BibleSponge

Of all of God’s Word, there is one verse that sticks in my mind that seems to prove itself more and more everyday.  It’s a promise that most of us take too lightly, yet is reaffirmed daily.  It’s one that is refused by some, feared by others and brushed aside by the ignorant.

Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Jesus Christ will be persecuted. – 2 Timothy 3:12

Now, here’s where we as Christians get into trouble.  We want all of Gods’ promises…as long as they’re desirable.  Here is one that we want to ignore because it’s an inconvenience to our daily living.  It may cost us our social status, our wallet, our job – or even our lives in some cases.

The most recent fulfillment of this promise comes to us from the “left” coast in the great city of San Diego (or San Diablo).  Pastor David and wife Mary Jones have been ordered buy a San “Diablo” County employee to cease and desist a Bible study at their house!  Yes, you read that correctly.  San “Diablo” County has insisted that they are “unlawfully using their land”…

the couple received a written warning that cited "unlawful use of land," ordering them to either "stop religious assembly or apply for a major use permit," the couple's attorney Dean Broyles told San Diego news station 10News.

Where is the ACLU (Atheists Communists and Liberals United) now?  Where’s the freedom of religion?

It’s my prayer that Pastor David will press on with his Bible study and draw strength from the Lord.  I pray that through faithfulness, God will use this gross misuse of authority to bring Himself even more Glory!

JS

Not too long ago, the unsuspecting Christian culture was rocked by Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code in 2006.  Again, we will see talk shows inundated with want-to-be scholars of the maligned ‘Jesus Seminar’ and other ignorant mouthpieces with a public platform planting seeds of doubt in uneducated Christians.  Enter “Angels & Demons”.

Yes the 2nd installment of an attempt to “shake Christianity” has been made.  And it has failed even before it’s debut.  I say we can learn from this.

What can we as Christians learn from these types of movies and attacks on the one true religion?  Simple.

Put It In Perspective

I arrived at a conclusion after all the nonsense and chatter of The Da Vinci Code.  Regardless how believable someone could make this propaganda sound legit, from here until Jesus comes, it will be in the FICTION section of every bookstore in the world. So before your BP starts climbing, remember that.

Know Your Role

As I’m sure the title of this post may have taken you by surprise, it’s true.  You do not have to defend the Bible.  Trust me, the Bible can completely stand on its own.  I like it put this way by one of the greatest preachers ever…

"Scripture is like a lion. Who ever heard of defending a lion? Just turn it loose; it will defend itself." –Charles Spurgeon

We are not called to defend the Bible.  However, where Christians, even pastors, get into trouble is they neglect a very important piece of Scripture that specifically instructs on such occasions we may encounter.  1 Peter 3:15 tells us to be ready to make a reasoned response or the Greek word “apologia” to give an account for the hope that lies within us.

In other words, as Christians we should be ready to explain at any given moment 1) what we believe and 2) why we believe it.  It can be put no more plainly than this passage of Scripture:

16For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, "This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased"-- 18and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. 20But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, 21for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.  -- 2 Peter 1:16-21

Folks it doesn’t get any plainer than that.  You can read a great post about that here.  So that’s why they told me to read my Bible all those years! :-)

JS

Recently, a sister in Christ gave birth to another beautiful child of the God.  Afterwards, she experienced some complications and is still in the Intensive Care Unit.

There are a couple things that both church members and others alike can learn from this experience.  They are valuable lessons not to be quickly forgotten.

First, the wedding vow ‘through sickness and in health’ has never rang truer than with Wendy’s husband Matt.  Matt has been a rock and continues to stand firm.  I had the opportunity to have lunch with him yesterday and wondered if I would be as good under the same circumstances.

Second, ‘a family that prays together, stays together’.  It’s true in the home and it’s true with the church family.  The joint efforts of Wendy’s church family has been incredible with support physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  And from what I understand, the love and prayer hasn’t been contained to just Wendy and Matt.  Others around the ICU unit have been lifted up as well.

http://prayforwendy.blogspot.com

Please visit her blog that is being updated by family and leave comments, prayers, encouragement – anything to show and reaffirm to them that He is still on the throne and that there is hope.

JS