk about anything with your friend. So the conversation can have an easy time slipping lower than it would have if you were on guard. That is one of the aspects of a friend is that they tend to be so when your guard is done, because you trust them, otherwise they would not be your friend. We need to remember that our friends help shape our conversation, as well as we help shape their's.
Environment...
Just like a friend shapens our coversations, he also influences your environment. I remember going over to the Lalisan's house when I was younger. If it were not the influences of that family, I probably would not be where I am today. I owe a lot to them. They gave me an example of what a Christian family is, and even made me felt apart of it for many years. It was in this environment that caused me to grow and foster a desire to have a good family in the future. My brother on the other hand, spent his time growing up in many other areas, most/majority of which, were not good for him.
Edification...
A good friend will challenge you in ways to make you better. Stephen keeps me thinking. Julian challenges to make me think about Biblical things left and right. And Joseph, well... he's just a challenge all around. Oh, that would probably be an interesting subject later. The point is that your friends should build you up physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I should be to them also.
Warning...
As much as you can sharpen one and another... You can also dull one and another... So be careful. Be watchful... And chose your friends wisely. That was/is the biggest decision I have had to make this year.
Looking forward to May...
Christopher Myers
Monday, March 19, 2007
Good Policy Verse #2
Psalm 122:1
I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
Short, sweet, simple, and to the point is the way this verse comes across to me. I appreciate the message that just seems to tell me what I ought to be doing.
If I was the I...
The fact that somebody went out of their way to invite me to the assembling of believers is truly something I should rejoice over. I remember the first time I was invited to go to Bethel. My Pastor's wife and her sister were door knocking in my neighborhood. I had just moved into that house the day before. I had earlier that day received the news that it would be too costly "to run the bus all the way out there" and so I would not be picked up by my old church anymore. I was saddened (sp?). Then later that same afternoon came two ladies, who have had a big impact on my life growing up more than I can ever fully appreciate, came by and invited me into the House of the Lord. I was excited, I was glad. Then the following day my Pastor drove over, picked me up and we went to the building early. By early I mean, we unlocked everything, made sure the bathrooms were clean, started the heat and coffee makers early. But I enjoyed it. As I look back on those times, I realize that I was excited to be there, even if it was early. I should be even more excited to be there now, because I can get there on my own and I have nobody to pick me up and make feel obligated to go. I go because that is where gladness is.
If I was the they...
If your a Christian, and you love God, you better be the they in this verse. We are commanded to love one and another. We are commanded to go and preach the Gospel. Now I am not saying we should be going out into the world and inviting every lost sinner into the congregation. That would be like using the fine china as an oil pan. But we should be telling back-slidding Christians they need to be back in the House of Lord. We should be noticing that fellow church member, old or young, that was missing from the service, so where were you? We missed you. We should be telling that unsaved person that God loves them and preach to them the Gospel so they can have gladness and a desire to go into the House of Lord.
If I was part of the us...
Fellowship is a key part of any church. Afterall, Eating is a Fundamental Baptist doctrine. However, I believe the us also serves a different purpose. It is discipleship. Something as simple as telling someone something that can bring gladness in their life. When you tell someone how to fix their sin, it brings gladness to them, maybe not right away, but it does. That is discipleship. The fact that the two, ot more, people are spending time together outside of the House of the Lord could also be a signal of discipleship. But the point that I think is the most important is that we see someone (they) had compassion upon a fellow member (I/me) to take time to find them and bring them back to the fold.
Application...
This entire thing is application really. But for me personally, I need to remember to always be glad when going into the House of Lord. I should be thankful for those who invited me into the House of the Lord (Thank you Mrs. Pastor and Mrs. B.). I need to work with fellow saints and encourage them to go together to the House of the Lord. I should find that person, whom I can edify, so that they can go and find someone that can be a they and find someone who needs to be brought into the House of the Lord.
I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
Short, sweet, simple, and to the point is the way this verse comes across to me. I appreciate the message that just seems to tell me what I ought to be doing.
If I was the I...
The fact that somebody went out of their way to invite me to the assembling of believers is truly something I should rejoice over. I remember the first time I was invited to go to Bethel. My Pastor's wife and her sister were door knocking in my neighborhood. I had just moved into that house the day before. I had earlier that day received the news that it would be too costly "to run the bus all the way out there" and so I would not be picked up by my old church anymore. I was saddened (sp?). Then later that same afternoon came two ladies, who have had a big impact on my life growing up more than I can ever fully appreciate, came by and invited me into the House of the Lord. I was excited, I was glad. Then the following day my Pastor drove over, picked me up and we went to the building early. By early I mean, we unlocked everything, made sure the bathrooms were clean, started the heat and coffee makers early. But I enjoyed it. As I look back on those times, I realize that I was excited to be there, even if it was early. I should be even more excited to be there now, because I can get there on my own and I have nobody to pick me up and make feel obligated to go. I go because that is where gladness is.
If I was the they...
If your a Christian, and you love God, you better be the they in this verse. We are commanded to love one and another. We are commanded to go and preach the Gospel. Now I am not saying we should be going out into the world and inviting every lost sinner into the congregation. That would be like using the fine china as an oil pan. But we should be telling back-slidding Christians they need to be back in the House of Lord. We should be noticing that fellow church member, old or young, that was missing from the service, so where were you? We missed you. We should be telling that unsaved person that God loves them and preach to them the Gospel so they can have gladness and a desire to go into the House of Lord.
If I was part of the us...
Fellowship is a key part of any church. Afterall, Eating is a Fundamental Baptist doctrine. However, I believe the us also serves a different purpose. It is discipleship. Something as simple as telling someone something that can bring gladness in their life. When you tell someone how to fix their sin, it brings gladness to them, maybe not right away, but it does. That is discipleship. The fact that the two, ot more, people are spending time together outside of the House of the Lord could also be a signal of discipleship. But the point that I think is the most important is that we see someone (they) had compassion upon a fellow member (I/me) to take time to find them and bring them back to the fold.
Application...
This entire thing is application really. But for me personally, I need to remember to always be glad when going into the House of Lord. I should be thankful for those who invited me into the House of the Lord (Thank you Mrs. Pastor and Mrs. B.). I need to work with fellow saints and encourage them to go together to the House of the Lord. I should find that person, whom I can edify, so that they can go and find someone that can be a they and find someone who needs to be brought into the House of the Lord.
Looking forward to May...
ChrisTopher Myers
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Good Policy Verse #1
2Ki 9:30-35
And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window. And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Had Zimri peace, who slew his master? And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs. And he said, Throw her down. So they threw her down: and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trode her under foot. And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said, Go, see now this cursed woman, and bury her: for she is a king's daughter. And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands.
So what good policy does this have to do with me? It is sort of the who are you in this passage type of thing. Are you Jehu? Zimri? Jezebel? The eunuchs? Or on-looker?
Jehu...
The man of God fighting the battle of God standing up for God. He stood in the gap when the evil people were in charge and did what was needed (very David-esque). He then totally eradicated the source of the evil and did what was right. Translation: He is the guy who leads others in to battle, leads by example, knows who the enemy is, and did not stop fighting until the battle was done. He could have stopped after Zimri, but he knew Jezebel was the real problem. That is just like sin in our life. It is easy to get rid of the superficial sins, but it is the root problems that need to be erradicated til there is barely anything recognizable left. Second, I need to lead by example and show others the way into the battle and who the enemy is.
Zimri...
He represents the superficial battle against the enemy. These are the dispensible people (even friends) that Satan uses to accomplish his purposes. Translation: I need to be careful not to be used by Satan to damage my friends, and I need to be careful not to try to stop the man of God from doing what he needs to do.
Jezebel...
Besides being a woman in power, there are plenty of other issues with her. The dominate one of course is her explict hatred for the man of God. She was anti-Elijah, anti-anybody who was not with her, and I am sure she would have been anti-Ahab if she politically could have been. She commanded for the death of the man of God, orchastrated great sin in the city, and was ugly (she had to put on make-up after all. Ugliness, in my opinion, is the only reason for make-up.) Translation: I should not be a woman. I should not be anti the things of God. I should not manipulate people for my own pleasures and desires. I should be careful not to be so hard-hearted and vain that I do not even know that the people around me could turn at any moment.
The Eunuchs...
These are the servants that worked for Jezebel and Ahab. The same group that ultimately pushed her out the window. Translation: Even Satan's minions can do right? I do not mean his little devils, I mean the people in this world whom Satan has used to do his will. Just because Satan has used you to accomplish his will does not mean all is lost. The eunuchs stepped up and through Jezebel from the window. I am not saying they got saved that day, but what I am saying is that they recognized that Jehu was the man and they helped him in succeding in his battle. So, in other words, I need to support the man of God when he comes riding into battle at whatever the cost, despite losing my job or other important stuff.
The On-lookers...
Application: Is there such a thing truly as a bystander? Just a simple on-looker that is just watching? I have always been of the persuassion that the answer to that is no. You are either a help or a hindarence to any situation that you are in. Involved or not. You can influence the person taking the action just by standing there. Support by clapping. Discouragment by shaking your head. Or even gasping in amazement at what just took place. It is evident that nobody stopped Jehu (he did run her over till she was dust afterall). Everybody is involved, because they could have saved their 'beloved" queen, but they did not.
So what kind of person are you from this passage? That is the question I direct towards myself and anyone who would like to take this as a good policy verse.
And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window. And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Had Zimri peace, who slew his master? And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs. And he said, Throw her down. So they threw her down: and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trode her under foot. And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said, Go, see now this cursed woman, and bury her: for she is a king's daughter. And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands.
So what good policy does this have to do with me? It is sort of the who are you in this passage type of thing. Are you Jehu? Zimri? Jezebel? The eunuchs? Or on-looker?
Jehu...
The man of God fighting the battle of God standing up for God. He stood in the gap when the evil people were in charge and did what was needed (very David-esque). He then totally eradicated the source of the evil and did what was right. Translation: He is the guy who leads others in to battle, leads by example, knows who the enemy is, and did not stop fighting until the battle was done. He could have stopped after Zimri, but he knew Jezebel was the real problem. That is just like sin in our life. It is easy to get rid of the superficial sins, but it is the root problems that need to be erradicated til there is barely anything recognizable left. Second, I need to lead by example and show others the way into the battle and who the enemy is.
Zimri...
He represents the superficial battle against the enemy. These are the dispensible people (even friends) that Satan uses to accomplish his purposes. Translation: I need to be careful not to be used by Satan to damage my friends, and I need to be careful not to try to stop the man of God from doing what he needs to do.
Jezebel...
Besides being a woman in power, there are plenty of other issues with her. The dominate one of course is her explict hatred for the man of God. She was anti-Elijah, anti-anybody who was not with her, and I am sure she would have been anti-Ahab if she politically could have been. She commanded for the death of the man of God, orchastrated great sin in the city, and was ugly (she had to put on make-up after all. Ugliness, in my opinion, is the only reason for make-up.) Translation: I should not be a woman. I should not be anti the things of God. I should not manipulate people for my own pleasures and desires. I should be careful not to be so hard-hearted and vain that I do not even know that the people around me could turn at any moment.
The Eunuchs...
These are the servants that worked for Jezebel and Ahab. The same group that ultimately pushed her out the window. Translation: Even Satan's minions can do right? I do not mean his little devils, I mean the people in this world whom Satan has used to do his will. Just because Satan has used you to accomplish his will does not mean all is lost. The eunuchs stepped up and through Jezebel from the window. I am not saying they got saved that day, but what I am saying is that they recognized that Jehu was the man and they helped him in succeding in his battle. So, in other words, I need to support the man of God when he comes riding into battle at whatever the cost, despite losing my job or other important stuff.
The On-lookers...
Application: Is there such a thing truly as a bystander? Just a simple on-looker that is just watching? I have always been of the persuassion that the answer to that is no. You are either a help or a hindarence to any situation that you are in. Involved or not. You can influence the person taking the action just by standing there. Support by clapping. Discouragment by shaking your head. Or even gasping in amazement at what just took place. It is evident that nobody stopped Jehu (he did run her over till she was dust afterall). Everybody is involved, because they could have saved their 'beloved" queen, but they did not.
So what kind of person are you from this passage? That is the question I direct towards myself and anyone who would like to take this as a good policy verse.
Looking forwards to May
Topher Myers
P.S. I realize that this is more than one verse so it technically cannot be a good policy "verse," but I am the author and I get poetic liscence.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Just a scholastic and social update
I am excited that CleanInternet.com has finally approved the right to blog again. It's a good website for anyone interested in a Christian based filtering service (shameless plug). Seriously though, I just wanted to update anyone who happens to know me, care about me, or entertain the wandering stranger who happens across my grossly outdated blog page.
Recent events.
February -- Valentine's Day came and went and I only gave out 5 valentine cards. I went to the Chicago Auto Show and saw a bunch of overpriced, shiny pieces of metal.
March -- Volleyball Marathon is now over with and I am still taking donations (ahem). I played way too many hours, was awake for even more hours (thanks a lot Joseph), and even got two projects finished. The College Wrestle-Off was this past Sunday night and I survived that too. I almost pinned my opponent in the first round, but then I got tired (I'm fat and outta shape if you don't remember) in the second round. Julian made it to the third round before getting pinned. Glenn got violent with his opponent Jim and David went all three rounds with his opponent. Marlowe did not wrestle because he was enjoying the sunny weather back home.
I am looking forward to going back to TruGreen on Wednesday. I am also looking forward to Candy Sale again. It starts next Thursday. Then there is the Preaching Conference in late April at which I am looking forward to the arrival of several people.
School is doing well, I have an A in all my classes, until today, one class just dropped to an A-.
Finally, as a goal (It is this thing I have been setting weekly.) I just want to share my 10 verses for the new year with Blogspace over the next couple of weeks. Just to be a help to you, a help to me, and most importantly, accountability for me.
Recent events.
February -- Valentine's Day came and went and I only gave out 5 valentine cards. I went to the Chicago Auto Show and saw a bunch of overpriced, shiny pieces of metal.
March -- Volleyball Marathon is now over with and I am still taking donations (ahem). I played way too many hours, was awake for even more hours (thanks a lot Joseph), and even got two projects finished. The College Wrestle-Off was this past Sunday night and I survived that too. I almost pinned my opponent in the first round, but then I got tired (I'm fat and outta shape if you don't remember) in the second round. Julian made it to the third round before getting pinned. Glenn got violent with his opponent Jim and David went all three rounds with his opponent. Marlowe did not wrestle because he was enjoying the sunny weather back home.
I am looking forward to going back to TruGreen on Wednesday. I am also looking forward to Candy Sale again. It starts next Thursday. Then there is the Preaching Conference in late April at which I am looking forward to the arrival of several people.
School is doing well, I have an A in all my classes, until today, one class just dropped to an A-.
Finally, as a goal (It is this thing I have been setting weekly.) I just want to share my 10 verses for the new year with Blogspace over the next couple of weeks. Just to be a help to you, a help to me, and most importantly, accountability for me.
Looking forward to May
Topher Myers
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Hello
I plan on setting up my account so I can blogwhile at school... This is just temporary for anyone who still happens to check this site. I have come up with a few good ideas by talking or rather discussing, with PJV. Looking forward to blogging again... --Christopher
Monday, July 03, 2006
To Spank or Not to Spank? That is the Question...
I think Shakespeare said it best, "To be or not to be, that is the question." I have never doubted that a persons surroundings influence the type of person that he (or she) will one day become. I also believe genetics play a part in it too (circa 3 years ago, but that's another story). As I interpret Hamlet's timeless question, the question of being or not being __________ is one that needs to be addressed, but more importantly the process of getting to that being or not being is important too. I had an intriguing conversation this morning...
Background to the conversation:
I was minding my own buisness doing my tasks when the subject of debate came up. The conversation was going pretty good. The guy I was having it with was thinking about joining the debate team and was asking what it was like. We then got talking about different issues. I made the comment I am most thankful for which was that I never had to debate against something I believed in (or vice versa). He then started to throw out topics. I gave my opinions. He was respecting them all, then he said Corporal Punishment. I said, "Spanking or Death Penalty?" He replied, "There's a difference?" I said, "Let's explore that shall we?"
Death Penalty (because D comes before S):
SOB (Statement of Belief)
I believe that a person who murders another person deserves to die.
POB (Positives of Belief)
1) Money: Cost of executions are astronomical. So why is this a positive? Because the cost of keeping a prisoner alive is even more. Factor in the following things. 3 square meals a day. Room and board. Exercise equipment. Exercise Yard. Showering/Toiletry needs/maintainence. Guards to watch them. Building maintainence. New buildings (due to overpopulation, especially here in California). Cable (nay, Satellite) TV. Appeals process. Doctor/Dentist, other assorted proffessionals. For the rest of their life. Which do you think is more expensive?
2) Instilled Fear: I know the arguement for this one. The death penalty dosen't really scare people. Let me let you in on a little secret. I know. You're right. For now. But who among us was never over at Johnny's house and he did something wrong, got punished for it and then you and Johnny go over to your house, do the same thing but don't get in trouble (Analogy might work in reverse too). The fact that you got punished in one place and not the other is what takes the fear away. If it was uniform across the country, then it would be a fear to reckon with. Think about. Why is it that criminals run for the state line? To excape the penalty. What if on the other side of the state line the penalty is the same? Also, people have another misconception that the death penalty will instantly cure all crime. I am not one of those people. I believe the Death Penalty will deter future crimes. In my opinion it is like everything else in life. You weigh the costs vs. the benefits of your decision and if the choice is to kill Johnny or not and the benefit is never letting him annoy you again or having your life terminated just you did to him. Well, now there's a decision. Not hmmm... let's see.... No more annoying Johnny, and lifetime in jail with food, TV, exercise.
3) Emotional Closure: I know, two wrongs don't make a right, but three lefts do. Follow my logic train here. First stop. Someone terminates the life of another person. (Insert train hold-up right here) "Hold yer briches there sonny. That there capitual punishment is termintatin' the life of other fellas too." (That's the mean outlaw guy with the big gun and handkercheif across his mouth so that he could symbolize anyone. I get to be the engineer trying to, and will, stand up for the destination of the passengers) "But Mr. Train-Stopper-Type-Person-Sir, when the government executes capitol punishment, they do so as a system, with checks and balances. Starting with a jury of 12 people, which by the way must be uniformly agreed, a judge presides over that. Then the defendent, if found guilty by all 12 jurors (see Movie 12 Angry Men with Henry Fonda, not Toy Danza) then appeals to the higher court judge. Several times. The point is this is not a one man show." (Evil guy pushes the gun right into my nose and is getting very forceful.) "But you're still killin' the guy." "And you sir, are not listening I am not killing anyone. The government that we established and that has the authority to is doing it." (Outlaw guy is getting mad and is getting really loud and big.) So you admit that there is no difference, they are both killin' people." "Um, no. I don't. There is a significant difference if you kill a person and if the state kills a person. You acted on your own authority making your own rules. The government is acting within a framed set of rules that have already been accepted." (This is where the Mr. Hero-Cowboy-Person shoots the Bad-Robber-Man and I can start the train going again.) You see, when we make the Death Penalty the issue we have a problem, and that problem is that we have a misconstrued focus. The focus should be on the family/loved ones of the person who has died, not on the murderer. Everyone is gung-ho about getting that murder to court and make sure that the "trial of the century" convicts him. (Anti-Death Penalty people) "Look at the grieving family, they lost someone dear to them. Ahhh... Hurray... He's guilty! Congratulations grieving family. The killer is caught. Yeah (insert much rejoicing). Wait, they sentenced him to the death penalty? No, that is wrong. Boo-Boo. Was the jury rigged? Was there illegal obtained evidence? Was the judge biased? Are you sure he's guilty? Quiet grieving family, you don't matter anymore, we need to make sure this guy dosen't die." (Okay, in all fairness, I'm sure no one has ever s a i d that.) You see the focus isn't on the people who need it. It's on the hot topic of the day, it's on whatever fits your agenda. There's your lack of emotional closure. These grieving people are left alone, while the killer of their loved one gets glorified in the media. That is like a robber coming into your home, steals all of your stuff and the governor declares him theif of the year because he broke into your house.
(CSOB) Concluding Statement of Belief
I am not saying kill everyone on death row. I'm not saying kill everyone (that's for you DP will lead to murdering old and poor people). I am saying let the state do it's job. Crime & Evil needs someone/something to fear and right now it does not seem to have anything to fear. We need to not only enable our government to protect us, but we also need to support our government in its decisions. (Now I'm not making a blanket statement here. I'm not for the whole Democrat Big Brother thing. I'm only talking about the Death Penalty here.) After all, if you don't like the death penalty, why do you vote? Why do you live in this country? The age-old-adage. Love it or leave it. Respectfulness or Responselessness.
Sorry... This is unfinished. I'll get to spanking, probably on Saturday.
Have A Nice Day...
ChrisTopher
Background to the conversation:
I was minding my own buisness doing my tasks when the subject of debate came up. The conversation was going pretty good. The guy I was having it with was thinking about joining the debate team and was asking what it was like. We then got talking about different issues. I made the comment I am most thankful for which was that I never had to debate against something I believed in (or vice versa). He then started to throw out topics. I gave my opinions. He was respecting them all, then he said Corporal Punishment. I said, "Spanking or Death Penalty?" He replied, "There's a difference?" I said, "Let's explore that shall we?"
Death Penalty (because D comes before S):
SOB (Statement of Belief)
I believe that a person who murders another person deserves to die.
POB (Positives of Belief)
1) Money: Cost of executions are astronomical. So why is this a positive? Because the cost of keeping a prisoner alive is even more. Factor in the following things. 3 square meals a day. Room and board. Exercise equipment. Exercise Yard. Showering/Toiletry needs/maintainence. Guards to watch them. Building maintainence. New buildings (due to overpopulation, especially here in California). Cable (nay, Satellite) TV. Appeals process. Doctor/Dentist, other assorted proffessionals. For the rest of their life. Which do you think is more expensive?
2) Instilled Fear: I know the arguement for this one. The death penalty dosen't really scare people. Let me let you in on a little secret. I know. You're right. For now. But who among us was never over at Johnny's house and he did something wrong, got punished for it and then you and Johnny go over to your house, do the same thing but don't get in trouble (Analogy might work in reverse too). The fact that you got punished in one place and not the other is what takes the fear away. If it was uniform across the country, then it would be a fear to reckon with. Think about. Why is it that criminals run for the state line? To excape the penalty. What if on the other side of the state line the penalty is the same? Also, people have another misconception that the death penalty will instantly cure all crime. I am not one of those people. I believe the Death Penalty will deter future crimes. In my opinion it is like everything else in life. You weigh the costs vs. the benefits of your decision and if the choice is to kill Johnny or not and the benefit is never letting him annoy you again or having your life terminated just you did to him. Well, now there's a decision. Not hmmm... let's see.... No more annoying Johnny, and lifetime in jail with food, TV, exercise.
3) Emotional Closure: I know, two wrongs don't make a right, but three lefts do. Follow my logic train here. First stop. Someone terminates the life of another person. (Insert train hold-up right here) "Hold yer briches there sonny. That there capitual punishment is termintatin' the life of other fellas too." (That's the mean outlaw guy with the big gun and handkercheif across his mouth so that he could symbolize anyone. I get to be the engineer trying to, and will, stand up for the destination of the passengers) "But Mr. Train-Stopper-Type-Person-Sir, when the government executes capitol punishment, they do so as a system, with checks and balances. Starting with a jury of 12 people, which by the way must be uniformly agreed, a judge presides over that. Then the defendent, if found guilty by all 12 jurors (see Movie 12 Angry Men with Henry Fonda, not Toy Danza) then appeals to the higher court judge. Several times. The point is this is not a one man show." (Evil guy pushes the gun right into my nose and is getting very forceful.) "But you're still killin' the guy." "And you sir, are not listening I am not killing anyone. The government that we established and that has the authority to is doing it." (Outlaw guy is getting mad and is getting really loud and big.) So you admit that there is no difference, they are both killin' people." "Um, no. I don't. There is a significant difference if you kill a person and if the state kills a person. You acted on your own authority making your own rules. The government is acting within a framed set of rules that have already been accepted." (This is where the Mr. Hero-Cowboy-Person shoots the Bad-Robber-Man and I can start the train going again.) You see, when we make the Death Penalty the issue we have a problem, and that problem is that we have a misconstrued focus. The focus should be on the family/loved ones of the person who has died, not on the murderer. Everyone is gung-ho about getting that murder to court and make sure that the "trial of the century" convicts him. (Anti-Death Penalty people) "Look at the grieving family, they lost someone dear to them. Ahhh... Hurray... He's guilty! Congratulations grieving family. The killer is caught. Yeah (insert much rejoicing). Wait, they sentenced him to the death penalty? No, that is wrong. Boo-Boo. Was the jury rigged? Was there illegal obtained evidence? Was the judge biased? Are you sure he's guilty? Quiet grieving family, you don't matter anymore, we need to make sure this guy dosen't die." (Okay, in all fairness, I'm sure no one has ever s a i d that.) You see the focus isn't on the people who need it. It's on the hot topic of the day, it's on whatever fits your agenda. There's your lack of emotional closure. These grieving people are left alone, while the killer of their loved one gets glorified in the media. That is like a robber coming into your home, steals all of your stuff and the governor declares him theif of the year because he broke into your house.
(CSOB) Concluding Statement of Belief
I am not saying kill everyone on death row. I'm not saying kill everyone (that's for you DP will lead to murdering old and poor people). I am saying let the state do it's job. Crime & Evil needs someone/something to fear and right now it does not seem to have anything to fear. We need to not only enable our government to protect us, but we also need to support our government in its decisions. (Now I'm not making a blanket statement here. I'm not for the whole Democrat Big Brother thing. I'm only talking about the Death Penalty here.) After all, if you don't like the death penalty, why do you vote? Why do you live in this country? The age-old-adage. Love it or leave it. Respectfulness or Responselessness.
Sorry... This is unfinished. I'll get to spanking, probably on Saturday.
Have A Nice Day...
ChrisTopher
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Family Blog AM 1111
Good afternoon and welcome to the open blog forum. A place where we can compare Scripture with Scripture (as interpeted by me) and can freely talk about anything Biblical as long as I deem it is worthy. Well. Let's take our first blogger please, welcome to the open blog forum. Okay so that sounded a little ridiculous. Probably because it is, but maybe not for the reason you think or maybe you do, I dunno. I'm not a mind-reader. Anyway. Onto the disection.
I have a conffesion to make. I enjoy listening to the Open Forum by Mr. Harold Camping (He's older than me and I have that old fashioned respect for elders (as in age not position) standard.).
Phew -- Got that off of my chest.
Now I'm not in the buisness of trying to get you to change your views of Mr. Camping here, but if you do that would be a good by-product.
First, One time I heard this guy ask a seemingly harmless question. It was a good question I thought. Here it is. "How come you never have a guest host of the open forum?" I thought to myself that is a good question. Mr. Camping replies something to this effect, Well, I have been doing the open forum from day one. I enjoy the opportunity to share the Bible with people and having the people share with me. It is a blessing to talk about the Bible. *Pause* The man than repeated the question about guest hosts. Mr. Camping then said the following statement and it struck me really odd, but then after thinking about it it seemed reasonable. He said, Because there are not many other preachers out there who believe the same as I do, in fact if there was one who does believe the same I would let them but there isn't.
Umm.... Is it just me or did he just say he is the only one who believes like he does. Okay, in his defense I may not have quoted him verbatum, but this is what he said. That sounds like private interpretation. Which reminds me of another caller.
Second, "Mr. Camping, does God talk directly to you?" Mr. Camping's response, Through the Bible of course, I sit and study the Scripture on a daily basis, and God's Word speaks to me. The caller than proceded to press the issue into the question of 2011 being the 2nd coming. Mr. Camping deflected the question by saying that it was a revelation of God through the Scriptures, but when the caller asked where, Mr. Camping responded by saying that it would take too much time to discuss how he came to that date, but then goes on a few more minutes talking about the signifigance of numbers in the Bible and telling the caller to read his book. Hmm... Too much time indeed...
Thirdly, Lastly... He determnes how much time each caller gets. I think that is fair. However he can't go about saying to some people (who, I am sure this is circumstancial, are winning argumentation with him) that his time is limited and cut them off and then turn around and say to the next caller who is adoring him (It is funny how they always seem to follow the previous type of caller) Oh, thank you and thank you, but it's about the Bible. And go on and on talking longer than he did with the person that they were actually discussing Bible with... But then it's not about him, it's about the Bible.
In Conclusion, so why do I like to listen to Mr. Camping's open forum. I've got 2 reasons.
1. It's good military strategy to keep up on the enemy's strategem and ways.
2. I can always use a good brush-up on my rhetorical Scripture skills.
Don't worry, I won't be leaving the church and I don't believe that 2011 (while it is an option) is the year of the 2nd coming. He just sounds so grandfatherly... It that story-telling sort of way...
Have A Nice Day
I have a conffesion to make. I enjoy listening to the Open Forum by Mr. Harold Camping (He's older than me and I have that old fashioned respect for elders (as in age not position) standard.).
Phew -- Got that off of my chest.
Now I'm not in the buisness of trying to get you to change your views of Mr. Camping here, but if you do that would be a good by-product.
First, One time I heard this guy ask a seemingly harmless question. It was a good question I thought. Here it is. "How come you never have a guest host of the open forum?" I thought to myself that is a good question. Mr. Camping replies something to this effect, Well, I have been doing the open forum from day one. I enjoy the opportunity to share the Bible with people and having the people share with me. It is a blessing to talk about the Bible. *Pause* The man than repeated the question about guest hosts. Mr. Camping then said the following statement and it struck me really odd, but then after thinking about it it seemed reasonable. He said, Because there are not many other preachers out there who believe the same as I do, in fact if there was one who does believe the same I would let them but there isn't.
Umm.... Is it just me or did he just say he is the only one who believes like he does. Okay, in his defense I may not have quoted him verbatum, but this is what he said. That sounds like private interpretation. Which reminds me of another caller.
Second, "Mr. Camping, does God talk directly to you?" Mr. Camping's response, Through the Bible of course, I sit and study the Scripture on a daily basis, and God's Word speaks to me. The caller than proceded to press the issue into the question of 2011 being the 2nd coming. Mr. Camping deflected the question by saying that it was a revelation of God through the Scriptures, but when the caller asked where, Mr. Camping responded by saying that it would take too much time to discuss how he came to that date, but then goes on a few more minutes talking about the signifigance of numbers in the Bible and telling the caller to read his book. Hmm... Too much time indeed...
Thirdly, Lastly... He determnes how much time each caller gets. I think that is fair. However he can't go about saying to some people (who, I am sure this is circumstancial, are winning argumentation with him) that his time is limited and cut them off and then turn around and say to the next caller who is adoring him (It is funny how they always seem to follow the previous type of caller) Oh, thank you and thank you, but it's about the Bible. And go on and on talking longer than he did with the person that they were actually discussing Bible with... But then it's not about him, it's about the Bible.
In Conclusion, so why do I like to listen to Mr. Camping's open forum. I've got 2 reasons.
1. It's good military strategy to keep up on the enemy's strategem and ways.
2. I can always use a good brush-up on my rhetorical Scripture skills.
Don't worry, I won't be leaving the church and I don't believe that 2011 (while it is an option) is the year of the 2nd coming. He just sounds so grandfatherly... It that story-telling sort of way...
Have A Nice Day
Sunday, May 07, 2006
I thought God was perfect?
If I want to learn to hit a baseball, I'd go to Hank Aaron if I could.
If I want to learn to shoot a basketball, I'd go to Michael Jordan if I could.
If I want to learn to score a goal, I'd go to Wayne Gretsky if I could.
If I want to learn to make a takedown, I'd go to Kurt Angle if I could.
If I want to learn to _______, I'd go to _______ if I could.
So, what's the point? If any of these guys wrote a book about how to do what they do best, I don't think anyone would dispute what they had to offer. There wouldn't be factions of people going, "I don't think he wrote it that way." or "It actually should be written like this." That would be absolutely ridiculous. But yet, if I want to live the Christian Life, shouldn't I go to God?
Agreed:
1) God wrote the Bible.
2) God used men to physicaly write the Bible.
3) God is perfect (I hope we are agreed on this one).
4) When God created everything, he created everything perfectly.
5) God has a perfect plan that can/will be executed.
Based upon the agreeds, it's good the God we have. So why can't he be perfect? I'm sure no one would out right say that God is not perfect, but implications are still there. Sometimes it is what you don't say that speaks the loudest. Please bear with me, I realize I may be over-simplyfying this, but God did write the Bible for everyone to understand. Even me and my 3rd graders.
Here's my problem. How can anyone say (or imply) that God is not perfect? If Jordan wrote a book on basketball, or Gretsky on Hockey, would anyone argue with them? But yet, God wrote a Book on Himself, His creation, and His works (an autobiography if you will) and people are trying to do some terrible things to it. Terrible things that can be catergorized into one statement, God's not perfect. Follow me with this logic.
Disagrees:
1) God did not perserve his word. = Either is saying God was not capable, or that God did not want to do it. This would mean either something was more powerful that Him or that He gave up caring.
2) Concepts are important, not the actual words. = Either is saying that God didn't choose that right words or that we can wrap our minds around everything that God teaches in the Bible. This would mean either we think we can word things better than God or that our minds are so advanced that they are equal with God. Afterall if it's the concepts that are important than we need to know everything so that when we compare Scripture with Scripture we are comparing the correct concepts with the correct concepts rather than verses with verses.
I'm sure there are other points for the disagrees side. I'm sure they have racked their brains to come up with them too. I'm just thankful I didn't have to think too hard to come up with the idea that God is perfect and so his Word is too. I'm glad God wrote it down. Since He is perfect that means anything He does, logically, has to be perfect. Which includes, but not limited to, word usuage & preservation. Maybe I am just too simple minded to just take God at what He says and believe it. Maybe I need to critize what He wrote to make my ego feel better. But then again, I wouldn't give that honor to Mr. Gretsky, Mr. Jordan, Mr. Angle, Mr. Aaron or Mr. ________ . Afterall, God does want us to have that simple believing faith, just like little children. Shouldn't we go to the expert on a subject? So I guess my conclusion is two-fold.
1) God is perfect (Agreed).
2) Anything God does is perfect (I hope you agree too.)
Christopher Myers
Have A Nice Day
If I want to learn to shoot a basketball, I'd go to Michael Jordan if I could.
If I want to learn to score a goal, I'd go to Wayne Gretsky if I could.
If I want to learn to make a takedown, I'd go to Kurt Angle if I could.
If I want to learn to _______, I'd go to _______ if I could.
So, what's the point? If any of these guys wrote a book about how to do what they do best, I don't think anyone would dispute what they had to offer. There wouldn't be factions of people going, "I don't think he wrote it that way." or "It actually should be written like this." That would be absolutely ridiculous. But yet, if I want to live the Christian Life, shouldn't I go to God?
Agreed:
1) God wrote the Bible.
2) God used men to physicaly write the Bible.
3) God is perfect (I hope we are agreed on this one).
4) When God created everything, he created everything perfectly.
5) God has a perfect plan that can/will be executed.
Based upon the agreeds, it's good the God we have. So why can't he be perfect? I'm sure no one would out right say that God is not perfect, but implications are still there. Sometimes it is what you don't say that speaks the loudest. Please bear with me, I realize I may be over-simplyfying this, but God did write the Bible for everyone to understand. Even me and my 3rd graders.
Here's my problem. How can anyone say (or imply) that God is not perfect? If Jordan wrote a book on basketball, or Gretsky on Hockey, would anyone argue with them? But yet, God wrote a Book on Himself, His creation, and His works (an autobiography if you will) and people are trying to do some terrible things to it. Terrible things that can be catergorized into one statement, God's not perfect. Follow me with this logic.
Disagrees:
1) God did not perserve his word. = Either is saying God was not capable, or that God did not want to do it. This would mean either something was more powerful that Him or that He gave up caring.
2) Concepts are important, not the actual words. = Either is saying that God didn't choose that right words or that we can wrap our minds around everything that God teaches in the Bible. This would mean either we think we can word things better than God or that our minds are so advanced that they are equal with God. Afterall if it's the concepts that are important than we need to know everything so that when we compare Scripture with Scripture we are comparing the correct concepts with the correct concepts rather than verses with verses.
I'm sure there are other points for the disagrees side. I'm sure they have racked their brains to come up with them too. I'm just thankful I didn't have to think too hard to come up with the idea that God is perfect and so his Word is too. I'm glad God wrote it down. Since He is perfect that means anything He does, logically, has to be perfect. Which includes, but not limited to, word usuage & preservation. Maybe I am just too simple minded to just take God at what He says and believe it. Maybe I need to critize what He wrote to make my ego feel better. But then again, I wouldn't give that honor to Mr. Gretsky, Mr. Jordan, Mr. Angle, Mr. Aaron or Mr. ________ . Afterall, God does want us to have that simple believing faith, just like little children. Shouldn't we go to the expert on a subject? So I guess my conclusion is two-fold.
1) God is perfect (Agreed).
2) Anything God does is perfect (I hope you agree too.)
Christopher Myers
Have A Nice Day
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