The Adventures of a Preacher Seeking for Truth, Wisdom, and Strength

Closing the book for good

Mon, 04 May 2009 07:35:08 GMT

Friend, if you are reading these words, I want you to know that I'd like to hear from you. It doesn't matter what's happened since we last chatted or how long it's been. Write. Share. Rekindle. Laugh.

My email address is in my LJ profile. You know what to do.

A new start

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 03:12:07 GMT

Howdy.

Today I'm leaving behind my hermit days. I'm a student of Luther Rice University looking to get my Master's in Biblical Counseling. I believe that's what I'm called to do and that's what I want to do.

I know I've allowed a lot of good people to disappear from my life and today I'm sickened by it. If I dropped out of your life, please understand I didn't forget about you. I will find you again, if just to say hello.

Admittedly, I've been living for myself too much for awhile now. It's caused my attitude to sour and my guard to slip. For awhile I didn't want anyone around, which is strange for someone who is normally very people oriented like me. I just wanted to live a quiet, isolated life with my darling Deb and just forget everything and everyone I left behind.

But then, I remembered that I love you people. All of you. I miss the times we shared and the conversations we had. My God, have I not been there for the people I've loved? So many people, and I don't know where any of you are or what you're up to. I don't know about your struggles and your hard times. I can't fix the damage I've already done, but we can begin anew. I will be a friend again.

Hey I'm alive!

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 08:57:40 GMT

Hey Journal,

I didn't forget about you. Here's some updates for everyone.

-I'm engaged to Deb. We marry on Aug. 9th.
-I'm done at PCC. I attend Luther Rice University in Georgia now, via online courses.
-I'm looking for work.

So there you have it. Drop me a line if you still read this =)

First real post in a while

Tue, 29 May 2007 23:52:51 GMT

Hello.

Still job hunting. If you live in the Montgomery area and know of anything, be sure to pass along anything you hear about. Anyways, I just got my last paycheck from Home Depot and I have some money for now. That will float me till I get a job.

During my free time this summer, I want to do some writing. I know I can write. At the moment I'm considering just what direction I should take it. Being a Bible major, religious topics come to mind of course. However, my perspective on the religious may be too controversial. Why? Because my insight is surpassed by my tendency to be critical. For someone who has been called the nicest guy people have ever met, I sure can be negative about what other people are doing. Fault-finding is one of my weaknesses. Ha ha, even now I'm finding fault with myself. You see now a hint of the extent of my sinful nature.

And yet...I see things, and they bother me. Am I really being too negative, or is it possible that I really am just observing the facts? Perhaps I should give you, the reader, an example of some of my rough thoughts on today's Christianity in our western culture. Be sure to share your responses. I truly want to know if I'm fit to write on things like this or not.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A preacher comes to speak for a group of people. Perhaps he introduces himself by saying how much he loves the Bible and perhaps even has the audience stand for the reading of God's Word. So far, so good.

But then...once he's past the reading, he never comes back to it. Within moments, the preacher has blasted off into orbit. He may not touch his Scripture passage again for the rest of the message. He starts off with jokes. He moves on to telling various stories, then proceeds to hammer on some particular moral, social, or cultural issue that he feels the need to address. Next, he offers some illustrations, usually depicting that issue in a way that causes the audience to be disgusted, embarrassed, or shocked. Finally, he then caps it all off with a sad story, and asks if anyone has felt the Lord tug at their heart about making a decision for Christ, whether it be salvation or rededication of one's life, and then commands them to come to the altar or pray in their seat about it. If he is a good speaker, perhaps many come down the aisles, maybe even weeping over something they have done. If he is a really good speaker, people will still talk about the sermon for weeks to come. They will say he is a great preacher.

In my heart, I fear he is a great psychological manipulator. Why? Because he did not preach the Bible. Passion, enthusiasm, charisma, and and alliteration cannot replace content. Jokes and stories have their place, but I am not impressed or amused by preaching pyrotechnics. Your sad story is not God moving me, it is your pathetic attempt to manipulate my emotions.

Furthermore, I can quote plenty of Bible passages to support my argument.

Nehemiah 8:1-9 (I left out verses 4 and 7 for brevity's sake)
(1) And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.
(2) And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.
(3) And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.
(5) And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:
(6) And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
(8) So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
(9) And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.

When Ezra preached to the people, the purpose was for them to understand what God said. I believe that this is the primary purpose of preaching under which all of the teachings of Christianity are to fall, including the gospel. Notice that though the people stood for half the day, they were not bored. They were greatly moved. Why? Because on that day, they experienced God.

Here's another passage, this time from the New Testament.

2Timothy 4:2-4
(2) Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
(3) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
(4) And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Verse 2 is simple--Preach the Word. I don't think there's anyway you can misunderstand that. Preaching time is not story time or joke time. It is the time that people learn what God has said.

I fear that too many people in our western culture have given up the solid teaching of God's Word in favor of speakers who cater to their opinions on popular issues. Both liberal and conservative churches alike are guilty. Their main focus is on issues like abortion, euthanasia, and gay marriage. I understand that today they are hot button issues, but in the Biblical perspective these and all other issues are NOT the main thing and never have been. We preach Christ crucified and His saving grace.

One more passage.

Ephesians 3:8
(8) Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

When I go to church, I want to learn about the unsearchable riches of Christ. Apparently that's what Paul's ministry was all about. Why is it that in many of churches today we are not hearing about the unsearchable riches of Christ? Instead, we are repeatedly told where to stand on the issues of our day. In all of the New Testament, I find not one instruction about winning political battles for the sake of Christ or promoting legislation to force all of Rome to adhere to Biblical standards. I do see a condemnation of wickedness and evil, but no solution is offered except for the hope of Jesus Christ.

Again this sword cuts both ways.

I see no reason to force government to dispense welfare for the needy, the uneducated (public school), or the illegal alien. I understand that there are people who do need help, but that's never been the government's job. I believe that role belongs more to individuals, the family unit, and (gasp!) the church. Besides, working on such a personal basis is so much more efficient and effective than a red tape bureaucracy.

I also see no reason to force the government's hand towards a definition of marriage, a stance on the evolution/creation debate, or a defense for or against abortion. This is difficult to say because I am completely against evolution, homosexuality and abortion. However, I see the long term problem with government addressing issues with these. Sure, the conservative base could overturn Roe vs. Wade and get homosexuality outlawed, but in doing that they contribute to a dangerous precedence--that the government has the power to determine some very personal and private things. Who is to say that a different, more liberal group won't someday undo everything the conservative base accomplished? There was a day when evolution was banned from schools, abortion was outlawed, and homosexuality was barely even spoken of. Today, evolution is the norm, abortion is controversial, and even homosexuality is less uncommon. And for those who have worked so hard to create this social change, even now you are seeing some of the fruits of your labor being undone. These issues have not convinced, they have polarized the nation. For that matter, evolution and abortion are increasingly unpopular. What promise have you that America won't return from your ideals in favor of Judeo-Christian values?

What are we really trying to accomplish in our churches by emphasizing the issues of our day? Are we really all that concerned with God and His Word and His kingdom? Or are we just concerned with whether or not America is a more comfortable place for our own individual opinions and values? I imagine that if Christians hate government forcing evolution in the public school down their child's throat, I figure Evolutionists would equally hate creation being shoved down their child's throat if the government forced it. I think we fail to realize that these social issues have been and always will be like a pendulum swinging back and forth in the tower of time. Abortion, euthanasia, and homosexuality have been around for as long as civilization has, regardless of whether they were illegal or not. Society is not getting more and more evil because these things are more open. They have always been there. Every generation is wicked, perverse, and sinful. Regardless of whether people commit these things only in their heart or if they actually do them. Did not Jesus say this about murder and adultery? The only difference between doing something only in your heart and doing something in real life is that when you actually do it you receive different consequences for what you do, whether it be good or bad.

I conclude...

1. God's Word, Bible doctrine, and the good news of Jesus Christ are the Christian's main priority. Anything that distracts from that is a pursuit of vanity.
2. Forcing ideals upon others creates strife and hypocrisy, neither of which anybody ought to enjoy.
3. If there is anyone who has the right to tell me what to believe, think, and feel, it is ultimately God and His Word. If He were the judge and the standard for all of us, think of the revolution it would be to humanity. If we are going to tell people that something is wrong, let God's Word be our words and move on to what the other 99% of the Bible has to say.
4. A consistent pursuit of God's truth, whether it be in the pages of the Bible or the facts of life, would do us all a world of good. The common pursuit of truth would also give us common ground to communicate.
5. The purpose of preaching is for people to understand what God has said. Preachers who don't preach God's Word don't have anything worth preaching.
6. When we encounter God, people shouldn't be bored. People react in different ways...falling on their face in worship, weeping, revival, excitement, joy, peace...these should be the norm. Certainly not boredom.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Agree? Disagree? Thoughts? Comments? Complaints? Rants? There's room at the comments button for you.

Back on the scene...

Fri, 18 May 2007 14:13:47 GMT

Howdy.

I'm back. I'm home for the summer. I graduate next spring. My girlfriend graduated May 9 and is working on a Master's this summer. I'm looking for a job this summer.

How's that for brevity? =)

Hello Goodbye

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 07:15:00 GMT

Howdy.

It's been awhile since I've posted. I've actually been home since the middle of December for Christmas break. Yet, I've not felt the need to write.

Until now.

I've done a lot of thinking about life, my future, my college life during this Christmas break. Particularly tonight while I talked with my darling Deborah. (Speaking of which, she'll be on the road for the next few days. Pray for her safety.)

I've come to realize that the more I learn, the less I truly know. I hunger for more, yet I'm intimidated at the enormity of life and the depths of its experiences. Frustrated, yet ambitious. I went to college seeking truth. For the moment I am full, but I am not satisfied.

I feel like I know just enough about life to be dangerous. Lord, I don't want to hurt anyone. May your grace be with us all.

The journey never ends, does it?

Salvation in the Old Testament

Fri, 01 Sep 2006 02:01:01 GMT

For those interested, I'm posting a copy of a paper I wrote for school a while back. It's about how people got saved before Jesus Christ walked the earth. For some reason, the formatting is a little wacky on LJ. Oh well. Enjoy!

The entire world is on a crash course to Hell. Mankind has tried to avoid this terrible fate ever since leaving the Garden of Eden. Jesus Christ the Son of God came two thousand years ago to offer a gift, purchased by His divine blood, to mankind. Because it is His gift to give, He makes the rules as to who gets it. The Bible teaches that it is by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ that we may receive His gift. The name of that gift is eternal life. Because it is eternal, we know that it cannot be lost or taken away. However, what about people who died before Jesus Christ came? Would God deny these ancients access to the gift merely due to chronology? The Bible does not teach this. The Bible teaches that the Old Testament saints faced the same crisis, they must have the same faith to be saved, and they were offered the same eternally secure salvation as the New Testament saints.

The Bible teaches that the Old Testament saints faced the same crisis as New Testament saints. Now before man sinned, there was no need to be saved from anything. There was no death and man enjoyed full fellowship with God in the Garden of Eden. In Genesis 2:16-17, God gave His man a command.

And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Sadly, man failed to obey. The disobedient dinner is recorded in Genesis 3:6-7.

And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

True to His word, man died that day. The spirit of man died immediately, and his flesh became destined to wax old and return to dust. All of mankind carries this curse, from the first man Adam to people living in the present. Therefore, both Old Testament saints face the same crisis as New Testament saints.

Not only do Old Testament saints face the same crisis, but also those who lived before Jesus must have the same faith as the New Testament saints in order to be saved. God was not content to leave man doomed to die. In Genesis 3:15, He gave the first man a glimmer of hope with the first prophecy of a coming savior.

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

One day, a seed of woman would have victory over the serpent and his seed of sin. Trust, or faith, in God’s promise of the coming seed of woman would secure salvation. Soon afterwards, the Bible records in Genesis 4:26 the very first expressions of faith by men.

And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.

People have called upon the name of the Lord from the very beginning. Calling upon the name of the Lord implies that the caller has a faith in that Lord. Habakkuk 2:4 clarifies that it is by faith that the righteous are justified.

Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines “just” as righteous in the sight of God. Those who are justified by God shall live by faith. Noah, one of the early saints who called upon the name of the Lord, is mentioned in Genesis 6:9.

These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

Noah and his family are the only people who survived the judgment of the flood. Because of their faith, they were saved from the wrath of God. Psalm 22:4-5 also bears witness of the faith of the Old Testament saints.

Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them. They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.

The Old Testament saints were delivered because of their faith. Lest any should think otherwise, Job 9:20 points out the folly of living by works instead of by faith.

If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.

Further evidence is found in Psalm 7:8-9, where David tells of God’s coming judgment and indicates just what God judges in every man.

The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me. Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.

David is saying that God will judge him according to the righteousness that God put in him when He justified David! God will establish the just. The wicked shall come to an end. Judgment is coming regardless of what man thinks or believes. But will man be ready? God makes His plan painfully clear in Psalm 37:39-40 where He powerfully presents the prerequisite of faith for salvation.

But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

God will deliver those who trust in Him. There is no need for works, good deeds, circumcision, or magic words. God asks for a plain and simple trust. Old Testament saints must have the same faith as New Testament saints in order to receive salvation.

Just as people in the Old Testament had the same crisis and must have the same faith as those who lived after Jesus, so too were the Old Testament saints offered the same eternally secure salvation as New Testament saints. The Oxford English Dictionary defines salvation as “A source, cause, or means of salvation.” The Old Testament speaks of the Lord’s salvation as one that is eternal and secure. Psalm 31:23 demonstrates that His salvation is eternal.

O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.

The Lord preserves his saints. Yet some would argue that man could aid God’s salvation if he does good deeds and practices morality. I Samuel 2:9 declares that it is by God alone and not by the strength of man.

He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

Not only does God alone preserve His saints in their salvation, but also they are secure in that promise. Once an Old Testament saint is justified, the Lord will never forsake him. God gives His promise in Psalm 37:28.

For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

Some would say that sin can cause a person to lose his salvation. They would say that God eventually tires of disobedient children and strips them of their salvation. Yet Malachi 3:6 says otherwise.

For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

In spite of the sins of the children of Israel, God was still merciful because He does not change. Since God does not change, no amount of sin will cause Him to go back on His promises. Some would argue that sometimes they do not feel saved. The psalmist in Psalm 77:7-10 questions his own salvation, and finds his answer.

Will the Lord cast off for ever? And will he be favourable no more? Is his mercy clean gone for ever? Doth his promise fail for evermore? Hath God forgotten to be gracious? Hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah. And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.

When the psalmist remembered the most High, he found his answer of assurance and comfort. God’s Word is clear. Old Testament saints have the same eternally secure salvation as New Testament saints.

Old Testament saints faced the same crisis, needed the same faith for salvation, and received the same eternally secure salvation as the New Testament saints. Though man may try to find his own way, the Bible says he will fail. Though man may try to twist the Scriptures, the Scriptures are painfully clear to anyone who will read the Bible without subjectivity or agenda. God is no respecter of persons. Everyone has the opportunity to receive the same salvation from certain doom. Who will call upon the name of the Lord?

Howdy!

Sun, 30 Jul 2006 16:31:52 GMT

Hello journal.

I'm home from camp =) Actually, I've been home for awhile now, but I've been a hermit since I got here. Camp was good, camp was great, and now I'm ready for a break. I've really enjoyed my downtime this week, and shall emerge from my hidey-hole sometime soon.

Camp was awesome. We averaged 250 decisions every week, over a hundred of which where for salvation. I had a lot of fun teaching the kids how to shoot BB air rifles. Dr. Johnson, the camp director, wants me to come back next year. Lord willing, perhaps I shall...

My Mom is currently in the hospital recovering from surgery. Well, two surgeries actually. One was planned, the second was...unexpected. She's doing fine now and hopefully will be released on Monday. Praise the Lord that she is well.

I have my own surgery on August 7th, 10:30 AM to remove my wisdom teeth. The top 2 are easy pickings, but the bottom 2 are laying sideways =-/ The oral surgeon told me that on their scale of 1-4 in difficulty, both are Category 4. Oh fun! I'll take all the prayers I can get, folks.

Well my friends, I'm off. Catch ya later...

Howdy!

Thu, 06 Jul 2006 01:54:57 GMT

Hello everybody!

I'm home on vacation for the week, just so you know.

Here's an article for you all that I wrote recently. Enjoy =)

A perfect God of law and order demands a perfect logic. Certainly a logic higher and better than ours. If you believe God's Word, the Bible, then the following verses make perfect sense.

(Proverbs 3:5)
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
(Proverbs 3:6)
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Ah, but you might say, "I don't believe the Bible! Why should I believe the Bible? It's only a book written by silly men in tents 2000 years ago!"

I readily admit that I cannot "prove faith". Now, are you ready to admit that you cannot prove your faith either?

Yes, your faith. You have faith in something, some answer for how we all got here. Think about it. What is the very first axiom we find in the Bible?

~~~~~~~~~~

Genesis 1:1

In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth.

~~~~~~~~~~

Here, we have the explanation for the existence of a trinity of known entities: Time, Space, and Matter.

Each entity is a trinity in itself.

Time= Past, Present, and Future.
Space= Length, Width, and Height.
Matter= Solid, Liquid, and Gas.

A trinity of trinities in only 10 words. The Bible says God made these things. Now then, I have a question.

Apparently, some of you do not believe in God. That is your choice, of course. What then do you believe brought this trinity of trinities into existence? Furthermore, how do you know?

Once you have your answer, examine it. Can you prove it? I highly doubt it. Does your answer have any element of faith in it, any shadow of belief at all? Then you are a man of faith, as I am.

Proof always converts correct faith into knowledge, and always destroys incorrect faith. In the next world, faith shall be shed along with our old bodies. If you cannot prove your faith either, then you do not know that my faith is wrong.

Once you can admit that your own answers are also based on an unprovable faith, we can continue.

Next question. Why do you believe what you believe? Whether it be evolution or the flying spaghetti monster or whatever, why do you believe it?

Is it because that's all you have been taught all your life? Then your answer would be something such as, "I believe God/evolution/big bang/(whatever you believe in) got us here because that's what my Mom/Dad/teacher/preacher/scientist/textbook author told me!"

Is it because you did your "own research"? Heh. See the previous entry then. Library books, College classes and websites are still second hand knowledge. Furthermore, you still depend on a higher authority than yourself for that knowledge.

Is it because you thought real hard and tried to figure it out on your own? Well then, aren't you in dangerous waters. Do you possess infallible logic, unbiased reasoning, and infinite knowledge and wisdom? If not, then I'd say you are still under the influence of your chosen authority.

Is it because it "feels right"? Bah. Feelings do not determine truth anymore than majority opinion does.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Conclusion? Your belief is based on the authority you have chosen for yourself. My belief is based on the Bible; therefore the Bible molds my thoughts, words, and actions. At best, I am just a representative for my authority.

Did you know that your authority is also shaping your thoughts, words, and actions? You represent your authority as well, whether you like it or not.

Although I cannot prove my faith, I can provide evidences for my faith. I will list some.

1. God's voice was audibly heard by approximately 2 million Jews (the entire Hebrew nation was there) when He gave the 10 Commandments. His voice terrified them so much they thought they were going to die.

Exodus 19:16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.
Exodus 19:17 And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount.
Exodus 20:1
And God spoke all these words
Exodus 20:19
And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.

This is a strong historical evidence. I doubt very seriously that the entire Jewish nation would have passed on such a thing if they knew it wasn't true.

2. Fulfilled prophecy

Jesus alone fulfills a couple hundred Old Testament prophecies. One of which, known as the 70 weeks of Daniel, gives the exact year that the Messiah would be murdered. Here's a good link if you would like to see for yourself.

http://www.biblicalstudies.com/bstudy/eschatology/daniel.htm

The wise men who came to visit the young Jesus were of the order established by Daniel himself, by the way. Very interesting indeed.

3. Integrity of the Scriptures

No factual statement in the Bible has been proved incorrect.

4. The testimony of those who saw Christ after His resurrection.

The actions of the disciples and the 500+ eye witness accounts who saw Christ for themselves after the resurrection are substantial evidence.

5. The testimony of changed lives.

Not a proof, I know, but certainly we would expect the Book of the true God to have a profound impact on the lives of those who trust it.

6. Answered prayer.

Sadly, in our days the evidence of answered prayer is not as visible as it once was. George Mueller was a great example, who prayed in over 7 million dollars in current day cash over the course of his lifetime.

http://www.wholesomewords.org/biography/bmuller2.html

Thu, 08 Jun 2006 19:19:29 GMT

Hey everybody!

Well, I just got here. Now it's time to go again!

I have a meeting for the camp in Pensacola I'm working at, Camp O the Pines. I need to be there by 6:15... gotta jet so I have time for dinner.

Grace and peace to you all.

I'm off

Wed, 07 Jun 2006 17:58:07 GMT

Greetings.

I'm flying out from New Mexico to Alabama today. Pray for me!

I arrive in Monkeytown about 9 tonight.

Peace!

*Edit*

I'm home!

Surprise! An article!

Mon, 05 Jun 2006 22:47:03 GMT

Subjective and Objective Morality Summarized

Can we be good without God? I read an interesting book a year ago that dwells on the very topic. I won't even try to reproduce the book, but I will say that it observes the issue of subjective and objective morality, and finds all attempts of a morality without God to be severely lacking.

I propose to you that morality is both objective and of divine origin.

Why? Because of these undeniable facts.

1. Subjective morality, where morality is relative and you determine your own morality for yourself, by definition cannot be imposed upon anyone else.

Therefore, stealing is wrong only if you consider it wrong. Murder is wrong only if you consider it wrong. Rape is wrong only if you consider it wrong. Furthermore, by definition you cannot impose any lawful consequences on such offenders. After all, who are you to dictate what they can and cannot do? Of course, in a real world situation someone would impose their morality anyway, thus destroying the whole concept of subjective morality in the first place. What ultimately results is might makes right. Yet, we instinctively know that these things (and others) are wrong. Our very conscience betrays subjective morality.

2. Objective morality, where morality is unchanging and morality is determined for you and everyone else, needs a figure of authority who is worthy of the position in order for it to be properly administered.

A system of law that all must obey makes much more sense than any subjective morality. It allows everyone to be on the same page. However, there is a problem. Who gets to make the rules? The latest dictator? Majority rule? The United Nations? Local government? The guy with the bigger gun? No matter what body of authority you turn to, they all have the same problem: imperfection.

Does the United Nations really know what's best for me in every situation? Can my friendly local dictator be a light to all moral truth? Is the Majority rule completely devoid of any corruption in its decisions? Can I trust Congress to always do what's right?

The answer, of course, is no. As the Bible says, there is none righteous, no not one. These institutions are made up of men and women who are just as much sinners as you and I are. They are not infallible, incorruptible, omnipotent, or omnipresent. We may vote for them in our elections, but they have as much right to determine universal moral truth as the local village idiot. These human institutions can only recognize moral truth. We clearly need a higher authority, or we are left with at best a cleverly disguised subjective morality. Morality without Authority is Frivolity.

C.S.Lewis artistically observed the existence of a universal moral law in what I call his "sandbox scenario" in his work Mere Christianity. Two kids are playing in the sandbox. Kid #1 happens to have a toy truck. Kid #2 wants the truck, and steals it. And what does Kid #1 cry out?

That's not fair...

We've probably all said that one sometime or another. Have you ever thought about those words? Why is it not fair? Who determined what fair is? What we find here is an appeal to a higher authority...a universal law that we all instinctively know. Even a toddler with sand in his diaper understands it. We find mention of this universal law in Romans 2:14-15.

(Rom 2:14) For when the Gentiles(non-Jews who didn't have the Old Testament law), which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
(Rom 2:15) Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

The verse that follows reveals the grave nature of this truth.

(Rom 2:16) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

My friends, I submit to you that there is a universal unchanging moral law that condemns us for our shortcomings. No, there is none righteous, no not one. The existence of morality insists on the existence of a moral Creator who executes that morality. Since He is the only One good enough to enforce that morality, we play by His rules. What are His rules?

(John 3:16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
(John 3:17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
(John 3:18) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

God knows we're not perfect. God knows we can never be perfect without His help. I never specified earlier that morality demands the God of the Bible. However, no other religion offers a satisfactory solution. Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc. all demand that you fulfill some silly list of rules, as if we could actually satisfy this universal moral law. None is righteous, no not one. Why try to do it on our own when Christ already did? He offers you the fruits of His labor. There is no need to beat yourself up, forever unforgiven.

It is only with God's help that we can obey God's law. Morality is not a path to salvation, it is an evidence of salvation attained (though it is not the only evidence). A Christian who allows Jesus to control his life is the only type of human being who can live in complete obedience to the law, because it is only Jesus who was able to fulfill the law in the first place.

Conclusion

Morality without God is pointless--doomed from the beginning. You cannot satisfy the universal moral law on your own. Allow Jesus into your heart, and live life God's way. Any alternative will only bring you guilt, bitterness, and sorrow, for even your greatest legalistic attempt of obedience will end in dismal failure. Just look at the Pharisees in the days of Jesus. Jesus proclaimed the Pharisees failures in spite of their attempts at obedience to their law. Jesus would have helped them if they would have let Him. Jesus makes the same offer to you. What will you do?

wham! Woops, there goes the dry wall...

Mon, 05 Jun 2006 06:58:13 GMT

Hello everyone.

I decided to fool around with the ol' journal layout. Let me know if like it or not, my wonderful readers.

Now for some news...

1. Went on a coal-burning, smoke-chugging, old-timey train ride last week. Lots of fun, and I got a great picture of my "near-death experience" with the train. I'll post it here if I get the chance to...

2. Went camping this past weekend and did a little stream fishing with my girlfriend's family. I managed to land 3 fish! Aren't you proud of me? *grins* Well, maybe you animal rights people aren't. IF you are one of those people and feel that I should be run through with a chainsaw for even contemplating causing those poor little innocent fish so much pain, then let me add that we gutted those little boogers, ripped their insides out, cut the heads off, broiled them tender, ate the meat, and spat the bones. Could have been worse, we could have tossed them back...

3. I've chilled out quite a bit in general. During my first few years at PCC, I somehow managed to develop quite the arrogant, self-righteous attitude. Who, me? Yeah, me. Hard to admit. Necessary to confess. I managed to say a lot of dumb things and hurt some feelings here and there. It's been so long that I honestly don't remember every wrong I've made, but if I have wronged you and you are reading this, please accept my apology. I made my God too small, and I made both myself and my school too big. Don't get me wrong, there's good things at Pensacola Christian College, but it's not the invincible entity I made it out to be. I've come to realize the extent of both the bad and the good of my college. I feel sad that my contact with many of you has suffered since I became a student there. In fact, most of you probably don't read anymore at all. I don't know if my sporadic entries or my attitude is to blame more, but it shames me to realize that I have neglected one of the things that matters most-- people.

Somewhere along the way, I lost sight of that priority. Never again. If I ever wrong you, or have wronged you in the past, please let me know.

4. I find myself increasingly independent in my thinking and approach to life. In many ways my years at PCC have greatly shaped and molded me into a better man. I appreciate them, and have enjoyed them. However, I have let go of the "band-wagon" mentality. Don't get me wrong, my Bible doctrine is as Fundamental as ever. I'm just not going to allow the group mentality to control my thinking. No Pope, President, or Preacher dictates my thinking; God's Word and the Holy Spirit hold that job alone.

Enough. Grace and peace to you all.

Another one rides the bus...

Sun, 21 May 2006 06:24:27 GMT

Greetings journal.

Well, it finally happened. I knew it was coming, but I didn't know when. Now I know. Pastor Schettler, you will be greatly missed...

Pastor Schettler:
For over seventen years, God has given me the great privilege and honor to pastor the Campus Church. To minister alongside Dr. Horton and a great staff to such a dear flock is more than I could have ever imagined. We have grown together as a church, seeing people trust Christ and grow in their faith. However, in recent months the Lord made it apparent to me that it is time to move on. Therefore, I have resigned as Pastor of the Campus Church effective Monday, May 22.

Please pray for God’s direction in our lives for the future as we pray for all of you and God’s continual blessing here. We have been thoroughly blessed by your love throughout the years. Being co-laborers with the most godly, willing servants has truly been a joy and we will miss you all.

Dr. Horton:
In March, Pastor Schettler indicated that, over a period of two years, the Lord had been stirring his soul toward the possibility that his ministry here was closing, and he told me he received confirmation from the Lord that his ministry as pastor of the Campus Church was to end.

Many of you remember the first pastor of the Campus Church, Bob Taylor, who served fourteen years as our pastor, and then told us that the Lord was leading him to a local church ministry in Indiana. At that time, Pastor Schettler moved up from seven years as the Campus Church Youth Director to be the interim Pastor. That December, after five months, he received confirmation from the Lord to accept the call to pastor the Campus Church.

Pastor Schettler has served very wonderfully and very faithfully as the pastor of the Campus Church for over seventeen years. He has not only prepared messages for our church services, but he has also started many outreach ministries — the semi-annual Missions Conference, the Back to School Bash, the Men’s Steak Out, Ladies Luncheon, Fiesta Latina, and many other activities. We are blest and fortunate that he has invested a total of twenty-five years at the Campus Church, for normally, pastors of churches move quite frequently.

We believe that as God leads him from this ministry, God will also lead him to his next ministry. We also believe God will provide the Campus Church with the right pastor for the Campus Church. We love the Schettlers and will certainly miss them.

We will not be in a hurry to find a replacement but will wait for God’s timing. In the meantime, we will trust God to give us excellent pulpit speakers. We ask our church folk to pray much that God will send us the pastor of His choosing. Also, pray for the church administrator, Chuck McCollim, and the church staff who will continue taking care of the weekly responsibilities.

We want to honor and show our appreciation to Pastor and Mrs. Schettler for the faithful years of service they have given to this ministry. Next Sunday, May 21, after the 7 p.m. service, a church-wide appreciation and farewell reception will be held in the MacKenzie Great Hall. Since Pastor Schettler has completed almost twenty-five years of ministry at the Campus Church, we believe it is appropriate that the Campus Church provide them with a new vehicle for their continuing service in the Lord’s work. This new vehicle [a Nissan Quest 3.5 SL] will be on display at the farewell reception.

During the upcoming vacation month of June, Dr. Richard Coyle will again be our pulpit speaker as he was last year.

Pastor Schettler is by many the most beloved member of PCC. His preaching and teaching are superb-- Able to stir the soul with good Bible truth along with a good mixture of humor, grace, and mercy.

*sigh*

I'm just glad I was there to hear him for as long as I did. PCC may never be the same again after this.

Tue, 16 May 2006 14:01:19 GMT

I Thessalonians 4:1-12
The Will of God

(1 Thessalonians 4:1)
Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
(1 Thessalonians 4:2)
For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
(1 Thessalonians 4:3)
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
(1 Thessalonians 4:4)
That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor;
(1 Thessalonians 4:5)
Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
(1 Thessalonians 4:6)
That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
(1 Thessalonians 4:7)
For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
(1 Thessalonians 4:8)
He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his Holy Spirit.
(1 Thessalonians 4:9)
But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
(1 Thessalonians 4:10)
And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
(1 Thessalonians 4:11)
And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
(1 Thessalonians 4:12)
That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

The Will of God is defined in verse 1.
1. To walk right.
2. To please God.

In the verses right before the passage, we even know why we should obey the Will of God.

(1Th 3:12) And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
(1Th 3:13) To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

Verse 2
(1 Thessalonians 4:2)
For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

If you are a Christian or have read your Bible, then you are not ignorant. You know the truth. If you have not heard the Word on the Will of God, you will tonight. It is my responsibility that you hear the Word, and it is your responsibility to do the Word. Alright then, so what is God’s will for us? God’s will for us is sanctification!

First, we must understand where Sanctification fits in our lives.
Sanctification is defined as—
1. The act of making holy.
2. The act of consecrating or of setting apart for a sacred purpose;

1. God makes us holy.

There are two parts of holiness we are concerned about here-- Positional holiness and progressive holiness.

Positional holiness begins the moment you are born again. This is the starting place of sanctification. If you have Jesus Christ within your heart, then you possess positional holiness. Let me show you what I mean.

Illustration of position- Runner at the starting line. (At this point I acted out a runner assuming position at the starting line.)

The Christian life is a race. In order to run in the race, you must be a runner. This is the easiest part, because everyone has a position in the race reserved for him. John 3:16 says so. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Are you qualified for your position? In order to be qualified, you must accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. Jesus Christ suffered on a cross, bled, died and was resurrected so that you can have a position with God. Jesus said the key is belief, not baptism, church membership, or living a moral life. If you will give Jesus a position in your heart, you are qualified for your position in the race.

Once we enter the race, progressive holiness begins. Progressive holiness is victory in our daily walk. It is where we walk in the Spirit, for we are frail flesh and cannot do it without Him. It is here that we find the process of sanctification.

Remember, you cannot be sanctified unless you are justified. You’ve got to enter the race before you can run the race! You must be made holy by Him before you can exercise true holiness.

Not only does He make us holy, but…

2. God sets us apart for a sacred purpose.

He did not make you holy in His sight so that you can look pretty. It’s a good thing for a lot of us that we don’t have to look pretty. God has a special job for you to do! Did you know that no one is better at being you than you? God designed you specifically for the work you are supposed to do! Together with David in Psalm 139 we can say--

(Psalms 139:14)
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
(Psalms 139:15)
My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
(Psalms 139:16)
Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

Don’t let anybody tell you that you are nothing but a dumb redneck, or a stupid geek, or a loser. You’re not stupid, ugly, or useless in the eyes of God. You are a marvelous creation of God! You may not be perfect now, but God is not going to leave you that way if you are a Christian. This is what sanctification is all about.

Furthermore, God commands you to be sanctified so that you can have fellowship with Him.

(1 John 1:3)
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
(1 John 1:4)
And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
(1 John 1:5)
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
(1 John 1:6)
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
(1 John 1:7)
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Is your joy full tonight? Maybe some of us here need to be recharged with a little joy in our lives. If you need some joy tonight, this message is for you.

(Psalms 66:18)
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

Is the Lord hearing you tonight? Have you seen prayer answered in your life recently? If your prayers don’t seem to be making it past the ceiling, that’s because they’re not. You need to let go of the iniquity in your heart. You need to return to fellowship with Him right now. You need to be sanctified. If you need the Lord to hear your prayers, tonight’s message is for you.

Verse 3-8

(1 Thessalonians 4:3)
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
(1 Thessalonians 4:4)
That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor;
(1 Thessalonians 4:5)
Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
(1 Thessalonians 4:6)
That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
(1 Thessalonians 4:7)
For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
(1 Thessalonians 4:8)
He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his Holy Spirit.

You cannot be sanctified when you have sexual sin in your life. God commands over and over to avoid sexual sins of all kinds. Do you love Jesus? Then you need to keep His commandments. Words without action are wasted breath. Faith without works is wasted death. Verse 4 says we need to possess our vessel in sanctification and honor. Do you control your body, or does your body control you? In verse 5 we see that one defining trait of unbelievers is their lack of self control in this area. If you struggle with fornication, it might be because you haven’t been spending much time with God lately. Apparently you don’t know Him very well, or have forgotten who He is, because He will avenge all such.

(Hebrews 13:4)
…whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

When you fall into fornication, verse 6 says that you defraud your brother. You take advantage of him. You rob him of the joy he should have had with his wife. Fornication is selfish and unloving. If you truly love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and might, and your neighbor as yourself, you will do your best to abstain from fornication.

Verse 9-10

(1 Thessalonians 4:9)
But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
(1 Thessalonians 4:10)
And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

Not only must we abstain from fornication, but we must love one another. Let me show you something.

(1 John 2:20)
But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
(1 John 2:27)
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Did you know that if you were lost in the woods all by yourself for the rest of your life and all you had was your Bible and the Holy Spirit inside of you, you could become an incredible Christian for God? God gives us good men like your local pastor to help speed up the process. The Lord knows we need men like him. Nevertheless, the only person responsible for how spiritually mature you are right now is you. It is your job to seek out Biblical wisdom and truth. Is that what you came for, or did you come to church because it’s just your duty to God? Oh, the blessings and joy we often miss! Do you care about living for Jesus? I hope you do.

(1 Thessalonians 3:12)
And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:

The Lord will fill that cold dead heart of yours with love if you will let Him.

Verses 11-12

(1 Thessalonians 4:11)
And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
(1 Thessalonians 4:12)
That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

Not only must we abstain from fornication and love one another, but we must work.

Idle hands are the devil’s workshop. When we don’t stay busy, we tend to fall into sin. We become loud and stubborn like the harlot of Proverbs 7. We begin to murder with our mouths like the talebearer of Proverbs 26. We behave like the dependent slothful man looking for a handout in Proverbs 21. Listen to Paul in his second letter to the Thessalonians.

(2 Thessalonians 3:10)
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
(2 Thessalonians 3:11)
For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
(2 Thessalonians 3:12)
Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
(2 Thessalonians 3:13)
But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

If all you ever do is sit at the computer and chat on instant messenger and play video games all day, then you are not living God's Will for your life. Everyone should be doing some kind of work, and you are no exception. Whether it's a full time job or that homework that's due tomorrow, God's Will for you is to work!

Folks, we don’t need a hundred dollar handout from the republicans or a gas tax holiday from the democrats. We don’t need to love ourselves before we can love others. We don’t need schools to fill our kids full of sex education. We need to get back to basic Bible truths.

Abstain from fornication. Love your God. Love your brother. Word hard. This is the Will of God for your lives. You have heard the Word, now together we must do the Word!

The return...

Tue, 16 May 2006 13:27:01 GMT

Hello everyone!

Man, it's been a long time since I've really posted on here. I dunno how many of you guys even read here anymore. I'll be on here throughout the summer. I'd love to hear from anyone who bothers to read!

Now with that said, I'm going to give you a sample of what I've been doing at school. I'm going to post a sermon I preached about a month ago in Atmore, AL. All comments are appreciated! If you would like to know more or have any questions, feel free to ask...

Sat, 22 Apr 2006 17:04:52 GMT

Hi!

-I'm going to New Mexico again this summer.
-I work Camp O the Pines as the Riflery Range instructor this summer from June 10th to July 21st. Scary, huh?
-I'll be working after that in Montgomery AL for the rest of the summer until school starts up in the fall.

Bye!

sneak peak

Sun, 11 Dec 2005 00:03:01 GMT

*peeks around*

Hi.

*steps out*

Believe it or not, I am alive =)

So much has been going on this semester. Here's some quick info.

1. Me and Deb are still going strong. Our 1 year anniversary is December 17th!

2. I get out of school for Christmas on December 16th.

3. I've been working at a local church in Pensacola this semester named Tanton Memorial Baptist Church.
I've preached 3 times, taught sunday school (both adults and teens), sung solos for church (something I thought I'd never do!) and organized a Thanksgiving program since I began over there.

4. Deb will be coming to visit me in January! Looking forward to it =)

5. I'm going to be super busy this Christmas break. If you want to catch me, be sure to call me, or even better just surprise me ;)

Well my friends, I've got stuff to do. May the grace and peace of Jesus Christ be upon you all.

A post

Sat, 09 Jul 2005 22:31:15 GMT

Dear Journal,

Unfortunately, I am not able to post this message. This update comes to you
by way of my darling Deborah.

I plan to stay in Pensacola for Hurricane Dennis.

Things are a mad house around here. Gas stations are clogged with people
getting prepared. Walmart shelves lie empty of all burdens. Ask anyone what
they think of the storm, and you'll get a variety of answers.

Dennis is just Ivan's little brother. We took Ivan, we can take Dennis.

I learned my lesson last time. I'm outta here.

Betcha it's gonna be a Cat 5 by the time it gets here.

Personally, I take it the same way I took Ivan. There is no safer place to
be than in the center of God's will. God wants me here, and here I shall
stay. I trust Him to protect me just like when He protected me from Ivan,
from my carwreck, and from the many other times I should have died or at
least received a nasty wound. I believe this storm will be worse than Ivan,
and I suspect Florida will get worse storms later this year. It matters
not. For me, this is an opportunity to do my job. My real job. I was called
to minister to people. People who are lost. People who have no hope. People
who need God.

How can I help if I am not here?

I must do what I can. Therefore, I stay.

To my friends from afar...

Philip, Melissa, Stagg, Charlie, Misty, Michael, Johnathon, Robert, Rachel,
Lindsey, Sarah, Stephanie, Liane, Amanda, and of course my darling Deborah,
I miss you all and love you. Some of you I have not heard from in ages.
Know that I still think fondly of you all and pray that I may see you
again soon. I know that some of you disagree with what I believe and how I
live and what I say, but in my heart you will always have a special place
of unconditional love reserved just for you. Write me or call me sometime,
I'd love to hear from you.

I must go now.

I shall return.

Long time no talkie

Tue, 17 May 2005 16:44:19 GMT

Hello journal.

Well, it's been a while. Hope you didn't think I was dead. I have been quite busy though. Time for updates!

-I am in Albuquerque, New Mexico! I am visiting with my girlfriend Deb and her family. We are having lots of fun here. We're going to go walk the doggies now. brb...

~brief interlude~

~elevator music~

~somebody shoots the elevator music~

Okay, I'm back. Sorry about the wait. Really now, you didn't have to do that.

Let's continue...

-Today is mine and Deb's 5th month anniversary since we started dating =) We're going to go out and shop awhile and do some other fun things.

-This summer I'm working on campus again. This time I'm at the Sports Center Day Camp. I will play with kids 40 hours a week. Also, I'll have many opportunities to give them the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I look forward to it with great anticipation. Many souls get saved every year at this ministry, and it's my prayer that this will be the best year yet!

-Next semester I will intern at a local church in Pensacola. I will work with a pastor of a conservative, Bible-believing, Fundamental Independent Baptist church and gather much needed experience in the ministry. I will preach. I will teach. I will counsel. When I think about the opportunities the Lord is opening up to me, all I can do is smile and thank Him for the great things He has done =)

-I've been on vacation since May 11th and I will be until May 29th. Normally, you only get 1 week of vacation in the first week of June when you work on campus. Fortunately, my boss allowed me to change my vacation from the standard time and even allowed me to have 2½ weeks instead! God is good!

-Deborah's family has been absolutely wonderful. Especially the part when her sister Lori short-sheeted my bed so that I couldn't stretch my legs out all the way. And silly stringed me. And beat me with a pillow. And set an alarm to go off at 3 in the morning in my room. *grins* That's okay though, she'll get hers yet...mwa ha ha ha!

-Seriously though, they have been good to me. They've bought me all kinds of nice things and taken me out to eat quite a few times. Also, Deb and I got some pictures made and that was fun. Maybe I'll get a chance to post some here later...

-Gerbils are cool pets and I want some.

-I climbed up on Deb's roof. There's a nice view up there.

-A quaint tree house is a great hideaway of refuge and solitude.

-Deb has two dogs. They have arthritis and their back legs shake like a California earthquake on repeat. I feel sorry for the poor things, but I have to admit it is rather funny to watch.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Enough for now. See ya later journal. If any of you still read my journal, leave me a post and let me know how you're doing! May the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be on each of your lives.

Karis kai Areinei

Thu, 23 Dec 2004 19:48:54 GMT

Greetings, journal.

I've been home for a few days now. It's been absolutely great. No demands, no projects. Once I got home, the full force of going nonstop for a whole year finally washed over me. The knots in back testify to my need for some good old fashioned rest. Not to mention a good massage therapist.

This has been a rather interesting semester at school. I'll list some of the highlights.

-Deborah and I are legit as a couple now.
-I picked up a (almost) professionally done video of a first hand account of experiencing Hurricane Ivan. If you would like to see it, leave a comment on here and I'll send it your way. It's a hefty file size though, so if you're on 56k, no can do.
-I got a cut in my left eye that got infected, and I would have lost the vision in that eye from the scar damage if I had not gotten it treated. Praise the Lord for modern technology!
-I also managed to injure myself in a game of good ol' Paintball. I got shot in the chest a lot (I didn't say I was any good at it) and I think I may have bruised the rib. That was in October and it's still bugging me =/
-Not to be satisfied with that, I also managed to hit my head at work and had to get 4 stitches near the top of my head. No, I am not suicidal. Yes, I can be accident prone at times.
-General Teaching Methods is the hardest class I have ever taken.
-I learned how to do CPR and the Heimlich maneuver, so not only can I help you find salvation for your soul, I can save your life too!
-I've been fine-tuning my direction in life. Long story that I'll get to in a different post.

So there you have it. Catch ya later, Journal.

Honey, I'm home! collapse

Sat, 18 Dec 2004 05:46:50 GMT

Greetings, journal!

Well everyone, I've got lots to say, but I'm a lil tired tonight. Just wanted to let you know that I am home for Christmas.

*BIG NEWS*
Deborah and I are now officially together. A couple at last. Oh, how she tortured me when I asked her today! But, that story is for another time. I'll fill ya in with a few details next time ;)

Good night, everyone. Glad to see you all, and don't be a stranger while I'm home.

Fri, 19 Nov 2004 01:33:16 GMT

Hello everyone.

I'm home early for the weekend. Today about 12:00 P.M. my grandmother passed away. Sad news. Thankfully, she went peacefully in her sleep. I have been called upon to preach for the funeral.

So what does one say for such a thing? I wish I could say. Perhaps tomorrow for the funeral I will have an answer for that. Until then, I will think and pray.

I hope all of you fare well. Leave me a comment and let me know how it goes for you, reader...

Standing amidst the rubble

Sat, 25 Sep 2004 23:15:24 GMT

Greetings all.

I'm back everyone. I appreciate all of your concerns, and I feel very loved. Thanks, everybody. Sorry I worried ya'll, but I'm okay! Alas, I can't say the same for Pensacola after its face got rearranged. Other than that, things are getting back to normal.

Many of the buildings at my school are Hurricane Shelter grade, so we weathered the storm better than most. There was surprisingly little damage on campus compared to the rest of town. We had some trees and light poles fall down. Pieces of the roof on a few buildings get bitten off. About half a dozen classrooms also had their windows, frame and all, cave into the room, leaving them unusuable for awhile. Thankfully, those rooms had already been locked off, so no one was nearby.

Food and water was interesting, especially after Pensacola's tap water mixed with sewer waste. Luckily, my school was VERY prepared for the things to come. We were all supplied with boxed "hurricane meals" (think the lunches your mom packed for you when you were in elementary) and bottled water at regular intervals. Everything was very well organized, and there were no major problems minus the power going out (no air conditioning =Þ) and the undrinkable water. The only really bad thing was that we couldn't take showers for a few days, but since everybody suffered through that, it wasn't too big of a deal. No students got hurt or died or anything like that, unless you count the inconviences and a few days of cancelled classes. The Lord protected us just as I knew He would, and He is good.

Well my friends, there you have it. Excuse me while I collapse.

*splat*

I fear no Ivan

Tue, 14 Sep 2004 21:21:45 GMT

Hello all.

Hurricane Ivan's on the way, and the masses are fleeing in terror. Ho-hum.

I've never had much fear of the weather no matter how bad it gets. I distinctly remember sleeping through Andrew and Opal, and I'll probably shrug off most of this one too. Boxed Hurricane lunches, here we come!

For those of you who would like to know, my new email address at PCC is...

jbenso5334@students.pcci.edu

Feel free to drop me a line, anytime!

Anyways, life is going well. I'm still hanging out with Deborah, though I'm also still keeping my options open. I like Deborah, but I'm not in love with her, and now is just not the timing for us to date. I must confess that I have some doubts right now because of a few things, so I'm backing off for now. Not to mention I have a number of girls (three immediately come to mind) who are trying their hardest to give poor Deb some competition. At this point, I'm just going to bide my time and see what happens. God will take care of it all.

Ya know what? There's nothing quite like the feeling of peace. See ya later, Journal.

The Adventures of a Preacher Seeking for Truth, Wisdom, and Strength

Closing the book for good

A new start

Hey I'm alive!

First real post in a while

Back on the scene...

Hello Goodbye

Salvation in the Old Testament

Howdy!

Howdy!

I'm off

Surprise! An article!

*wham!* Woops, there goes the dry wall...

Another one rides the bus...

The return...

sneak peak

A post

Long time no talkie

Honey, I'm home! *collapse*

Standing amidst the rubble

I fear no Ivan

wham! Woops, there goes the dry wall...

Honey, I'm home! collapse