Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Liberal Theology 101
"This is the traditional liberal line. Love is divorced from holiness and becomes mere sentimentality" (Albert Mohler).
Monday, March 28, 2011
With Uncertainty Comes Certainty
Distressed but not despairing.
Lord, while everything around me changes, You are still my only constant.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Watch for Wolves
"There has always been a large market for false prophets, because most people do not want to hear the truth. They prefer to hear what is pleasant and flattering, even if it is false and dangerous, over what is unpleasant and unflattering, even if it is true and helpful." (J-Mac)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Sortin' Through Filth
1 more school day till Spring Break.
It isn't really going to be a break. Since I have a terrible memory, I made a Spring Break to-do list on Notepad, and that list has a few items that will keep me busy during my break. From sermon prep to applications, the future seems exciting. (Never a dull moment with Christ). Looks like next week might go from Spring Break to Spring Busy.
---
I was going through my old mp3s on my, now vintage, Dell Inspiron laptop. For some strange reason, I felt the need to backup my songs on the new HD that Jason got me. As I was transferring the songs, I started to play a bunch of my old favorites. I forgot how sweet these songs sounded! Every song I sang was so catchy the tunes were just amazing. I couldn't believe how much I still remembered after all these years. Every lyric rolled smoothly off my tongue as if it were high school all over again.
It was then that I realized exactly what I was singing.
In high school, you never really feel like you need to filter through the lyrics of songs. All you care about is how the song makes you feel (or how much it reminds you of the girl you like). Now, if you're wondering, I wasn't cussin' up a storm or anything. Give me a break... No, what made me step back wasn't the vulgarity of the lyrics, it was the idolatry.
Okay sure, there are certain songs from my past that I definitely wouldn't play driving in the car with my mom riding shotgun. I'm not talking about those songs. The songs that I was singing didn't have swear words or dirty language, but each one had the same recurring message regardless of the genre: relational idolatry.
I'm amazed at how passionately artists can sing about a single person, as if life without them would mean the Apocalypse. It's almost ridiculous. But this was the theme of every song I listened to, either explicitly or implicitly.
It reminded you of the days of high school and being so depressed because your crush didn't even look at you in 3rd period Spanish. And boy did that break your heart. Your world would come crashing down because a girl wouldn't give you the time of day.
You see, as foolish as that was, that was the extent of MY suffering in high school. It's funny how situations and occurrences like that would dictate my emotions for the day, week, or even the rest of the year. I was such a slave to that way of thinking that it would, in turn, affect my entire high school career. I'd worry about birthday parties, dances, and dates so much that it would take over your my mind. I just didn't want to be alone...
This corrupted way of thinking obviously leads to irrational acting. For me, this meant sitting in my on the brink of shedding tears over a failure to impress the "woman that I loved" with a corny joke. I recall even driving my car for miles down the freeway thinking about how great of a pair we would be, even though she didn't like me back. Of course, during this whole ordeal, I'd be singing with my buddies John Mayer and the Red Hot Chili Peppers who seemed to be the only people who could understand my suffering--go figure. However, the songs I sang didn't bring the healing to my heart that they promised. If anything, they only brought on deeper sorrow and anguish upon my unregenerate self.
High schoolers are emotional. Their world crumbles when a college denies their application, even more so with "relational Fails." They have enough teenage pathos to make them cry over small things like spilled milk; they don't need manipulative songs to corrupt them even more.
Look, it's easy to spot the songs about sex and drugs, that's not difficult. But I think that our young people are more susceptible to the songs with sweet melodic tones and deceivingly subtle lyrics. (I know that I WAS). This causes young people to idolize and elevate relationships to a dangerous level that may even damn their souls.
Man.. if teenage pop-singers who have no life experience can write a song about "true love," then I think we've lowered, skewed, and corrupted the biblical parameters of love. No longer does it reflect the nature of God, but it is the idolizing of relationships that masquerades as love.
So, how can you spot a song straight from the devil himself? Well, all you have to do is see if the song cultivates fleshly fruits in a person. If the song can get a 13-year-old to contemplate suicide over a minuscule relationship, then congratulations, you have successfully spotted a manipulative masterpiece straight from the father of lies.
If these young people continue to dwell in this plague, they will develop a sinful lifestyle.
They will become people who devote their efforts to a person instead of pursuing holiness. They will become people who see satisfaction with a sinner than with the Savior. They will become people who have sporadic emotions based on relational circumstances instead of having emotions based on the steadfastness of Grace. And finally, they will become people who are more afraid of loneliness than they are of a Holy God.
Our young people are afflicted by so many things. The world is targeting them because they are so spiritually weak. If we do not ground them with Divine truth, they will easily walk upon the crooked path. Discernment needs to be a part of the young person's vocabulary, so that they can filter through even the most subtle song lyric.
People, don't be fooled by the "cute" songs, because it is the cute ones that are directly from Satan. And it is the cute ones that could send you on a pathway to hell.
Look to the Savior. He will give you more joy than than any high school crush could ever give.
You see...
God is all you need, because God is all there is. Embrace His love, and He will embrace you forever.
-Micah
It isn't really going to be a break. Since I have a terrible memory, I made a Spring Break to-do list on Notepad, and that list has a few items that will keep me busy during my break. From sermon prep to applications, the future seems exciting. (Never a dull moment with Christ). Looks like next week might go from Spring Break to Spring Busy.
---
I was going through my old mp3s on my, now vintage, Dell Inspiron laptop. For some strange reason, I felt the need to backup my songs on the new HD that Jason got me. As I was transferring the songs, I started to play a bunch of my old favorites. I forgot how sweet these songs sounded! Every song I sang was so catchy the tunes were just amazing. I couldn't believe how much I still remembered after all these years. Every lyric rolled smoothly off my tongue as if it were high school all over again.
It was then that I realized exactly what I was singing.
In high school, you never really feel like you need to filter through the lyrics of songs. All you care about is how the song makes you feel (or how much it reminds you of the girl you like). Now, if you're wondering, I wasn't cussin' up a storm or anything. Give me a break... No, what made me step back wasn't the vulgarity of the lyrics, it was the idolatry.
Okay sure, there are certain songs from my past that I definitely wouldn't play driving in the car with my mom riding shotgun. I'm not talking about those songs. The songs that I was singing didn't have swear words or dirty language, but each one had the same recurring message regardless of the genre: relational idolatry.
I'm amazed at how passionately artists can sing about a single person, as if life without them would mean the Apocalypse. It's almost ridiculous. But this was the theme of every song I listened to, either explicitly or implicitly.
It reminded you of the days of high school and being so depressed because your crush didn't even look at you in 3rd period Spanish. And boy did that break your heart. Your world would come crashing down because a girl wouldn't give you the time of day.
You see, as foolish as that was, that was the extent of MY suffering in high school. It's funny how situations and occurrences like that would dictate my emotions for the day, week, or even the rest of the year. I was such a slave to that way of thinking that it would, in turn, affect my entire high school career. I'd worry about birthday parties, dances, and dates so much that it would take over your my mind. I just didn't want to be alone...
This corrupted way of thinking obviously leads to irrational acting. For me, this meant sitting in my on the brink of shedding tears over a failure to impress the "woman that I loved" with a corny joke. I recall even driving my car for miles down the freeway thinking about how great of a pair we would be, even though she didn't like me back. Of course, during this whole ordeal, I'd be singing with my buddies John Mayer and the Red Hot Chili Peppers who seemed to be the only people who could understand my suffering--go figure. However, the songs I sang didn't bring the healing to my heart that they promised. If anything, they only brought on deeper sorrow and anguish upon my unregenerate self.
High schoolers are emotional. Their world crumbles when a college denies their application, even more so with "relational Fails." They have enough teenage pathos to make them cry over small things like spilled milk; they don't need manipulative songs to corrupt them even more.
Look, it's easy to spot the songs about sex and drugs, that's not difficult. But I think that our young people are more susceptible to the songs with sweet melodic tones and deceivingly subtle lyrics. (I know that I WAS). This causes young people to idolize and elevate relationships to a dangerous level that may even damn their souls.
Man.. if teenage pop-singers who have no life experience can write a song about "true love," then I think we've lowered, skewed, and corrupted the biblical parameters of love. No longer does it reflect the nature of God, but it is the idolizing of relationships that masquerades as love.
So, how can you spot a song straight from the devil himself? Well, all you have to do is see if the song cultivates fleshly fruits in a person. If the song can get a 13-year-old to contemplate suicide over a minuscule relationship, then congratulations, you have successfully spotted a manipulative masterpiece straight from the father of lies.
If these young people continue to dwell in this plague, they will develop a sinful lifestyle.
They will become people who devote their efforts to a person instead of pursuing holiness. They will become people who see satisfaction with a sinner than with the Savior. They will become people who have sporadic emotions based on relational circumstances instead of having emotions based on the steadfastness of Grace. And finally, they will become people who are more afraid of loneliness than they are of a Holy God.
Our young people are afflicted by so many things. The world is targeting them because they are so spiritually weak. If we do not ground them with Divine truth, they will easily walk upon the crooked path. Discernment needs to be a part of the young person's vocabulary, so that they can filter through even the most subtle song lyric.
People, don't be fooled by the "cute" songs, because it is the cute ones that are directly from Satan. And it is the cute ones that could send you on a pathway to hell.
Look to the Savior. He will give you more joy than than any high school crush could ever give.
You see...
God is all you need, because God is all there is. Embrace His love, and He will embrace you forever.
-Micah
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Can't Sleep
It's 7:19 AM and I've been up for an hour.
When there is a lot on your mind, you tend to lose sleep. And sleep was difficult. As I was attempting to rest, I was thinking about so many different things and so many different people. Some who are a great concern to me; others who are a great encouragement. But what kept me up last night wasn't just the people--it was the battle that was fought my mind.
Don't you hate it when you're in a tug-of-war with your flesh? Sometimes, the idols from your past, which you thought were gone, suddenly reemerge at the worst of times. They make an unwanted cameo in your head and the temptations of old seem to have returned to flirt with you once more.
My fear was that I would relapse into my old ways of thinking. Never do I want to go back to how I was before. God, in His lovingkindness, has given me a new nature. And with that new nature comes a new LIFE. The desire to sin is gone. My idols have been tossed to the flame. However, I still struggle with wanting to retrieve that old eye I "plucked out" so very long ago.
God, help me; for I am doing the very thing I hate.... by thinking the way I use to think.
Btw, Happy Lord's Day all... I hope you're at a church that teaches the bible.
When there is a lot on your mind, you tend to lose sleep. And sleep was difficult. As I was attempting to rest, I was thinking about so many different things and so many different people. Some who are a great concern to me; others who are a great encouragement. But what kept me up last night wasn't just the people--it was the battle that was fought my mind.
Don't you hate it when you're in a tug-of-war with your flesh? Sometimes, the idols from your past, which you thought were gone, suddenly reemerge at the worst of times. They make an unwanted cameo in your head and the temptations of old seem to have returned to flirt with you once more.
My fear was that I would relapse into my old ways of thinking. Never do I want to go back to how I was before. God, in His lovingkindness, has given me a new nature. And with that new nature comes a new LIFE. The desire to sin is gone. My idols have been tossed to the flame. However, I still struggle with wanting to retrieve that old eye I "plucked out" so very long ago.
God, help me; for I am doing the very thing I hate.... by thinking the way I use to think.
Btw, Happy Lord's Day all... I hope you're at a church that teaches the bible.
Friday, March 18, 2011
*Emergent-cy* Universalist Sighted
Post-Modern ambiguity at its finest.
Come on Rob Bell, just answer the question.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
I'm Not as Bad as Them!
Who knew you could be so convicted by a digression.
Pastor Felix continued his series on 1 John today. I think we've all been having a blast as we've been journeying through the intricacies of the entire book.
Today, we looked specifically at 1 John 3:6-8.
Once we tackled v. 8, Pastor went into a tangent on Satan and his practice of sin "from the beginning." He referenced a few OT passages, but what stuck out the me was when he alluded to Satan's fall. Now, we all know that Satan fell because of PRIDE, but we fail to see the connection to us. Pastor drove the application point home when he brought our church under the microscope.
Our church definitely excels in the area of teaching and preaching, that is just a fact. However, there are many dangers to that. Several things come to mind: complacency, stoicism, or even intellectual idolatry. But the major sin would be, yes, pride. Pastor noted how much God has blessed us at that church, but he also warned of the potential dangers that come with it. Specifically, pride and arrogance when you compare yourself to others.
To be honest, I've always struggled with comparing myself to others. I relapse into that sometimes when I THINK I've done something "good." (Pats on backs and compliments are so dangerous!) In fact, I've only rationalized my sin by saying "Well, I'm not as bad as this person or that person, so it's no big deal." What a terrible mindset. Man, sometimes your tainted mind makes you degrade the people around you just so you can have an elevated view of yourself.
But the text was sobering.
v. 7 "Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous"
Pastor reminded us that when we look at ourselves, we don't compare our lives to anyone else but Christ. He is the standard--the people are not. You can think you look good amongst a bunch of sinners, but try comparing yourself to the spotless Savior--now what do you see?
I know, right? That'll bring you to your knees in an instant. If it doesn't, you probably have a manipulated view of yourself or a corrupted view of Christ.
Look, the standard of holiness comes from the perfect life of Christ. He sets the bar--your family, friends, and church do not. The NT says, pride comes before the fall. Satan fell because he had a high view of himself. He placed himself above everyone, even God. Let's not be like Satan and have an exaggerated introspection that sees us a "good," but let us have a sober life reflection that sees us for who we truly are--wretched sinners in need of a Redeemer. And finally, let's kill the pride and cultivate the humility. Easier said than done eh?
Instead of being prideful, let's do the meekness-limbo for Jesus and stay as low as possible. Sound good? Kay.
Peace outside!
Pastor Felix continued his series on 1 John today. I think we've all been having a blast as we've been journeying through the intricacies of the entire book.
Today, we looked specifically at 1 John 3:6-8.
Once we tackled v. 8, Pastor went into a tangent on Satan and his practice of sin "from the beginning." He referenced a few OT passages, but what stuck out the me was when he alluded to Satan's fall. Now, we all know that Satan fell because of PRIDE, but we fail to see the connection to us. Pastor drove the application point home when he brought our church under the microscope.
Our church definitely excels in the area of teaching and preaching, that is just a fact. However, there are many dangers to that. Several things come to mind: complacency, stoicism, or even intellectual idolatry. But the major sin would be, yes, pride. Pastor noted how much God has blessed us at that church, but he also warned of the potential dangers that come with it. Specifically, pride and arrogance when you compare yourself to others.
To be honest, I've always struggled with comparing myself to others. I relapse into that sometimes when I THINK I've done something "good." (Pats on backs and compliments are so dangerous!) In fact, I've only rationalized my sin by saying "Well, I'm not as bad as this person or that person, so it's no big deal." What a terrible mindset. Man, sometimes your tainted mind makes you degrade the people around you just so you can have an elevated view of yourself.
But the text was sobering.
v. 7 "Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous"
Pastor reminded us that when we look at ourselves, we don't compare our lives to anyone else but Christ. He is the standard--the people are not. You can think you look good amongst a bunch of sinners, but try comparing yourself to the spotless Savior--now what do you see?
I know, right? That'll bring you to your knees in an instant. If it doesn't, you probably have a manipulated view of yourself or a corrupted view of Christ.
Look, the standard of holiness comes from the perfect life of Christ. He sets the bar--your family, friends, and church do not. The NT says, pride comes before the fall. Satan fell because he had a high view of himself. He placed himself above everyone, even God. Let's not be like Satan and have an exaggerated introspection that sees us a "good," but let us have a sober life reflection that sees us for who we truly are--wretched sinners in need of a Redeemer. And finally, let's kill the pride and cultivate the humility. Easier said than done eh?
Instead of being prideful, let's do the meekness-limbo for Jesus and stay as low as possible. Sound good? Kay.
Peace outside!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Perspective
I think I've beat on the accountability drum so much that I've made you guys deaf. If you guys know me, you know how much I desire for all of you to surround yourself with Godly individuals. These are people who will not only correct you when you sin but will help you keep things in the correct perspective.
First, I want to talk about my day.
Shepherds' Conference was refreshing. The bookstore, like last year, was boomin. Books everywhere! And at a pretty good price too. But aside from the books, the highlight of the night was the fellowship and the preaching. I was able to meet Zach and Thomas' bible study group today at Grace Community Church. They came over to fellowship with us, and it was great to finally meet and minister to them even if it was for a short time.
Macarthur preached tonight. He went to Mark 11 where Christ curses the fig tree and goes to the temple. I wasn't sure how he was going to tie this in with ministry, but J-Mac sure brought the application out clearly, and we all went "Ahhh I see it now." I feel the weight of ministry, and I understand how much God cares about genuine worship.
As I rolled into Bong's driveway, we ended up talking for quite some time. When instances like this happen, I cry out to Lord with full appreciation of the men he has surrounded me with. We were able to discuss the things of the Lord in such a manner that really helped me to appreciate what God has given me. I won't reveal specifics, but I can tell you that the topics and the content of our conversation was sobering and refreshing. Sometimes you need older brothers/sisters to help you keep it all into the right perspective. It is SO easy to have a point of a view that is just mistaken and then rationalize your position. When you have people that love and care about you enough to share their wisdom, you cherish it more than the greatest riches of the planet.
Decisions aren't clear sometimes. Ministry is difficult. People are difficult.
But having someone that pours their life into you helps you in these confusing times. Yes, decisions are still hard to make, and these people may have just made it harder for you. But these people help remind you that sometimes the difficult road is the road to pleasing the Savior. And they care and love you enough to tell you the truth.
I have been infinitely blessed to be surrounded by brothers that will tell it to me straight. If you are a believer today and you have no one like that in your life, I urge you to find someone who will be like that to you.
You cannot run the race lone-ranger-style. You need to be with people that will steer you in the right direction. Too many friends influence us in making decisions full of error. We need to be with the right people who put us on the right track.
I'm done. Sorry I didn't revise this one. Forgive the errors, but I just wanted to talk about my day and what I've been meditating upon. Thanks Bong, for teaching and modeling it. We need more men and women who are bold enough to live out their convictions.
There are too many wimps out there care so much about reputation that they don't want to do what is difficult. Specifically, living a life of integrity and holiness.
Let's be that generation that models this life for the next generation. That would be the best discipleship: the example of a life that pleases God and not man.
First, I want to talk about my day.
Shepherds' Conference was refreshing. The bookstore, like last year, was boomin. Books everywhere! And at a pretty good price too. But aside from the books, the highlight of the night was the fellowship and the preaching. I was able to meet Zach and Thomas' bible study group today at Grace Community Church. They came over to fellowship with us, and it was great to finally meet and minister to them even if it was for a short time.
Macarthur preached tonight. He went to Mark 11 where Christ curses the fig tree and goes to the temple. I wasn't sure how he was going to tie this in with ministry, but J-Mac sure brought the application out clearly, and we all went "Ahhh I see it now." I feel the weight of ministry, and I understand how much God cares about genuine worship.
As I rolled into Bong's driveway, we ended up talking for quite some time. When instances like this happen, I cry out to Lord with full appreciation of the men he has surrounded me with. We were able to discuss the things of the Lord in such a manner that really helped me to appreciate what God has given me. I won't reveal specifics, but I can tell you that the topics and the content of our conversation was sobering and refreshing. Sometimes you need older brothers/sisters to help you keep it all into the right perspective. It is SO easy to have a point of a view that is just mistaken and then rationalize your position. When you have people that love and care about you enough to share their wisdom, you cherish it more than the greatest riches of the planet.
Decisions aren't clear sometimes. Ministry is difficult. People are difficult.
But having someone that pours their life into you helps you in these confusing times. Yes, decisions are still hard to make, and these people may have just made it harder for you. But these people help remind you that sometimes the difficult road is the road to pleasing the Savior. And they care and love you enough to tell you the truth.
I have been infinitely blessed to be surrounded by brothers that will tell it to me straight. If you are a believer today and you have no one like that in your life, I urge you to find someone who will be like that to you.
You cannot run the race lone-ranger-style. You need to be with people that will steer you in the right direction. Too many friends influence us in making decisions full of error. We need to be with the right people who put us on the right track.
I'm done. Sorry I didn't revise this one. Forgive the errors, but I just wanted to talk about my day and what I've been meditating upon. Thanks Bong, for teaching and modeling it. We need more men and women who are bold enough to live out their convictions.
There are too many wimps out there care so much about reputation that they don't want to do what is difficult. Specifically, living a life of integrity and holiness.
Let's be that generation that models this life for the next generation. That would be the best discipleship: the example of a life that pleases God and not man.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
The Death of Me
Matt. 10:38-39
"And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it."
If you want eternal life, you must die.
"And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it."
If you want eternal life, you must die.
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