Watch Out for the Watchtower
The Jehovah’s Witnesses are building a new Kingdom Hall near my church. I’ve been asked about their beliefs almost a dozen times already this week. Here are some helpful articles about the Witnesses, as well as some good web sites on the subject of apologetics and cult studies. If anyone knows of other good resources let me know.
From www.4truth.net:
– Jehovah’s Witnesses: Overview
– Jehovah’s Witnesses View of Christ
– Jehovah’s Wintesses: Glossary, Words, and Concepts
– The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures: The Jehovah’s Witnesses Bible
– What to say to Jehovah’s Witnesses When They Knock on Your Door (an online book)
Also check out these sites:
www.carm.org
www.watchman.org
www.aomin.org
The best sure way to recognize error and counterfeit gospels is to be 100% certain of the truth and orthodoxy. For that I recommend the following books:
– John Stott’s Basic Christianity
– Wayne Grudem’s Bible Doctrine or Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know
– Paul Little’s Know What You Believe
Do I really love the truth?
Each week I receive Desiring God’s newsletters. Well worth reading, just like any of Pastor John Piper’s writings. Especially Don’t Waste Your Life (short and sweet) and Desiring God (longer but worth the time). Sign up for the newsletters at www.desiringgod.org.
Today’s article really hit home with me as I think about my own walk and other Christians I know.
Piper defines the three P’s: The idolatry of pragmatism that ruins the church; the pleasure in unrighteousness that refuses to love the truth; and the pride of being strong that leads to destruction.
Can we say we love the truth if we justify our position opposite it? Why? Pragmatism – “It’s easier this way.” “It’s working, so it must be OK with God.” “Everybody esle is doing it.” Pleasure – “I want it this way.” “I feel so much better now.” Pride – “I don’t see why this is wrong.” “God will forgive me.”
The Bible on treatment of Animals
Someone ask me this question this morning, “What does the Bible say about pets?”
I like Proverbs 12:10.
(ESV) Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.
(HCSB) A righteous man cares about his animal’s health, but [even] the merciful acts of the wicked are cruel.
(NLT) The godly are concerned for the welfare of their animals, but even the kindness of the wicked is cruel.
(The Message) Good people are good to their animals; the “good-hearted” bad people kick and abuse them.
Enough said!
Are We Confusing Our Kids?
It’s ok Son, everybody does it.
by Jack Griffin
When Johnny was six years old he was with his father when they were caught speeding. His father handed the officer a twenty dollar bill with his driver’s license. “It’s OK son,” his father said as they drove off. “Everybody does it.”
When he was, he was present as a family council presided over by Uncle George on the surest means to shave points off the income tax return. “It’s OK, kid,” his uncles said. “Everybody does it.”
When he was 9, his mother took him to his first theater production. The box office man couldn’t find any seats until his mother discovered an extra $5 in her purse. “It’s OK, son,” she said. “Everybody does it.”
When he was 12, he broke his glasses on the way to school. His Aunt Francine persuaded the insurance company that they had been stolen and they collected $75. “It’s OK, kid,” she said. “Everybody does it.”
When he was 15, he made right guard on the high school football team. His coach showed him how to block and at the same time grab the opposing end by the shirt, so the official couldn’t see it. “It’s OK, kid,” the coach said. “Everybody does it.”
When he was 16, he took his first summer job at the supermarket. His assignment was to put the overripe strawberries on the bottom of the boxes and the good ones on top where they would show. “It’s OK kid,” the manager said. “Everybody does it.”
When he was 18, Johnny and a neighbor applied for a college scholarship. Johnny was a marginal student. His neighbor was in the upper three percent of his class but he couldn’t play right guard. Johnny got the scholarship. “It’s OK, son,” his parents said. “Everybody does it.”
When he was 19, he was approached by an upperclassman who offered the test answers for $50. “It’s OK kid,” he said. “Everybody does it.”
Johnny was caught and sent home in disgrace. “How could you do this to your mother and me?” His father said. “You never learned anything like this at home.” His aunt and uncle were shocked.
If there’s one thing the adult world can’t stand, it’s a kid who cheats…
From: The Power of Ethical Management, Peale and Blanchard.
Have you prayed for your pastor lately?
Pastors
– Fifteen hundred pastors leave the ministry each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout, or contention in their churches.
– Fifty percent of pastors’ marriages will end in divorce.
– Eighty percent of pastors and eighty-four percent of their spouses feel unqualified and discouraged in their role as pastors.
– Fifty percent of pastors are so discouraged that they would leave the ministry if they could, but have no other way of making a living.
– Eighty percent of seminary and Bible school graduates who enter the ministry will leave the ministry within the first five years.
– Seventy percent of pastors constantly fight depression.
– Almost forty percent polled said they have had an extra-marital affair since beginning their ministry.
– Seventy percent said the only time they spend studying the Word is when they are preparing their sermons.
Pastors’ Wives
– Eighty percent of pastors’ spouses feel their spouse is overworked.
– Eighty percent of pastors’ spouses wish their spouse would choose another profession.
– The majority of pastors’ wives surveyed said that the most destructive event that has occurred in their marriage and family was the day they entered the ministry.
(from www.Acts29network.com)
The weight of ministry can be a heavy load. Take time to pray for and encourage those who are laboring for your spiritual good.
Hebrews 13:17 (English Standard Version) Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Religion vs. the Gospel
Religion says, if I obey, God will love me. Gospel says, because God loves me, I can obey.
Religion has good people and bad people. Gospel has only repentant and unrepentant people.
Religion values a birth family. Gospel values a new birth.
Religion depends on what I do. Gospel depends on what Jesus has done.
Religion claims that sanctification justifies me. Gospel claims that justification enables sanctification.
Religion has the goal to get from God. Gospel has the goal to get God.
Religion sees hardships as punishment for sin. Gospel sees hardship as sanctified affliction.
Religion is about me. Gospel is about Jesus.
Religion believes appearing as a good person is the key. Gospel believes that being honest is the key.
Religion has an uncertainty of standing before God. Gospel has certainty based upon Jesus’ work.
Religion sees Jesus as the means. Gospel sees Jesus as the end.
Religion ends in pride or despair. Gospel ends in humble joy.
(via)
Successful Sabbath
Our visit to the mountains was great! I wouldn’t recommend 1,500 miles with a 10 month old, though. Here’s a few of my favorite pics.
Sabbath
The Corley family is headed to the mountains for some rest, relaxation, hiking, visiting with family, and reading (for me anyway). We’ll be in the Ozarks for a week for our first vacation since Hurricane Katrina. Here’s some pictures of our accomodations (with no gloating intended):
Tired
Lord, I’m tired…
…of hindrances to Your kingdom coming.
…of our grieving of Your Holy Spirit.
…of selective obedience. Those who pick and choose what parts of the Bible they will obey.
…of being the bad guy for seeking to help someone through decisions made in the world’s wisdom.
…of small mindedness in people serving the Biggest and only God there is.
…of rocky ground and weeds.
…of irresponsible words from supposedly mature Christians. Words that tear down what You are trying to build.
…of people that expect a level of commitment from others that they are not willing to expect of themselves.
…of people that hurt Your reputation.
…of people that allow personal preference to get in the way of Your work in the world.
…of sleepless nights.
…of stress related pain.
…of feeling guilty for the decisions that others make.
…of hearing yes but seeing no.
…of false accusations.
…of misleading insinuations.
…of manipulation.
…of dishonesty and deception.
…of excuses.
…of pride.
…of heart heaviness from caring about people that care little about me.
…of seeing the faithful discouraged.
…of people that withhold good when it is due. Especially to You.
…of fair weather friends.
…of deferred hope.
…of thinking of what could be if Your people would be Your people.
…of my own ignorance and lack of wisdom.
…of my inability to discern character.
…of my lack of faith in Your ability.
…of allowing foolishness and worldliness to make me tired.
However, You’re will, You’re reputation, You’re Word are worth my all. So, I will not give up or give in to my heart’s tiredness. Strengthen me, Father. Help me see You, instead of the waves of uncertainty, ignorance, and selfishness. Energize me to finish this race.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (English Standard Version) Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Worth Reading: Safe People
They are known for their Boundaries books, but a lesser known book has helped me in recognizing relationships that could have a negative impact on my life. Safe People: How to Find Relationships That Are Good For You and Avoid Those That Aren’t by Henry Cloud and John Townsend, will help you discern character and recognize manipulative harmful people before it’s too late. Here is there list of what to look for in people that are unsafe:
Lane Corley 