1 Corinthians 13
Ok, I'll admit it. I like the Beatles, so the title of this piece is biased. But that's alright with me.
John Lennon was correct when he wrote those lyrics. They are some of the most profound, and yet blatantly obvious words, ever spoken. And probably somewhat misunderstood. Because in today's society, love is anything but Love. Love has been used to express feelings ("I love music") and the status of a relationship ("We're in Love"). Love is seen as something that happens. One little change, and the Love is gone. But that's not how it works.
In this chapter, Paul reminds of the characteristics of Love. Love is what makes spiritual matters important. Love is perfect. Love never fails. Love does not anger easily (this, however, is not to say that Love does not anger). In short, Love is more important than anything else.
Why is this? It is because all Love comes from God. The Love of God, shown on the Cross at Calvary, is obviously his gift to us. But so is the Love for God, family, and friends.
But there's another reason. A deeper one. Love is so much more than just a gift from God, but as we learn in 1 John 4:7-21, God IS Love.
Rock on.
09 August 2006
11 July 2006
Ministry
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
What does the perfect ministry look like? Is it a Billy Graham crusade? Is it Cornerstone?
How is the perfect ministry performed? Through speaking? Music? Writing?
Obviously, this is a hypothetical question. No ministry except for that of Christ has ever been or ever will be perfect. But more than that, there is no formula for the "best" ministry.
The reason for this is quite simple: Relationships. To reach someone, you must be able to relate to them, on an intellectual, spiritual, and emotional level. To reach the Jew, you must become like the Jew. To reach the weak, you must become weak.
To relate to someone, you have to do several things: Hear. This is most important. Speak. But only after hearing. And relating. Not only does this show that you heard, but that you understood and that you know what the person is going through.
And out of the three, relating is most important. It's not only how you can relate to the person, but how God can relate.
After all, Christianity itself is a relationship.
Rock on.
What does the perfect ministry look like? Is it a Billy Graham crusade? Is it Cornerstone?
How is the perfect ministry performed? Through speaking? Music? Writing?
Obviously, this is a hypothetical question. No ministry except for that of Christ has ever been or ever will be perfect. But more than that, there is no formula for the "best" ministry.
The reason for this is quite simple: Relationships. To reach someone, you must be able to relate to them, on an intellectual, spiritual, and emotional level. To reach the Jew, you must become like the Jew. To reach the weak, you must become weak.
To relate to someone, you have to do several things: Hear. This is most important. Speak. But only after hearing. And relating. Not only does this show that you heard, but that you understood and that you know what the person is going through.
And out of the three, relating is most important. It's not only how you can relate to the person, but how God can relate.
After all, Christianity itself is a relationship.
Rock on.
29 June 2006
Double or Nothing
Isaiah 7-11
Everyone knows the prophecies about Christ that are contained hin these chapters. "The virgin will be with child...", "For to us a child is born...", and A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse...". Taken in that sense, they are obvious predictions about Christ. But what about context?
The chapters in which they are contained relate to the invasion of Israel, and the Lord's protection of the same. And this is where things get interesting. Double meanings. Yes, you heard (or rather read) me correctly. The propheices are God assuring his protection of Israel. Twice. Once against various enemies (Assyria, the Lower Kingdom, etc), and later against sin. These prophecies were fulfilled twice. The second time, they were fulfilled perfectly through Christ Jesus.
Rock on.
Everyone knows the prophecies about Christ that are contained hin these chapters. "The virgin will be with child...", "For to us a child is born...", and A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse...". Taken in that sense, they are obvious predictions about Christ. But what about context?
The chapters in which they are contained relate to the invasion of Israel, and the Lord's protection of the same. And this is where things get interesting. Double meanings. Yes, you heard (or rather read) me correctly. The propheices are God assuring his protection of Israel. Twice. Once against various enemies (Assyria, the Lower Kingdom, etc), and later against sin. These prophecies were fulfilled twice. The second time, they were fulfilled perfectly through Christ Jesus.
Rock on.
27 June 2006
A Political Post - w00t
Today, I bought several books to include Common Sense (Thomas Paine) (for those who don't know, this book was the pamphlet that inspired the masses to rise up against the Crown during the American Revolution). As I read it, I find myself blown away.
I first became interested in politics in the ninth grade and my main source of information was Fox News (I watched it religously, but fortunately, I've grown up). In tenth grade, I took a step back to study World and European History (which, after comparing the American Revolution and the Jacobin's Reign of Terror during the French Revolution, greatly affected (effected?) my view of the role of government). During US History, I decided to take George Washington's advice and avoid political parties. This year during Economics, I declared myself a true captialist, advocating merely enough government control to protect the people from their own greed.
As I read through the first section of Common Sense ("Of the origin and design of government in general."), I am reminded of why I believe what I believe. Though a Deist, Paine makes an allusion to the fall of man, saying, "Government, like dress, is the badge of losts innocence...." Paine states that the role of government is to provide security for the least possible intrusion into our lives.
Which brings me to why I am an independent. Aside from the distraction of partisan politics, all parties get it wrong. The Democrats try to intrude economically, while the Republicans try to intrude morally (and though not always a bad thing, they focus on a lot of the wrong things *cough*flag burning*cough*). Third party candidates often hold extremist views (Green, etc).
This post really serves a duel purpose - 1) it explains why I am so weird; and 2) it gives you something to think about (hopefully, I may even convince someone to make the change).
Rock on.
I first became interested in politics in the ninth grade and my main source of information was Fox News (I watched it religously, but fortunately, I've grown up). In tenth grade, I took a step back to study World and European History (which, after comparing the American Revolution and the Jacobin's Reign of Terror during the French Revolution, greatly affected (effected?) my view of the role of government). During US History, I decided to take George Washington's advice and avoid political parties. This year during Economics, I declared myself a true captialist, advocating merely enough government control to protect the people from their own greed.
As I read through the first section of Common Sense ("Of the origin and design of government in general."), I am reminded of why I believe what I believe. Though a Deist, Paine makes an allusion to the fall of man, saying, "Government, like dress, is the badge of losts innocence...." Paine states that the role of government is to provide security for the least possible intrusion into our lives.
Which brings me to why I am an independent. Aside from the distraction of partisan politics, all parties get it wrong. The Democrats try to intrude economically, while the Republicans try to intrude morally (and though not always a bad thing, they focus on a lot of the wrong things *cough*flag burning*cough*). Third party candidates often hold extremist views (Green, etc).
This post really serves a duel purpose - 1) it explains why I am so weird; and 2) it gives you something to think about (hopefully, I may even convince someone to make the change).
Rock on.
21 June 2006
The Futility of Wisdom
Isaiah 1 and 2
I Corinthinians 1 and 2
I started reading Isaiah and Corinthians wondering what they could possibly have in common. After all, Isaiah is a prophetic book and the Corinthians are letters advising a church. But, as usual, God had a surprise in store for me.
I like to think that I am smart. Furthermore, I try to gain wisdom. After all, Proverbs highly recommends it. So you can imagine my dismay when I read in Isaiah that everything of man (though a prophecy concerning Israel, connections to different times can be seen) will fail. All earthly power, strength, society, culture, everything that is of man. Down the tubes. Including the wisdom of man. There will come a day when God reigns over all the Earth and all of humanity is fully dependent on Him.
In 1 Corinthians, Paul reminds us that true wisdom is from the Spirit, the very wisdom of God. Furthermore, he says that Christ is the Wisdom of God. In such, when we accept Christ, we admit that our wisdom has failed. We become fully dependent on him. When we become dependent on him, we are forgiven.
"'Come now, let us reason together,' says the Lord. 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.'" - Isaiah 1:18
Rock on.
I Corinthinians 1 and 2
I started reading Isaiah and Corinthians wondering what they could possibly have in common. After all, Isaiah is a prophetic book and the Corinthians are letters advising a church. But, as usual, God had a surprise in store for me.
I like to think that I am smart. Furthermore, I try to gain wisdom. After all, Proverbs highly recommends it. So you can imagine my dismay when I read in Isaiah that everything of man (though a prophecy concerning Israel, connections to different times can be seen) will fail. All earthly power, strength, society, culture, everything that is of man. Down the tubes. Including the wisdom of man. There will come a day when God reigns over all the Earth and all of humanity is fully dependent on Him.
In 1 Corinthians, Paul reminds us that true wisdom is from the Spirit, the very wisdom of God. Furthermore, he says that Christ is the Wisdom of God. In such, when we accept Christ, we admit that our wisdom has failed. We become fully dependent on him. When we become dependent on him, we are forgiven.
"'Come now, let us reason together,' says the Lord. 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.'" - Isaiah 1:18
Rock on.
19 June 2006
What I Learned In Narnia
I love C.S. Lewis. Ever since I read The Screwtape Letters a year ago, he has been my favorite author. So it may come as a surprise to some who have heard me constantly speak of him that I have not read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe until now (the movie doesn't do justice to Mr. Lewis's inherent charm).
Like most, I saw something very familiar in Aslan. The humiliating death for sins which he did not commit, resurrection (those to first see him after the resurrection were women, as well), being Son of the Emperor, yes Aslan is the Christ-figure of story. After Aslan's resurrection, he said something that really spoke to me.
"But if she could have looked a little further back, into the stillness and the darkness befroe Time dawned, she would have read there a different incantation. She would have known that when a willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitor's stead, the Table would crack and Death itself would start working backwards."
What did this say to me?
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." - Romans 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 6:23
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8
Long live the True King
Rock on.
Like most, I saw something very familiar in Aslan. The humiliating death for sins which he did not commit, resurrection (those to first see him after the resurrection were women, as well), being Son of the Emperor, yes Aslan is the Christ-figure of story. After Aslan's resurrection, he said something that really spoke to me.
"But if she could have looked a little further back, into the stillness and the darkness befroe Time dawned, she would have read there a different incantation. She would have known that when a willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitor's stead, the Table would crack and Death itself would start working backwards."
What did this say to me?
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." - Romans 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 6:23
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8
Long live the True King
Rock on.
29 May 2006
What Makes a Man?
One issue that has been on my mind lately is: What does it take to be a man? This is a question that I though I knew the answer to. But apparently, I didn't.
There are all sorts of ways to answer this question: biologically, legally, culturally, etc. All of these have set answers. But what about the most important way to be a man: in the eyes of God?
Giving it some thought, I think I may have figured it out. At least partially. Being a man takes wisdom and love. Wisdom to know and APPLY the Word. Love to love God with all your heart, mind and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself.
"Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." - Proverbs 4:7
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13
Rock On.
There are all sorts of ways to answer this question: biologically, legally, culturally, etc. All of these have set answers. But what about the most important way to be a man: in the eyes of God?
Giving it some thought, I think I may have figured it out. At least partially. Being a man takes wisdom and love. Wisdom to know and APPLY the Word. Love to love God with all your heart, mind and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself.
"Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." - Proverbs 4:7
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13
Rock On.
27 May 2006
Late Night Conversations with a Battle Buddy
I don't know how to describe it. Simply inspiring.
Last night (OK, so I got in at One AM and am typing this shortly thereafter. Does it still count as tonight?), I went to see X-Men 3 with my friend, Hunter. That's not the awesome part (the movie was sub-par). Afterwards, we sat around and talked for two hours. The discussion covered almost everything imaginable. It was one of the most intense spiritual moments ever.
I hear people talking about there accountability partners all the time, but have never really had one. But after tonight, let me tell you: hearing people talk about how important they are can never prepare you for when you actually find one.
Go. Get one. Now.
Rock on.
Last night (OK, so I got in at One AM and am typing this shortly thereafter. Does it still count as tonight?), I went to see X-Men 3 with my friend, Hunter. That's not the awesome part (the movie was sub-par). Afterwards, we sat around and talked for two hours. The discussion covered almost everything imaginable. It was one of the most intense spiritual moments ever.
I hear people talking about there accountability partners all the time, but have never really had one. But after tonight, let me tell you: hearing people talk about how important they are can never prepare you for when you actually find one.
Go. Get one. Now.
Rock on.
23 May 2006
Graduation and Such
This weekend was, well, this weekend. I got out of school on Tuesday (w00t) and had Wednesday to do nothing (double w00t). Then my grandparents arrived on Wednesday night, I had Awards Night practice and Baccalaureate(sp) on Thursday, followed by FCA (yeah, I went to school at 6:45 after being released), Graduation practice, and picking up my sister on Friday. Saturday held the longest four hours of my life: Senior Awards Night. Then Sunday: Grajamanation (i is edukatet. i is a hi skool gradate!) and the awesomenastic party put on by the school. Oh, the fun.
And today? Uber sleep!
Random rambling about my week aside, there was something odd about Graduation. For the past few weeks (since Prom, really), I've had this feeling of, "Oh, crud. I'm not ready for this." But as I walked across the stage on Sunday night, those feelings kinda vanished. I realized that I'm going to miss my friends, but now I'm moving on to bigger things. No, I'm not ready to make it in the real world yet. That's what college is for.
Rock on.
And today? Uber sleep!
Random rambling about my week aside, there was something odd about Graduation. For the past few weeks (since Prom, really), I've had this feeling of, "Oh, crud. I'm not ready for this." But as I walked across the stage on Sunday night, those feelings kinda vanished. I realized that I'm going to miss my friends, but now I'm moving on to bigger things. No, I'm not ready to make it in the real world yet. That's what college is for.
Rock on.
16 May 2006
Three Years In a Shoebox, Four Years On a Bookshelf
Today is the last day of my senior year. As with the end of each school year, I have turned in everythign: my JROTC uniform, my textbooks, and my library books. My locker has been cleaned out and is now back to the valiant shade of school-gray.
Looking back at four years of high school, I realized something. What do I have to show for it? All of my ribbons, medals, ranks, and other various uniform items from JROTC, three years, worth of memories, are sitting in a shoebox in my room. Four years worth of yearbooks and FCA ministry material now sit on my bookshelf. I can't help but think: Is this all I have to show for my time in school? A few books and ribbons?
Or is there something more? Is there something more to high school than just the activities that I was involved in and the classes I took? In fact, there is. Over four years, I have great memories. Everything from the pseudo-philosophical conversations at Bible study ("They will know we are Christians by are kilts") to the random with friends (filming hobos in Colorado) to the just plain weird in class (Mr. Wisner's analysis of the Smurfs as Communist). I can look back on high school and say that I not only learned the curriculum, but I also learned about life. I can discuss both the impact of World War I on the Vietnam War and why it's a bad idea to eat six Zebra cakes in under five minutes (don't ask).
Rock on.
Looking back at four years of high school, I realized something. What do I have to show for it? All of my ribbons, medals, ranks, and other various uniform items from JROTC, three years, worth of memories, are sitting in a shoebox in my room. Four years worth of yearbooks and FCA ministry material now sit on my bookshelf. I can't help but think: Is this all I have to show for my time in school? A few books and ribbons?
Or is there something more? Is there something more to high school than just the activities that I was involved in and the classes I took? In fact, there is. Over four years, I have great memories. Everything from the pseudo-philosophical conversations at Bible study ("They will know we are Christians by are kilts") to the random with friends (filming hobos in Colorado) to the just plain weird in class (Mr. Wisner's analysis of the Smurfs as Communist). I can look back on high school and say that I not only learned the curriculum, but I also learned about life. I can discuss both the impact of World War I on the Vietnam War and why it's a bad idea to eat six Zebra cakes in under five minutes (don't ask).
Rock on.
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