Remember the Sabbath

One of the issues our family has struggled with over the years is the idea of "keeping the Sabbath." What exactly does it mean? Is it still necessary for New Testament believers? How much emphasis should it get? How much should we encourage others to do likewise? And so on.

Recently, I read a fairly short, to the point and helpful article on this over at the reformation21.org site. It was written by Rick Phillips, senior minister of Second Presbyterian Church in Greenville, S.C., . I would encourage you to read this post on Advice for Sabbath-keeping.

I know this will not answer any and all questions. I know I still have some examination to do on the issue myself, but I find myself leaning more and more toward agreement with Phillips and others in this camp. You may disagree, but I hope you'll at least take time to read the article, read the Scriptures he cites and prayerfully considering remembering the Sabbath more faithfully.

Conference Update

Although I missed the Grace Camp Meeting at Rockport Baptist Church this past weekend, I was delighted to discover that ALL 14 messages are available online to download. You can read Pastor Scott's blog entry on the conference itself, and you can go to SermonAudio.com to download any or all the conference messages. I haven't listened to all of them yet, but I'm sure you'll be blessed by each of these men of God as they break the Bread of Life. Ah, ain't technology great!

That's My Boy!

Sorry, but it's proud daddy time again. Deacon Jim took me and Nathanael out turkey hunting for the very first time this weekend for youth season. And on his first try, first day, first shot, Nathanael got himself a big ol' tom. Go to our family site for more details.

The Liberal Agenda

As so often happens, I have no original thoughts here. But there are several posts I've read elsewhere lately that remind us of what the liberal agenda is all about and how at odds it is with both the facts and common sense morality:

Regarding Life:
Rod Albert's Press On blog about Obama comments

Regarding Morality:
Story on Planned Parenthood's "advice" to teens

Regarding "Climate Change:"
From Andy Barnett's Culture War blog about the facts vs. fiction

Regarding more of Obama's questionable background:
Mentored by a communist?

For those who just want to know more about a Christian View of voting, etc. :
Listen to this from Scott Brown's blog

The point of all this is simple: The liberal folks have a definite agenda for this nation, and it has nothing to do with taxes or the war in Iraq. It has everything to do with a secular humanistic worldview that will take us further and further from our Christian national roots. Christians need to stand up and take notice of these things and not stick our heads in the sand or be swayed by the slick PR campaign being waged.

Obama does have one thing right. It is about "hope." But he has none to offer. Our only hope is to turn to Christ and away from this continued moral slide we're in. May God have mercy on us.

Homeschool Freedom - Update

For those who have an interest in the California case which in some ways has become a threat to homeschool freedom, here is the latest update sent out by the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA):

Court of Appeal Grants Petition for Re-hearing

On March 25, the California Court of Appeal granted a motion for rehearing in the 'In re Rachel L.' case--the controversial decision which purported to ban all homeschooling in that state unless the parents held a teaching license qualifying them to teach in public schools.

The automatic effect of granting this motion is that the prior opinion is vacated and is no longer binding on any one, including the parties in the case.

The Court of Appeal has solicited a number of public school establishment organizations to submit amicus briefs including the California Superintendent of Public Instruction, California Department of Education, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and three California teacher unions. The court also granted permission to Sunland Christian School to file an amicus brief. The order also indicates that it will consider amicus applications from other groups.

Home School Legal Defense Association will seek permission to file such an amicus brief and will coordinate efforts with a number of organizations interesting in filing briefs to support the right of parents to homeschool their children in California.

"This is a great first step," said Michael Farris, chairman of HSLDA. "We are very glad that this case will be reheard and that this opinion has been vacated, but there is no guarantee as to what the ultimate outcome will be. This case remains our top priority," he added

This is truly good news at this point. I urge you to keep praying about this case. As I've said in response to some earlier comments, regardless of the particulars in this one family, the phrasing of the courts judgment was the concern. We need to continue to fight for the rights of parents to raise and educate their children according to biblical principles, including the freedom to homeschool.

Another Great Conference Opportunity

As long as I'm plugging conferences, I thought some might be interested in this one. My friend Scott Lee at Rockport Baptist in Arnold, MO (St. Louis Area) is hosting this Grace Camp Meeting and Bible Conference. The dates are April 10-13, starting Thursday night at 7:00 and going through Sunday morning.

One of my all time favorite preachers, Paul Washer, will be one of the speakers. He is the director of the HeartCry Missionary Society and one of the most intense, challenging, biblically sound men of God I've had the privilege of hearing.

Unfortunately, due to commitments within our own fellowship, I'll not be able to attend. I would love to be there, since this church is only minutes from my folks house, but it just won't happen this year. But I did want to do what advertising I could for this event because I know that it will be a blessing to any and all who attend.

Defending Your Faith Family Conference

I just wanted to call your attention to what promises to be an outstanding family get-away. The ministry of Answers in Genesis (AiG) is sponsoring a “Defending Your Faith Family Conference” this summer in Branson, Missouri. Billed as “a spiritual feast for the family,” it will be held July 15-18 at the Tri-Lakes Center in Branson. Personally, I’m excited about the opportunity to hear some of the men I respect most on issues of faith and family. The speakers include:

Ken Ham, founder of AiG and an expert on Creation issues.

Voddie Baucham, pastor of Grace Family Baptist Church in Spring, TX; author of Family Driven Faith, and respected speaker on issues like family and cultural apologetics.

Doug Phillips, founder of Vision Forum Ministries and champion of the Biblical family, Biblical manhood and womanhood, etc.

Carl Kerby, founding board member of AiG, and one of their most popular speakers.

Since we’re short on funds around our place, we’ve decided to make this our family vacation for the year. What’s so great is that Cheryl and the kids are as excited about this trip as I am. I can’t think of a better way to spend our time and money that to get the whole family together for a few days of learning from these men, fellowship with like-minded families, and throw in a couple days in Branson to boot.

I know it’s not super cheap. Were it not for some tax refund money, we probably wouldn’t be able to do it either. But compared to what many spend on vacations, this comes in at or less than the usual cost. And the benefit to your family will be priceless.

I don’t know what kind of demand there will be for this, but I would suggest you pray and consider this now and make your reservations soon. Hope to see you in Branson in July.