Is The Bible True?

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Steve Falkenberg, professor of religious psychology at Eastern Kentucky University, says, "I've never met anyone who actually believes the Bible is literally true. I know a bunch of people who say they believe the Bible is literally true but nobody is actually a literalist. Taken literally, the Bible says the earth is flat and setting on pillars and cannot move (Ps 93:1, Ps 96:10, 1 Sam 2:8, Job 9:6). It says that great sea monsters are set to guard the edge of the sea (Job 41, Ps 104:26)..."

Q: So, is the Bible true?

A: Yes!

The Bible being true (inerrant or infallible) doesn't mean (at least to me) that some stories are actually just that, stories told to communicate deeper truth to help mankind.

So was Job a real guy who suffered greatly and never turned his back on God? I believe he was a real guy, who really lived and really didn't turn his back on God during his suffering. But, even if it's a made-up story to communicate a deeper truth about suffering, that doesn't bother me. Now, some people (right-wing-conservative-fundamentalists) think that to believe Job (or any other story, i.e Noah & the Ark, Jonah & the Whale) to be just a made-up story is to discredit the entire Bible. I don't see it that way and I would probably be considered by some to be a conservative fundamental Christian (usually it's the super-liberal crowd who would see me that way.) I believe I am a moderate ... meaning I am in the middle on many issues facing Christianity. And I also am, for whatever reason, gracious towards others positions on scripture and I believe that that is a position we as Christ followers should all have towards on another.

I have met many wonderful Christians with different views then me, and we could cuss and discuss the issues and walk away friends. To me that is a true sign of Christianity at work.

So back to the question at hand; I do believe the Bible to be truly the word and work of God through human-beings inspired by the Holy Spirit and that the Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

All that said, let's be intelligent thinking people here ... the Bible doesn't need to be defended when there are apparent errors (and there are) or inconsistencies (which there are) translation problems (which there are) ... we do not need to hide those things or explain them away or try to cover them up for fear of the whole thing coming apart. It's still the living breathing word of God, and it speaks for itself.

Just my thoughts!

I Can Choose, Right?

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For many many years there has been a debate about Man's Free Will to chose vs. Predestination, God sovereignly chooses for us or the more religious crowd would understand when I say - Calvinism vs. Arminianism.

When people ask me if I am Calvinist or Armenian I say yes. I think that they co-exist, and this is what makes God so amazing; some how these two can exist at the same time (this is so clear in scripture). I do not believe it's an either-or here. But unfortunately in too much of the Christian world you must pick sides ... so I pick both sides. This is my short answer!

Comfortable Being Me

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Here I am, 41 years old and I am just finally comfortable being me. Isn't that crazy, at 41 finding myself. Lol!

I have never been your stereotypical pastor type ... it's one reason I questioned God when He called me into full time ministry back in 1988. I had a killer mullet when God called me, and because of my background AND the Bible College I decided to attend, I cut it all off. I don't regret it because the mullet was going out of style anyway.

This was the beginning of a life spent trying to conform and fit in. Trying to be a "pastor" ... in every way - trying to look like one, talk like one, smell like one (don't ask!) dress like one, preach like one, pray like one, etc. All in an attempt to fit into the little pastor box I had created in my mind. Well I just didn't fit. Never have, never will.

I've always loved Jesus with all my heart and never felt that God cared much about my hairstyle, my cologne, my suit or jeans ... but the church seemed to care a lot about such things ... hence the reason I didn't fit in. I even had well meaning pastor friends tell me that if I'd cut my hair and wear a suit that I would get more respect. And I always thought that if I'd just live and be respectable then I would get respect? I didn't realize it was about "looking" respectable that mattered?

And may I add that this isn't about OTHERS,this is about MY OWN perception from my upbringing and much of it is from my own self talk through the years that I am just finally getting free from. And I am becoming more and more okay that God called a guy who looks more like a California Surfer, or Country Music star then a Pastor. When I am out and about town I am never guessed as a pastor. Usually people think I am lying and they laugh waiting for the punchline ... the punchline never comes ... I really am a pastor.

I am who I am; a man who loves Jesus more then anything in this world, a husband who is crazy in love with a beautiful women I call wife and a father who cares more deeply for two adorable children then I thought I'd could ever care about something and then finally I am the pastor of the best church in all the world here in Kansas City called Mercy Church. God has brought some of the greatest people on the planet to Mercy Church that I get to share life with ... maybe it's you! Thank you for allowing me to be ME!

In closing I will just tell you that finding yourself and being comfortable with who you are is so freeing and fun. I am having more fun living my life now than almost any other time in my life ... I enjoy my wife, children, friends, and job so much more now.

Challenge:

Who are you? Are you comfortable being you? Have you found yourself?

Anyone Else Out There?

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I have been asked on numerous occasions if I felt that there were aliens or anyone other than "us" living out there somewhere in the universe, or in another universe or solar system. And I definitely lean toward the idea that we are it as it pertains to intelligent life anywhere other than Earth. And there are several reasons I believe this:

1) In the creation Story when God created everything - the only intelligent things He created were Humans, Animals and Angels. There is no mention of any other intelligent life forms. i.e. Martians, Venetians, Jupiterians, etc.

*Obviously this does not mean that He didn't create other life and just didn't mention it in the Bible. I mean, let's be honest here! I do believe that it is possible there is life out there ... I just don't think there is.

2) There isn't any substantial proof of intelligent life on other planets. I am not a big UFO or Alien sighting person. I thinks it's all a hoax. I have a good friend who believes in that stuff, and I do not make fun of him for doing so, but i just don't believe it. I of course believe Unidentified Flying Objects ... have seen several myself, but I am sure someone who knows their plans could have cleared the air for me and said, "that's a 747 Timmy!"

3) Bible says God created everything that is, including Earth, Planets, the Heavens - Sun, Moon and the Stars ... why wouldn't He mention life else where? Maybe because He didn't create life else where.

The Bible is rather silent on the issue, so I am simply giving you my pastoral opinion - take it or leave it. I am not trying to change what you believe about it. I honestly don't think God cares whether you believe in Aliens or not. I do think the movie was great though!

Na Noo, Na Noo!

Working From Home Successfully

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I started working from home back in 1994, just 6 months after getting married. I created a diamond wholesale/retail business to help make quality Engagement Rings affordable for poor college students. It actually started with my own search for a Diamond Engagement Ring for Jana back in December of 1993 when I proposed just 2 1/2 months after starting to date (when you know, you know.)

I have learned a few things over the years to make working from home work and here they are. This list is not all inclusive, I mean there are several little things that are obvious (at least to me anyway, i.e. keep good records, be professional, have a computer, give great customer service, etc. etc.) I even dressed up (yes I wore a tie) when walking from my bedroom to office-bedroom to start my day. I dressed for success for the industry I was in and because I was so young at the time I felt it was important to dress up for credibility. Times have changed today ... I do not feel this is as necessary, though depending on the industry it may very well be. Being a pastor I dress casual, but nice (*I don't wear flip flops, t-shirts, jean-shorts or anything ... of course this is because we live in Kansas ... if I lived in california I would) and I wear suits when I must (wedding, funerals, etc.)

*I am talking about when I am at church ... I wear all the things above when I am at home, or when I don't have any appointments ... obviously God doesn't get offended at flip flops, T-shirts or jeans ... only religious people do that, and God isn't religious.

All that said, you must find what works for you and the people you are working with.

1) SET a schedule.

In other words, HAVE OFFICE HOURS!

2) KEEP your schedule.

Don't let petty NON-WORK things mess up your work. If your office hours are 9 - 5pm then work 9 - 5pm!

3) INFORM family of your schedule.

This is huge. I remember after we had our first child, Jana would assume "since I was home" that I could watch our little bundle of Joy while she ran errands. And though I was "home" I couldn't work and watch our child at the same time (now this would be different if I had too ... like if I was a single father, or if you are a single mother, then you do what you need to do to make it work) but in my case Jana was a stay-at-home mom so I needed her to do what she did so I could do what I did to earn the money so we could live in a house, not in our mini-van down by the river!

4) Family should HONOR your schedule.

So if you are a spouse of a "work-from-home" person ... let him/her work! If they don't work, they don't get their job done, and when they don't get their job done they don't get money and if they don't make money, you don't have money, and when you don't have money you live in a van down by the river ... and that sucks!

5) Create a WORK area.

This can be the kitchen table, but I recommend have "a place", some place in the home you can set up shop. You don't need to spend a bunch of money, but you need to have a spot that is "your office" and everyone knows "that's mommy's/daddy's office."

Plus, this helps you get in the mode to work when you enter that spot. At least it does for me.

Peace to you and I wish you the best!

Enjoy Life w/Friends

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Wednesday, April 14th I celebrated my 41st Birthday with all my dear friends! And not only do I have wonderful friends, but we had an outstanding time just enjoying each others company. We told jokes, we laughed, we broke bread, we drank wine and the guys all had a cigar to celebrate my birthday. It was a grand time.

I had someone on facebook tell me that life should be enjoyed, and sometimes we all need to be reminded of that!

CHALLENGE:

Remember to enjoy life, even when life isn't all that enjoyable you can make the best of it! And when I think of what Jesus words, "I've come that you may have life and have it to the full ..." He meant it! So decide to enjoy your life ... and your friends!

Jumping for Joy

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I am convinced that there is one KEY to happiness, and that is PURPOSE. Living for a purpose greater than ourselves. If and when we spend most all our time focused on ourselves we grow more and more depressed, but when we can forget about ourselves (for the most part) and focus on helping others, or serving a greater purpose ... we have JOY!

Christ gives meaning to an otherwise meaningless existence!

John 10:10b Jesus said, "... I have come that you may have life and have it to the full."

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Virginity

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I still hold a very classic few on sexuality even though in our society today I may seem old fashion. I don't find following God's standards for sexuality to be "old fashion."

Let me start by saying that though I hold a classic view (Biblical view) for saving yourself till you are in a committed relationship (which I believe to be marriage) I was unable to keep my self pure until my wedding day. I wish I had been able to save myself for my one and only bride, though I do not live with regrets because what's done is done ... no point in crying over spilt milk.

So I guess this little blog entry is for 2 different groups of people - those who are still virgins, and those who were maybe a little wild in your younger days.

STILL A VIRGIN

What can I say that you may have already been told by many others? I don't know. First, saving yourself for your spouse is God's Ideal ... meaning it's God's best. And if you care about living God's best life, then wait till you are married to have sex. Secondly, having sex with just anyone, even when you "think" you are in-love, just muddies-up the emotions of what you really feel towards someone. You actually will find yourself emotionally attached to someone that you normally wouldn't be attached too. Being physically involved with someone messes up your true feelings and can make you make some really stupid decisions that you will later regret! Trust me, I do know what I am talking about! Lastly, if someone really really loves you they will honor you and your commitment to remain pure ... if they disrespect that than just mark my words they will disrespect you in other ways later in the relationship - guaranteed!

WILD PAST

Unfortunately, this was the life I chose to live from 17 to 20 years old and it took me many years to forgive myself for living so contrary to God's ideal for my life. I finally was able to forgive myself and receive God's love and forgiveness and not continue to punish myself for my past. This may sound corny, but you can become a virgin in your heart again. Okay, it does sound corny, but yet it's true. God can restore you heart and make you clean.

The great news about God is that He stands waiting to forgive us of our sins when we confess them, and turn from them.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Sex is a GIFT from God to a marriage! In my opinion it's the BEST gift! And we got some really cool stuff for our wedding, but none of them touched the gift that God gave us ... and it's a gift that keeps on giving, even after 15 years it's like it was just given to us ... never will it go out of date!

So, to the single person I challenge you to not be careless with the gift that you one day will give to your spouse ... cherish it, keep it ... don't share it with others ... your spouse will be so blessed if you do this.

To the married person, enjoy this gift with your spouse often!

Parents Matter Most

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Let me start by giving you my "disclaimer" as to not be mis-understood by what I am going to say in this blog entry.

DISCLAIMER: The churches I attended as a child were wonderful churches with wonderful pastors. What I am going to say is absolutely NO reflection on them in anyway. I also was in a great school system with great teachers who loved education and children. What I am going to say in NO reflection on them either. I only want to talk about WHO plays the MOST IMPORTANT role in a child's life; I believe it to be the PARENTS!

Parents, listen up!

I am who I am today not because of the churches I attended, (though they played a role, but NOT the primary role)or the schools I attended (they played a role as well, but NOT the primary role), or the teachers who taught me (though they played a role, just not the primary role), or the friends I hung with (though they played a role, just not the primary role.) On and on I could go ... I am who I am because of my parents influence on my, day in and day out!

I do believe that EACH OF THESE and those I didn't mention (employers, peers, culture, etc) played a large part in who I am today, no doubt! But I contend that who I am today PRIMARILY falls in the lap of my parents. I, fortunately, had wonderful God fearing parents who dragged my lazy rebellious rear to church every Sunday until I left home at 19 years old. This is something I am extremely thankful for today! Parents, I don't care if your kids want to go to church or not, they go, and of course this would mean that you can't be a lazy-rear and not go ... it's hard to get them to understand the importance of God/Church when we don't faithfully model this.

Parents, we are our kids role model whether we like it or not. You want your kids to be honest, then YOU be honest! You want your kids to have a good work ethic, then you model a good work ethic, you want your kids to love God, then you model a life that loves God!

SCHOOL

Kids attend school 9 months out of the year, which translates into roughly 180 days of school, and about 1,200 hours in class with the teacher. Parents spend pretty much 365 days with their kids and 3420 hours a year with their kids. (obviously the numbers change a bit according to parents schedule)

In my opinion School, Church, Employers should all compliment what we AS PARENTS have drilled into our kids hearts and minds! Or at least help prepare them when they step out into the real world, on their own, they have had godly role models day in and day out for 18 plus years to help them make right decisions.

Yet another disclaimer: If your kids are not making good decisions, and have maybe gotten themselves into trouble this isn't necessarily a reflection on you! Kids make their own decision that sometimes fly contrary to everything we modeled and taught! So, be encouraged!

I encourage us as parents with this; we definitely have better odds of our kids turning out right if we model for them what a "right" life looks like ... but just as Jesus modeled for us the perfect life, we still live contrary to His example, and He is perfect.

And lastly, God was Adam and Eve's only role model and He was absolutely perfect and they still chose to disobey and eat the forbidden fruit ... so take heart!