The Desert Island Challenge

What if your family were alone on an island, with nothing but a copy of God’s Word? How would you begin to build your family and the new “culture” of your island world?

I may not have gotten it word for word exactly like Doug Phillips of Vision Forum, but this was the question he asked during a session entitled A Family Vision of Victory. The point is quite simple, yet the truth of it hit me quite profoundly. If you had no other cultural ideas to infect your thinking, nothing but the Word of God, how would you shape your family and your life? Interesting idea, isn’t it?

For years now, people like Doug Phillips, and Voddie Baucham’s Family Driven Faith, and Tom Eldredge’s Safely Home and others have been calling into question how our families operate in today’s world. And the unanimous verdict is that we have given in to culture way more than we want to admit; in everything from the size of our families, to how we educate them, to how we disciple them, etc.

But what if we had nothing but God’s Word to guide us? Wouldn’t we see children as a blessing and desire a “quiver full” of them? Wouldn’t we realize that it is our responsibility as parents to disciple our children, not just the Sunday School teacher’s? And would we ever send them off to “fools” to be educated the way we do now?

Whoa! Harsh words. But think about it. We live in a culture that ridicules large families, not to mention the whole culture of death that wants to rid us of children all together. Though the idea of a Sunday School isn’t even found in the Bible, we’ve come to see that as the primary discipleship avenue for our families, neglecting our parental responsibility. And the secular humanistic government schools that we ship our kids off to every day have repeatedly shown us that they don’t want God to have any part in their curriculum. Since Scripture clearly says that only a fool says in his heart that there is no God (Ps. 14:1), this makes them the very fools I mention at the end of the preceding paragraph.

So the question again is: If we were alone on an island with nothing but God’s Word to guide us, would we be doing the things we’re doing? Have we been taken captive in our ideas from the God-hating culture around us? And shouldn’t we be living according the standard of God’s Word regardless of what the culture around us does?

In another session called Jerusalem and Athens: the Battle of Christian Culture, Doug Phillips builds on this idea of the Desert Island Challenge by comparing two ways of thinking: Biblical Hebraic thinking, or Jerusalem vs. Greco-Roman thinking, or Athens. And he points out that the American church is much more influenced by the later as our nation “de-volves” into paganism.

Again, sounds like harsh words. Unfortunately, they are also true. This idea first hit me after reading the aforementioned book by Tom Eldredge a few years ago. It was the first time I had ever thought in terms of Hebrew vs. Greek thinking in regard to family, education, etc. And yet when we read the New Testament, this is exactly the conflict we see confronting the early church. How much do we hold to our Jewish roots, and how much to we give in to the Hellenistic culture around us? And we are still facing the same battle today.

The early church father Tertullian wrote a piece called The Prescription Against Heretics. Chapter seven deals with “Pagan Philosophy The Parent Of Heresies. The Connection Between Deflections From Christian Faith And The Old Systems Of Pagan Philosophy.” (Got to love those old titles!) It was here that Tertullian asked the question from which Phillips derived his session title: What indeed has Athens to do with Jerusalem?

What indeed do they have to do with one another? What do the children of Jerusalem, God’s children, our children have to do with the pagan, humanistic, evolutionary worldview of this modern culture and education system. The answer should be: nothing!

Now I’m not advocating, as I’m sure Phillips was not, that we literally go out onto a desert island somewhere and ignore the rest of the world. We do have a missionary mandate, after all. But that missionary mandate does not include turning our children over to a godless school system; does not include abdicating the discipleship responsibility of parents, does not include seeing children as a burden rather than a blessing, and so on.

Phillips summarized it with this question: By What Standard? By what standard are we going to live? God’s or man’s? We ought to live “as if” we were on a desert island, with only God’s Word to guide us. Imagine how much different our families and our churches and our own lives would be if we simply lived according to the word and not the world.


Still more to come….

Ham Hit It On The Head

I’ve been preaching through the book of Genesis since January of 2007. Since I’m not the world’s greatest expositor, it will take me less than two years to get through all 50 chapters. I know I should probably go slower, dig deeper, etc., but…

Anyway, one of the reasons we started this particular study is because of the foundational role Genesis plays in Scripture. Not only is it the first book, setting the stage for all the rest. Even more it contains the foundations of all our basic doctrines as God’s people. John MacArthur reminds us that in this book of Genesis, “Theological foundations are revealed which include God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, man, sin, redemption, covenant, promise, Satan and angels, kingdom, revelation, Israel, judgment, and blessing.” Name a concept, theme or doctrine, and chances are we find at least the seed of it in this first book of Moses.

I was reminded again during this past week’s family conference of the importance of this book. It would seem only natural that a conference sponsored by Answers in Genesis would place a heavy emphasis on that book. But it’s not so much that this ministry chooses to focus on this book, it’s that this book is the driving force behind this ministry.

Ken Ham, founder and director of AiG does a wonderful job of showing the vital nature of this book, and therefore why this book is the center of attack by our God-hating culture. Sure they can attack the Resurrection head on, but how much easier to go back and undermine the authority and authenticity of the very book that tells of the Resurrection. Christians will stand up and fight against a frontal attack on the cross, but we’ve largely rolled over and played dead when it comes to the attacks against Genesis; specifically, the six days of Creation.

The Southern Baptist Convention fought a battle in the recent past (some say we are still fighting it in some form) for the inerrancy of Scripture. At stake was not only the obvious issue, but also the authority, sufficiency, etc. of God’s Word. And, ironically, one of the key “sparks” that got it all going was not so much an attack from the world against the resurrection, the virgin birth, the deity of Christ, etc. It was a commentary, written by one of our own, on the book of Genesis.

Seminary Professor Ralph Elliott, influenced by the liberal theology that was rapidly growing all around us, wrote that “one must come to the place that he sees the parabolic and symbolic nature of much of the Old Testament Scriptures.” He then quotes Alan Richardson who says, “One must learn to think of the stories of Genesis – the Creation, the Fall, Noah’s Ark, the Tower of Babel…in the same way as we think of the parables of Jesus; they are profoundly symbolical stories, which aren’t to be taken as literally true…”

Therefore, Elliott concluded, Genesis 1-11 in particular is myth, not fact. Because we have been overrun with evolutionary thinking and a Secular Humanist worldview, many in the church saw no problem with this. After all, this allows us to claim the Bible and still give in to the “new” theories of science that said the earth was millions of years old, that man evolved from apes, and so on.

Much of what Ken Ham said during this past week focused on this same idea of dealing with the “millions of years.” Again, many people, blinded by bad science and un-founded theories, have bought into this idea and see no real problem trying to make the Bible “fit.” But, as Ham points out, the real issue is very basic: Is the Bible true? This is what our Convention was fighting over, and this is what we need to continue to fight for.

You see, once we throw out the creation narrative and the Noahic flood and so on, it becomes easier to then say: well, maybe Jonah wasn’t really swallowed by a big fish. Maybe David didn’t really kill a giant. Maybe Jesus wasn’t really virgin-born. Maybe he didn’t really do all those miracles. And maybe, the whole resurrection thing was just symbolic as well. Once the foundation is eroded, the whole building is at risk.

2 Corinthians 11:3 reminds us that our enemy will continue to use the same attacks that he’s always used. “…as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” And how did the serpent lead Eve astray? By simply saying, “Are you sure God said that? It’s not really true; you’ll not surely die if you eat the fruit.”

Today the serpent says, “Are you sure it was only six days of creation? Surely that can’t be true. The evidence says it was millions of years. Are you sure there was a real world-wide flood?” And so on.

The enemy is the same. The tactic is the same. Our response must be different. God’s Word is true. God’s Word is authoritative. God’s Word, from Genesis to “maps”, is sufficient for all things. 2 Peter 1:3 tells us that “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” Since our knowledge of him comes through the Word, we know that the Word supplies all we need.

I appreciate anew the ministry of Answers in Genesis. I encourage you to check out there website, view their materials, visit their creation museum. From a purely “scientific” standpoint it’s amazing to see some of the evidence that humanist science doesn’t want you to know about. We don’t need science to prove the Bible, but it’s nice to know that science does indeed confirm the Bible, not “disprove” it.

And the church needs to know this. We need to stand up and take notice. Ham hit it on the head: The attack on Genesis is an attack on God, and we can’t ignore it. Let’s be faithful in defending the faith from all attacks, and as the theme for the week reminds us, we should always be ready/prepared “to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15).

More conference reflections to come…..

Help, My Brain Is Full!

Just got back from the Defending Your Faith Family Conference put on by Answer’s In Genesis. Wow! What a week.

2,000 folks gathered in Branson, Missouri for fifteen teaching sessions from Voddie Baucham, Doug Phillips and Ken Ham. The emphasis was on apologetics in general, with each ministry represented taking a slightly different approach.

As of right now, I’m still processing most of it. I think it has to do with being completely wiped out! In addition to the conference, we spent a day at Silver Dollar City, as well as some go-kart racing, craft store shopping, general running around, and of course lots of time in the pool! The kids all report that a good time was had by all.

Well, not quite all. The four-year-old’s patience was a bit tested, so mom missed several of the conferences trying to entertain him. As much as she loves him, even mom got a little worn out by that.

Anyway, in the coming days I plan to do a few entries on some of the subject matter addressed this week. It was all fantastic stuff, and once I’ve rested up and thought it all through, I’m sure I’ll be able to deal with it more coherently.

In the meantime, check out Ken Ham’s blog for some conference notes and a few photos. Doug Phillips makes a reference to the first night on his blog as well.

For the record, anyone considering taking your family to an AiG conference, or a Vision Forum event, or anything where Voddie Baucham is speaking, pack the bags and get going. It will be worth every penny.

The New Look

I couldn't believe that I've been doing this silly thing for as long as I have. Readership picked up quite a bit during the Mike Huckabee presidential bid, drawing notice from illuminaries such as the New York Times and St. Louis Post Dispatch. Since then, things have calmed down. I'm just another small church pastor looking for an outlet for some thoughts now and then.

So, I figured maybe it was time for a little change. I've had the same template here since the beginning. Quite a feat for a guy who likes to change furniture as often as I do. (It drives me crazy that my office is set up in such a way that limits the changes I can make).

Also, I love the lighthouse theme. Lighthouses are one of my "things." I have several in my office: portraits and paintings, wood carvings, little statuette types, and even a giant puzzle of a Thomas Kincaid that I put together and framed. I love the image of the minister as a lighthouse in this foggy world.

Anyway. For the one or two folks who do stop by here on a semi-regular basis, I thought I'd explain the new look. Maybe it will inspire me to do a little more serious thinking and blogging in the near future.

Hurray For the Constitution

You just have to love it when the Supreme Court actually says the US Constitution is correct. In an age where a radical judiciary seeks to legislate from the bench, often in direct opposition to the stated will of the people, it’s nice to have Justices who have the guts to say, “The Constitution really is true.”

In case you haven’t heard, the High Court handed down a decision which states that Americans have a right to own guns for self-defense and hunting. Now most of us regular folks knew that all along. There’s this thing called the Second Amendment which guarantees that right. But it was nice to see the Supreme Court agree with that Amendment, even if it was by only a 5-4 majority.

Oddly enough, this is the first major decision regarding the “gun rights” issue in the history of these United States. According to a brief AP blurb, “The court had not conclusively interpreted the Second Amendment since its ratification in 1791.” Probably because most people understood exactly what this thing meant! It’s hard to argue with plain language, although the liberals love to do it with the First Amendment on a regular basis.

The ruling specifically strikes down the District of Columbia's 32-year-old ban on handguns, while at the same time suggesting that this right does come with some limitations.

Ironically, this all comes at the same time as some other good news for gun owners in Missouri. Today, Gov. Matt Blunt is scheduled to sign into law House Bill 2034, which will make some positive changes to MO’s gun laws.

Those who know me know that I am not a violent sort of person. I’m squeamish enough that I have to leave the room while they put an IV in patients while I’m visiting in the hospital. Needles make me freaky!

But at the same time, the basic right to “bear arms” both for hunting purposes and to protect my family if need be is one that I support with all my being. Obviously, our forefathers did as well, which is why they wrote that Amendment to begin with. And history has proven their wisdom. In most places which are “gun friendly,” allowing concealed carry, etc. crime rates are always lower.

It’s nice to see the judiciary get one right.

Protect Free Speech!

For years now Christians have been taken in by a variety of “petition drives” asking us to sign petitions to stop people like atheist Madalyn Murray O’Hair (who’s been missing and presumed dead/murdered for years BTW). Most of these deal with non-existent legislation and it only serves to embarrass the Church when we pass things like this along.

This is different. This is real.

According to an email alert sent out from Focus on the Family,

the Democratic leadership in the House has stalled a key bill -- the Broadcaster Freedom Act (H.R. 2905). This bill would ban the so-called Fairness Doctrine, which would allow the federal government to dictate the content of talk radio. Unless pro-family citizens demand immediate action in Congress, the bill will die and conservative free speech on the air will remain threatened.

The Broadcaster Freedom Act will die in committee unless we can rally a majority of members of Congress to sign a “discharge petition” that would move the bill to a floor vote in spite of the Democrats. Thus far, 195 members of Congress have signed the discharge petition but we must have 23 more signatures or the bill dies. It's important to note that if the Act comes to a vote, it will likely pass.

The Focus on the Family folks are asking us to sign a petition to encourage legislators to sign the “discharge petition.” I know it sounds confusing. But go here to read more about it and sign this petition.

In case you haven’t realized it, the anti-Christian lobby in this nation is growing each and every day. And if Christian people don’t stand up against it, we will have no one but ourselves to blame when we lose the freedoms we take for granted.

I’m not usually an alarmist, but it’s time to take action. Please go Focus on the Family and sign this petition.

Vision Forum DVD Winner!

Well, after the overwhelming response (sarcasm intended!) it's time to announce the winner of the DVD giveaway from Vision Forum. They had authorized affiliate blogs like this one to give away a free copy a DVD from their Reclaiming the Culture DVD series. , and we decided to give away a copy of the DVD entitled: The Promise: The Beauty and the Power of the 5th Commandment.

So congrats to Kristen and Doug. I'll be sending an email with some details in the very near futre.

For the record, I still encourage folks to check out the VF site and catalog. They have quality resources that are family friendly and Christ centered. I appreciate them making things like this available. Enjoy!

A Matter of Life and Death

It's not an overstatement to say that this year's Presidential election is a matter of life and death, especially if Barack Obama is elected. Those at risk are not just the millions protected by our military whom the Illinois Senator would abaondon. It's not just the lives and well-being of millions of middle class Americans who will suffer as those who have to pay for the ridiculous programs he advocates. The most serious issue is literally the life or death of hundreds of thousands as a result of this pro-death activist.

A recent Wall Street Journal article by Daniel Allott called "The Audacity of Death," (a play on Obama's well known theme) says that the record shows Obama as the most pro-abortion person in the Senate, with a 100% pro-death voting record. Further more, Allott says:

As an Illinois state senator, Barack Obama twice opposed legislation to define as "persons" babies who survive late-term abortions. . . Mr. Obama said in a speech on the Illinois Senate floor that he could not accept that babies wholly emerged from their mother's wombs are "persons," and thus deserving of equal protection under the Constitution's 14th Amendment.

And he promises, "the first thing I'd do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act," which would overturn hundreds of federal and state laws limiting abortion, including the federal ban on partial-birth abortion and bans on public funding of abortion.

Later, Allott reports:

All this explains why the National Abortion Rights Action League voted unanimously to endorse Mr. Obama over Hillary Clinton, as did abortion activist Frances Kissling, who called Mrs. Clinton "not radical enough on abortion."

He admits his pro-death, anti-child mindset with comments like the one he made regarding not wanting his daughters "punished" with a baby. (See Rod Albert's excellent blog regarding this).

Wake up, folks! This man offers no real hope. Of course, the only real hope is in Jesus Christ, but even apart from that, from a purely national standpoint, this man will literally be the death of hundreds of thousands. If you value life, if you believe a person is a person no matter how small, to steal a phrase, we must vote to oppose men like Barack Obama.

Protecting Marriage

As many of you are aware, with recent rulings in California, the need for an amendment to the US Constitution protecting Marriage is needed now more than ever. Congressman Paul Broun of Georgia has introduced H.J. RES. 89, known as the Marriage Protection Amendment of 2008. This amendment would make marriage legal only between a man and a woman.

The American Family Association has some good information about this. At the bottom of the article is a link to a form you can fill out to send to your Congressman to encourage them to become co-sponsors of this legislation. The time to act is now while we have a President friendly to the cause. Regardless of how the November election turns out, Christians will not find a friendly face in the Oval Office come January 2009.

FREE DVD from Vision Forum

The generous folks at Vision Forum have authorized affiliate blogs like this one to give away a FREE copy a DVD from their Reclaiming the Culture DVD series. In particular, we will be giving away a copy of the DVD entitled: The Promise: The Beauty and the Power of the 5th Commandment. Here’s a bit about the DVD:

Is it “well with you”? If not, it may be because there are unresolved issues relating to honor in your life. “Honor your father and mother” is the first command with a promise. When you practice honor, “it will be well with you.” But what does this mean?

In this foundational message, Doug Phillips breaks down the issue of honor and addresses challenging issues such as: How do wise parents instill honor in their children? How should children respond to perverse authority in parents? In what ways are adult sons and daughters to honor their living parents? How does our culture promote dishonor? How can adult children restore honor to relationships that have long been tinged by dishonor? What are the consequences of dishonor? This talk has been shared with tens of thousands and has been a life-changing message for many.

So here’s how it works. Simply post a comment to this article and you’ll be entered in the drawing. To keep things as “fair” and “random” as possible, I’m going to put all the names in a hat and let my three-year-old son draw one out. Then check back here along about June 20 to find out who the winner is and we’ll make the contact arrangements and so on.

This is a wonderful way to get a sample of what Vision Forum is all about. I urge you, if you haven’t before, to check out their website. They have a plethora of solid Christian, pro-family books, CDs, DVDs, resources and fun stuff available. In the meantime, post a comment below for your chance to win the FREE The Promise DVD.