A Woman's Role when called to the Mission Field

I cannot find a scriptural argument that agrees with a woman being a full-time missionary that is put in a Pastoral position or a teaching position over men. I strongly and scripturally believe that if God calls a single woman into the mission field, he will make a way for her to be a missionary that does not forsake the clear Biblical role of a woman... in other words, God will make a way for her not to be a "pastor" or teach over men. I cannot find any scriptural argument that agrees with a woman teaching any man such as does so many woman (e.g. Joyce Meyers, Beth Moore, and so many more I could fill up this page) They are in direct disobedience to God and shame on those men for submitting themselves under the authority of a woman. It does not matter if their teaching is sound (WHICH IT IS NOT!) and it does not matter how many men they have "lead to Christ" or the "good" work they are doing... it is wrong.
(PLEASE UNDERSTAND that when I write these things it is hard to communicate the "tone of voice" so do not picture me pounding my fist on the table and pointing fingers... a better picture would be of my heart weeping for scriptural truth and longing for honor and glory to come to my Father in Heaven.)

Stop debating about how many teeth the horse has and count them yourself!

I've caught some flack for my specific Biblical stances. For instance, I know that my God is sovereign, that satan is essentially God's ape and never operates beyond God's leash... and there is no such thing as an accident ("In Him we live and move and have our being!")... and yes I am a 5 point Calvinist. Not because I have let my theology interpret scripture, but because it is Biblical Theology that is given a label because we are stupid and finite and need things simplified... and the reason why there are so many Arminians is that they really do not count the horses teeth for themselves.
Are we not all Arminian by nature? Does not Arminianism exist because they do not want to give up themselves?
Oh yes, and there is such a place as hell... eternal damnation... relentless torment, in which Christ Himself spoke on more than the topic of love, Mr. Smily (a.k.a. Joel Osteen... who hung the sign on this horse and forgot to count his teeth.)

"I will join a church when I find the perfect one."

...Is this a statement of poor excuse for those claiming to be Christians and yet refusing involvement in a local church body. But what happens if you have been burned unscripturally by a local church or there are no sound churches within 200 miles or so from you?
Spurgeon actually has something quite funny to say about that. He basically says that if you find yourself stuck in a church where the teaching is sour milk, than just reverse the sermon to make it Biblically sound. E.g. You hear the preacher say that as a Christian you can lose your salvation... just add the word "not" on the end of that heresy and BAM... you've got scriptural truth. You can actually walk away from the most horrid sermon "reversed" and have feasted on meat. Of course, this only works if you actually read your Bible.. and I would not recommend it if you have small children.
My local body is an extention of my family... a lifeline of accountability where I share the lot of fellow Christians that are struggling, recieve the benefits of joy in times of plenty and in times of lean. Where you will not find perfection but those seeking such so as to glorify God. Thankfully where I can "FEAST ON MEAT" without reversing the sermon and be challenged in the Word with excellent teaching. It is a family I love and embrace and it is an honor to give myself to it... To seek to serve my Lord in it. But I know such churches are far and few between. I love what Spurgeon says about the search for a "perfect church":
"... (a church) will not be a perfect church the moment after you joined it for it will cease to be perfect as soon as it receives you into its membership!"
Spurgeon doesn't candy coat anything like most so called preachers of this day (E.g. Joel Osteen)
I HAVE A QUESTION: If a person claiming to be a Christian does not involves himself in a local church, should he or she be treated as a non-Christian or as a Christian? According to James Spurgeon on TEAMPYRO, they should be treated as a non-Christian. JS states, "Anyone who calls himself a follower of Christ and is not a member of a local church is acting like an unbeliever and should be treated as such." http://teampyro.blogspot.com/2006/01/church-definitely-local.html
I guess I have always adopted the stance that if you claim Christ with your lips and yet do not have fruit, including being a part of a local body, than you are to be treated, admonished and disciplined as though you are a Christian.
James Spurgeon's response to my question:4given, I was referring to those who simply refuse to associate themselves with a visible, local manifestation of Christ's body. I wasn't referring to someone, say, like Apollos in Acts 18. Does that help?
My Response: I need to chew on that and get back to you. My initial response was "no" because I was looking for a specific scriptural basis for your stance... Thank you for responding. A dear friend of mine, when I asked his opinion as to what you said about "those who simply refuse..." He asked to define "refuse". Is this Bill Clinton's definition of refusal or are these people that refuse to associate themselves with a visible, local manifestation of Christ's body refusing because they are surrounded by heretical churches and it would take 3 or more hours to drive to a sound one, etc. There are too many "what if's"
ENLIGHTENED RESPONSE... go to this link to read James Spurgeon's "Forsaking Church is Apostacy- part one" It is excellent and I look forward to more.
http://teampyro.blogspot.com/2006/02/forsaking-church-is-apostasy-part-1.html

"Wow Mom! You must be a genius!"

This is my oldest sons comment after watching Sproul speak on Luther in which Sproul equated genius' walking a thin line... of being possibly insane. (When you see my profile picture you will notice my enormous forehead that might remind you of "The Brain" from "Pinky and the Brain." Though the resemblance is uncanny, we are not related, and I have no desire to take over the world. What a mess that would be... ha.)
I would more be inclined to say that "I am too dumb to be insane", but I do not mind at all that my spiritual heritage is linked with the insanely genius Luther. I do not mind being part of an army of insane people that are tied to Luther and his aversion to compromising truth. He may have been obsessed with every detail of his sinfulness and the fear of God... for was he not a man that truly dangled over the pit of hell? But "Blessed are they that mourn, for they will be comforted." Luther mourned grievously over EVERY sin! Yet truly his only comfort was the covering of those sins by the blood of Christ. Truly Luther is an example of "those forgiven much, love much." Not that he forged head long into obvious horrid sins like child molestation or homosexual prostitution, etc. but he knew the horridness of every sin, the severity of every sin in that sin is sin no matter what sin you sinned! Is there such a thing as an innocent sin or not-that-big-of-a-deal sin?
Have I ever deeply grieved like Jesus did over the sins of man or as Luther deeply grieved over his own sin? Have I ever experienced appropriate "anguish of soul" over my sins that I commit now as a believer and prayed sorrowfully for forgiveness even knowing that they are covered by His blood? May I be so inclined to fear offending my God. May it grieve me so deeply that I cannot go on until I fall prostrate before my holy GOD and pleed his forgiveness and praise Him with much thanksgiving for that undeserved forgiveness!
Receiving due justice for any sin surely would mean eternal suffering in hell. As much as I deserve hell, I will never experience it because of his mercy... because of His grace... and certainly NOT because of anything I have ever done. Thankfully forgiveness of my sins does not depend on me getting face down before Him every time I sin, but is truly dependant on His grace... if it were not, I would never get up.
Quote by Spurgeon that gives an excellent balanced perspective in light of sin: http://www.spurgeon.org/morn_eve/this_morning.cgi

Outrageous Error!

"We have somehow got hold of the idea that error is only that which is outrageouly wrong; and we do not seem to understand that the most dangerous person of all is the one who does not emphasize the right things." --D. Martin Lloyd Jones

"Mommy, your eyes are leaking."

This is what my daughter said when she saw me after I finished watching "The Patriot" with my oldest sons and husband. One of the few great movies. My favorite line is actually from the frenchman... "If I am going to die, I want to be well dressed.", or something like that. (Watching this movie with a filter is so nice... there are alot of cuss words and a few things that are just not necessary to see.)

No Bible Knowledge Required? Admonished by Elder Board:

If you are looking for a game that requires absolute ignorance of the Bible... well, I have a game for you.
MISSIONARY CONQUEST
Yes, that is what I said.
Now, "Conquest" defined is "the act of conquering."
A "Missionary" according to Webster is "someone who attempts to convert others to a particular doctrine or program."
In this game by D & E Enterprises (a.k.a. "Dumb and Egnorant"... oops, did I spell that wrong?), it states on the cover "One giant game of laughter and strategy: no Bible knowledge required."

Turn the box around... it gets better.
"The first mission trip that you choose is China. You CONVINCE the other players to come with you. All of you land in jail and the trip is over. All of the other players are looking at you in a very unchristian-like way..."
Don't stop there... it also says, "All of the players believe you are telling the truth as you convince them to invest in your financial ooportunity (to raise money to go on a mission trip). THey all invest heavily in your business, only to find out that you greatly exaggerated. They lose their money! SOME CHRISTIAN YOU ARE! Outwardly they all say they understand and bear no hard feelings, but in truth, they can't wait to get you."
It really says all this... Now I'll reluctantly give you a peek inside.
Oops, I think I just revealed I own this game. It was a Christmas present... and here comes me trying to justify ownership of it. Sadly, I put it out on a table at our home as a game option to play during a Fellowship time with our church family only to be HUMOROUSLY "admonished by our Elder Board". Will I ever live this one down? Now whenever I call the pastor, he answers "Missionary Conquest Hotline." Great. I deserve this however. Even though this admonishment was done humorously it was still rightfully convicting! It goes to show how desperately we need to constantly be discerning everything according to Biblical standards. (Kind of pride-stripping considering how I thought I already did that. Ha.)
Now a peek inside the box: You could, in this game, quite possibly land on the spaces labeled "temptation" or "Blessing".
Let me share a "temptation" card first: "As the owner of Sleezy Slims used car lot, you sold your pastor a 'good dependable car' that didn't make it past Slick Willie's garage (who happens to be your brother). Lose 50 Blessing Points."... okay stop laughing. This is sad. Really.
Now for a "Blessing": "On a cold wintery night you brought two street people home with you so that they could take a bath... Receive 50 blessing points."
Again stop laughing. I think this game was created by an MK (missionary Kid) with deep seeded resentments against his parents for choosing to be missionaries while sending him off to boarding school.
You could also possibly land on the "Missionary Board Hearing" space. As it says on the back of the game: "OH NO!...All of the other players have smiles on thier faces as they become your judge. They can either pardon you or pass judgement on you. They choose judgement!- In the name of spiritual growth. They take away one of your countries, 50 blessing points and send you to "Bad Stewardship" and you can't believe your Christian friends would turn on you like that."
Oh... there is so much more on the back of the box that I want to share, but I am taking too long, so I want to encourage you to go look at it yourself. I have no doubt you can find one at your friendly, but often shallow-content neighborhood "Christian" bookstore.
The thing about this is, even though I am a Calvinist... I am not a HYPER one! and thus believe in and prayerfully pursue the spreading of the TRUE, unabridged Gospel.

addictions... beware

I tend not to sleep a whole lot sometimes. I go through phases. This is one of those nights...

I lie there staring up at the ceiling, thinking, praying... and then I get up and study my Bible and feed my soul, quench my thirst. (that would NOT be with coffee... and you would never catch my husband kneeling beside my bed saying "Your java, sweet princess.")

THis time I contemplated addictions. I come from an addiction prone family... alcohol, drugs, etc.

I began contemplating mine and the ease with which my mind sinfully falls towards blame-shifting.

What are mine? Caffeine is certainly one. Sadly one. And sadly, the first thing that popped in my head. I am addicted to God's Word... which is not necessarily a bad thing, as long as I do not let it take over. Well, that can be what "addiction" is about, isn't it? Obsession. Allowing it to take over. Writing is another. My family. None of these things, necessarily bad in and of themselves(except maybe caffeine)... until they "take over." Perhaps there are other "addictions" that those close to me could quickly point out.
So what did I study this time in God's Word? Well, knowing that there is no place for complacency in a Christians life... it is a constant, diligent effort to practice godliness and pursue righteousness... I meditated on 2 Peter 3:11-18 (which goes well with my study on Revelation.)
My "addictions" may not seem so bad in light of "most" women's... e.g. shopping, TV, food. Besides the fact that I abhor shopping, don't really get into TV and food... well, okay... I really like salsa.
But that is what we do isn't it? We compare what we are doing according to the standards of the world instead of according to God's standards?
Aah... "Beware, lest you (Lisa) fall away from your steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."

"Take your teeth out... You won't need them for this meal."

The title of this particular blog actually came from someone reviewing a book by Swindoll... hmmm. Why does that not surprise me?

Now put your teeth back in cause I am going to recommend 3 books that are meaty:

1. The Five Points of Calvinism: Defined, Defended, and Documented by David C. Steel, Curtis C. Thomas & S. Lance Quinn: Quote: "Basically, a Calvinist worldview first sees things as they are from the perspective of God, who is sovereign... then, sees that God is ultimately in charge of the universe. This is God's universe. It does not belong to a god called Chance. Nor does it belong to sinful man... God rules His universe through providence."
(e.g. common grace: "which keeps the machinery working, but only special grace can guide it to its proper end...Christians should use the gifts of common grace under the guidance of special grace to use creation to the glory ofGod...
therefore a Christian artist should bear witness in the arts and should create art that glorifies God and does not tempt man or blaspheme God.")

2. Who are you to Judge: Learning to Distinguish Between Truths, Half-Truths and Lies by Erwin w. Lutzer: Quote: "The theology of many faith healers assumes that all sickness is from the devil... the cruel notion that if you are not healed entails that it is YOUR FAULT: a lack of faith, a lack of appropriating the promises, and in some cases a lack of seeking the gift of tongues... (there are) countless souls who have accepted this theology not knowing that it is seriously flawed."

3. (From the Works of John Owen) Sin and Temptation: The challenge of Personal Godliness introduced by Dr. J.I. Packer and Edited by Dr. James M. Houston: Description on the back: This book "helps us recover the concepts of sin and individual responsibility our world has all but destroyed... sin is always a self-deceiving, blinding folly."

Fluffy-feel-good testimonies

http://faithandpractice.blogspot.com/ has an article called "The Power of Persecution" that I responded to. It is very good. Here is my response to it:
So sadly true your comment: "The reactions of many believers include subduing our testimony for Christ, blending in with the system, watering down the Gospel, etc."
I Love to share the Gospel. Our family, siblings, aunts, uncles, parents included, are deeply involved in missions around the world (and we are Calvinistic)... including persecuted countries, like Egypt. http://www.breakingborders.com/
But being a Homemaker and Home Educator of my 6 children in the Bible belt where everyone says they are "Christians" in this corner of the world that lacks the weeding-out that persecution surely brings, makes spreading the TRUE, unabridged, not-watered-down Gospel quite challenging... but not impossible. I use to be a speaker for a certain watered-down Gospel spreading ministry that made me write out my full testimony before I would be approved to speak it. So I did. It wasn't fluffy. In it I quoted some scripture they labeled as too harsh (e.g. Titus 1:16). They asked, "Can you find a better verse, one that is not quite so harsh... or perhaps a lighter version of that scripture?" I said no. Somehow (by the grace of God) I slipped through the red-tape and spoke the true Gospel for that ministry for awhile... until the adoption of our twins, when I put everything on hold. So the Lord, by His grace, brings unexpected opportunities... even now, whether it be in my neighborhood or at WalMart, to share the true Gospel in this "don't rock the boat" system where people tend to give fluffy feel-good testimonies instead of being transparent, real and true for the glory of God.
I always pray for my children, "Lord, whatever it takes for them to come to know you, to come to live for you, for your glory alone, whatever it takes..."
Other women cry out, "NO! That is too scary, don't pray that!!!"
While I say, "YES! This world is a vapor, temporal in light of eternity!... SO YES LORD, whatever it takes, draw them to Yourself and let them live for YOU!"

I LOVE BEING A WOMAN!!!!

Even in this present age, where being a Homemaker and Home Educator is not highly regarded, where submitting to ones husband is likened to being a doormat, where choosing to rightfully fear God, proclaiming the true Gospel, embracing the Doctrines of Grace... choosing to dress modestly for the sake of honoring my Lord and my husband are things considered ancient, dated, legalistic... but I LOVE BEING an ancient dated doormat? NO... I love being A WOMAN that embraces TRUE Biblical womanhood! I love getting up early to spend time with my Lord before my 6 children wake up!!! I LOVE MY HUSBAND and am so honored that the Lord would give me such a Godly man to spend my life with!
http://www.graceandtruthbooks.com/search/results.asp?S=Recovering+Biblical+manhood&T=exact

Application for permission to court my daughter

The following application was copied for us by one of the Elders at our church who gave it to a young man to fill out before he could court their daughter:

Court of Parental Authority
Case No.: 12-3-456789-1
In re the issue of:
(name of the young man), Petitioner
and
(names of the parents), Respondent(s)

Regarding personal discussion the evening of September 16, Respondent(s) being in temporary state of dismay and confusion failed at that time to provide enclosed application. Please provide detailed responses and return at your earliest convenience (yesterday would be good). Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.

Signed and dated (put date here),
(sign name here)

APPLICATION: This application will be incomplete or rejected unless accompanied by a complete financial statement, job history, lineage and medical report from your doctor.

NAME:____________________
Nickname/ Alias:____________
Date of Birth:_______________
Height:_____
Weight:_____
I.Q.______
G.P.A._____

Soc. Sec.#:________________
DL#_______________
Boy Scout Rank:________
Home Address:______________
City/state/zip:______________
Home#_________________
cell#:_______________
Pager#______________

Do You Own?
a. van___
b.truck with oversized tires:___
c.car with a trunk full of speakers:___

Do You have any of the following?
a. an earring:___
b. nose ring:___
c. belly button ring:___
d. any body part pierced?___

Explain:_______________________

Tattoo:____

(If you answered yes to any of the above questions, discontinue and leave the premises immediately.)

In 30 words or less, what does "LATE" mean to you?
______________________________________

In 30 words or less, what does "DON'T TOUCH MY DAUGHTER" mean to you?
______________________________________

Church you attend?_______________________
How Often?_______________
Best time to interview your pastor?_____________

Fill in the blank. Please answer freely. All answers will be confidential.
a. If I were beaten, the last bone I want broken is:
_______________________________________
b. Please write the only thing that you hope this application does not ask you?
_______________________________________
c. Now answer that question:
_______________________________________

NOTE: If you answered any of the previous questions dishonestly (AND I WILL FIND OUT), discontinue application. It is advised that you leave the premises QUICKLY keeping your head low and running in serpentine fashion!

I swear that all information provided above is true and correct to the best of my knowledge under penalty of DEATH, DISMEMBERMENT, ELECTROCUTION, and/or HOT POKERS.
Signature (this means sign your name:_________________

Thank you for your interest. Please allow 4-6 YEARS for processing. If your application is approved, you will be contacted in writing. Please do not call, or write. This could cause UNEXPECTED INJURY.

If your application is rejected, you will be notified by 2 men wearing black ties and answering to the names GUIDO and LOUIE.

http://www.graceandtruthbooks.com/courtship/default.asp

Longing for the slopes...

Isaiah 1:18 says, "...Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be white as snow..." 

Just Pondering...

Psalm 139:23
Search me, O God,
and know my heart;
Try me
and know my anxious thoughts;
I wrote a poem one day called "You Are My God"
I guess it's a poem... one that doesn't rhyme.

It came to mind as a result of studying God's Word:


God weighs my heart and judges me righteously;
He tests my mind and His eyes penetrate the depths of my soul.
I cannot hide.

He knows my ways and this comforts me;
He consoles me through trials and when in sin, I fear Him.
He sees all of me.

He does not consume me but His mercy overwhelms me;
His presence calms me but His silence pains me.
Where are You?

I wait.
I seek.
Silence.

Have I kept not Your way?
Have I denied You?
I am so thirsty!

Have I withheld myself from You?
As You withhold Yourself from me?
The pain I must cause You!

Your eyes... You have not withdrawn from me.
You direct my footing, count my steps and hear my cry!
Your guiding hand righteouslychastises me!

Molds me.
Keeps me.
Rest.

You understand me and know me.
You want the best for me.
You are my God!

Top 50 Most Influential... I mean HERETICAL Christians in America

The Church Report was actually pleased to announce this year’s list of The 50 Most Influential Christians in America...
I am more astonished.
(like that cat...)
Thanks to the DISILLUSIONED readers of the magazine as well as the online readers for contributing over 150,000 nominations. They write: "Each of the people on this list is most deserving of this recognition"... for what... HERESY! (I see only a few on this list that should be on it, like, PIPER... with several missing, like SPROUL and MACARTHUR). AND WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH THIS TYPE OF LIST. Are we not supposed to focus on Christ!
Here is a rewrite of the TOP 5 chosen:
1. Bishop Jakes: A Mega-Church preacher that hugely promotes triumphalistic evangelical theology where Jesus heals people from emotional hurts more than from their sin and speaks "Rhyming-Theology"... name-it and claim-it... believe and recieve". He also does not believe in the trinity. http://stevenjcamp.blogspot.com/2006/01/td-jakes-is-number-one-of-top-fifty.html
(Do you understand that this is non-contextual, non-Biblical Theology?)
2. Joel Osteen: Another Mega-Church preacher... actually the poster boy for the Mega-Church. Here is a story for you: I went to a Bible book store in town and began speaking to a woman who worked there. She began fanatically quoting Joel Osteen verbatim to me... I asked her to quote the scripture reference implied in her little mini-Joel Osteen sermon... She couldn't do it. Quoting Joel Osteen verses quoting scripture... hmmm. Mr. Smily believes in easy-believism. (repeat this prayer after me... and ye shall be saved)... and if you claim the right verse, you can have health,wealth and happiness.
In other words, he is the feel-good positive preacher that never addresses THAT WE ALL HAVE SINNED AND FALL SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD!
Sin, the Cross, the atonement are never mentioned... and Jesus is rarely mentioned.
3. Billy Graham... okay, so I like him. Who doesn't. That may be the problem. He's a generalist. Unlike Jesus, dear Billy doesn't offend anybody.
4. Dr. Rick Warren...“The Purpose-Driven Life” guy. A promoter of the SEEKER-FRIENDLY church that seeks not to offend and thus I cry out... "WHERE'S THE BEEF!" http://new.wavlist.com/tv/011/beef.wav
5. Bill Hybels is big into church vision and numbers. He actually has many watered down misinterpretations of the Bible... but this is Hybels main drive... VISION.
(On a side-note: It is not necessarily bad to have an eternal persective "vision" for your life and your church, nor is it necessarily bad to have a large congregation as long as you do not forsake truth...)
Hybels, in taking out of context the verse, "Where there is no vision, the people perish", he redefines this verse as "a church without clear vision will lose members and be unable to numerically grow and flourish"... (vision by Hybels defined as "a picture of the future that produces passion")
I like what Challies say regarding the interpretation of "Where there is no vision, the people will perish."... Challies says, "This verse says nothing of the importance of having a church that is led by vision or a visionary. Ironically, this verse should underscore the importance of honoring God's revelation, and warn those who would water it down by sloppy or deliberate misuse."
Okay, so maybe Hybels is the author of the seeker-sensitive movement. I get confused by all of this heresey.

Are you a man or a mouse?

No really... "Animal-Human Hybrids Spark Controversy" is an article about the mixing of human stem cells with embryonic animals to create new species they are associating with chimeras—a hybrid creature that's part human, part animal. (chimeras—named after a monster in Greek mythology that had a lion's head, goat's body, and serpent's tail)
The article states, "Scientists feel that, the more humanlike the animal, the better research model it makes for testing drugs or possibly growing "spare parts," such as livers, to transplant into humans." and then it quotes, "One doesn't have to be religious or into animal rights to think this doesn't make sense... For example, an experiment that would raise concerns, he said, is genetically engineering mice to produce human sperm and eggs, then doing in vitro fertilization to produce a child whose parents are a pair of mice." Someone has already, according to this article, "created mice with brains that are about one percent human." and may later this year "conduct another experiment where the mice have 100 percent human brains."... Press the following if you need advice on what to do about this... http://www-public.rz.uni-duesseldorf.de/~fischeni/sound/run.wav

Creatively Confused Heretical Generalists

The emergent church calls themselves the "doing"church. They claim to "live out"Christianity while other churches focus on orthodoxy. They embrace "contextual Theology" in which they define that as "A way of doing theology in which one takes into account: the spirit and message of the gospel; the tradition of the Christian people; the culture in which one is theologising; and social change in that culture."They focus on "orthopraxis (right action) rather than orthodoxy (right thinking). "In other words they say "it is all about being and doing church in our liquid modern times, which has created a new context of a culture of the spiritually restless and spiritual searching, or the openness of many to be spiritual tourists."They claim to pay more attention to "social, economic or ecological injustice, or the sense of God’s presence in human culture and the world and what is good in human nature, or the sense of God’s involvement in the world."They "attempt to listen to culture for basic patterns and structures, analyzing culture in order to discover its basic system of symbols. Out of such a “thick description” will emerge basic themes for the local theology."They are also apparently "not restrained by institutional expectations."In this emerging Church, "due emphasis will be placed on both theological rootage and contemporary experience, on celebration in worship and involvement in social concerns, on faith and feeling, reason and prayer, conversion and continuity, the personal and the conceptual."They claim: "It will bring together the most helpful of the old and the best of the new, blending the dynamic of a personal Gospel with the compassion of social concern."They also apparently "love and celebrate the arts and artistic expression, whether or not it is self-consciously Christian in nature."I tried to keep it short.Besides the fact that all I can seem to muster up as a response to this heresy is "ugh."On a good note: thankfully God's will cannot be thwarted no matter what means satan devises to confuse and deceive people. (e.g. the "Emerging Church")
It is a church, they say, for people who don't 'do church'?And if you want to know if they evangelise people... here is one of their reaponses to this question: "Good question - I hope not! I wouldn't want people to feel they were being targetted and that we were tricking them."Oh, and if you ask them to define worship... here another one of their responses: "It is a Celebration of life with God! We are exploring ways to worship and pray that reflect the kind of people we are coming across. We do not want to say to people - "here's what we do, come and do it with us"; we prefer to ask "if you came to worship and pray, how would we do it?" They won't necessarily know the answer, but we'd work it out somewhow."
(Wow. I'm confused... not about what I beleive and why... but about what they believe and why.)
Conclusively, if I were to define the "kind of people they are coming across" as mentioned above in how they define worship...hmmm... what would I say? (see title)
Now go to this site: http://purgatorio1.com/?p=105
This is one of those things that I will ponder in the grocery store and begin laughing uncontrollably as on-lookers glance nervously in my direction.

Would you dare wash these feet?

There are alot of references to feet in the Bible. The washing of feet, Moses and then Joshua taking off their sandals while on Holy ground and thus revealing their feet (Ex.3:5, Josh.5:15), the angels around the throne of heaven having wings to cover their feet, feet being annointed (Lk.7:36-50), feet being kissed (Lk.7:38), golden rings worn on feet (Ex. 37:3), feet being cut off and hung up beside a pool (2 Sam.4:12), crippled feet (2 Sam.4:12), diseased feet (1 Kings 15:23), afflicted feet (Psalm 105:18), tinkling bangled feet (Is.3:16), naked feet (Is.20:2), licked dusty feet (Is.49:23), feet that run to evil (Is.59:7), feet sunk in mire (Jer.38:22), feet of iron and clay (Dan.2:34), nail-scarred feet (Lk.24:39), feet washed with hair (Jn.12:3), bound feet (Acts22:11), blood-shedding feet (Rom.3:15), feet like burnished bronze (Rev.1:15), feet like pillars of fire (Rev.10:1), even "beautiful" feet (Rom.10:15)... but I still cannot find the answer to the question, "Why did Moses have to take off his sandals and reveal his feet while standing on holy ground when the angels had to cover their feet with their wings when in the presence of our holy God sitting upon His throne in heaven?"
Anyone know?
OH! And really... would you dare wash these feet? If you think about it, these could be the beautiful feet spoken of in Romans 10:15... these could be the feet standing on a rock in Psalm 40...