Remembering Christ's Death & Resurrection

Many people will be thinking about Jesus' death and resurrection in the next few days.

I decided to sing a verse of this song that William Cowper wrote the words of.
He suffered depression and mental illness and was suicidal.  Still, God used Him.
His lyrics still resonate today, because they point to Christ as our hope.

When I think about just how awful a sinner I am, I am that much more thankful that on the cross that Jesus took the wrath meant for me.  I am thankful that I am forgiven, and that Jesus' resurrection conquering death means that I can also rise from the dead and be with Him for eternity!

There Is A Fountain Filled With Blood from ktinchrist on GodTube.

Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:4 NASB

Prop 8 News, Liberalism in The Church, Peter Furler News

• Proposition 8 goes to the Supreme Court likely on March 26 or 27.  Yes, this is the California Constitutional amendment that I voted for before moving from California, and a family member went around getting people to sign to help get it on the ballot.  Marriage is a union defined by God representative of God's relationship with the church.  It is not about unhealthy sinful physical relationships that are against nature and God's character. http://townhall.com/news/religion/2013/02/04/supreme-court-in-upcoming-marriage-cases-urged-not-to-disqualify-religious-conviction-n1504992

• Enemies At The Gate - Phil Johnson did a great seminar message at the 2013 Shepherds' Conference that we listened to on Wednesday.  It's about how liberalization happens in the church.  The first generation can be strong for the truth - ready to die for it.  The next generation may believe in truth, but they aren't ready to die for it.  After that it goes downhill.  I recommend downloading and listening to the message!                                 http://www.shepherdsconference.org/media/details/?mediaID=7627

 

• (Peter Furler is also working on a CD - reported on Twitter in December)

   

Believers Baptism Vs. Infant Baptism / Debate & Love

Recently we listened to a debate online on credobaptism (believers baptism) & paedobaptism (infant baptism) that included John MacArthur & R.C. Sproul.

I have some people I consider friends online that hold to paedobaptism who are reformed Presbyterians, but I believe in credobaptism.  

The debate (scroll down a ways to get to the audio or links depending on your browser) did not change my mind about the Bible, but I did appreciate the civil nature that often seems to be lacking in discussions on this subject.
I know that we all hold strong views of our understanding of Scripture, and when we care about people we want them to have the same beliefs that we do.

I have determined in recent times to try to show love and grace toward people that I disagree with on this subject.   I can't promise perfection though!  For either side it puts people off when a respected pastor is attacked or when people call each other sinners when both sides agree that physical baptism does not save / justify.  Disagreements can be polite, can't they?

For the record, I waited until I was 17 to be baptized.  I could have been baptized earlier, but I do think that a lot of churches I've been to make baptism overly intimidating (which it shouldn't be).   They want to interview you which makes you feel like you have to be worthy to be baptized (or have taken a class & made sure you have a testimony they are satisfied with).  I understand that they want to see that you understand what the Gospel is, but they could just ask that.
I felt like my testimony wasn't good enough, because I became a Christian as a young child.  I struggled with sin even as a believer.  My faith has grown over the years, but I have also had times of doubt (because of sin & later long after baptism also getting my focus off God onto what critics say). 
After awhile I felt guilty for waiting so long to be baptized.  So, even as a credobaptist I believe that churches should baptize young children who have professed faith (and weren't forced into it).

I cried the evening I got baptized.  I had memorized what I was going to say (which I would have said differently if it was now and not then).  They were having us practice and mine didn't sound like what I thought they expected of me.  (I did not enjoy making speeches in front of people either even when I had to for school - at one of the times when I wasn't being homeschooled.  I'm not good at it and am rather shy.)

To my reformed Presbyterian friends: I hope that you will also show me Christian love and grace and not attack my former pastor John MacArthur, Jr. within my view or hearing.   
I was willing to listen to both sides, so perhaps you will appreciate that.
I certainly appreciate you and have respect for you guys.
Thank you!

Part 1:  Believers Baptism - John MacArthur
http://www.ligonier.org/learn/series/baptism_debate/credo-baptist-position/?format=audio
 

Part 2: Infant Baptism - R.C. Sproul
 http://www.ligonier.org/learn/series/baptism_debate/historic-paedo-baptist-position/

For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh.
But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God. 
Romans 2:28-29 NASB

For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 
Galatians 6:15 NASB

Zebras Amongst Brown Horses

There are times when I feel that our family is like a few zebras in a pasture of brown horses.
I've often been in places where I didn't quite fit in.  The more I have grown spiritually the harder it gets.

It is especially difficult in church where a person really wants to feel at home.  I've been in some churches where I was happy...don't get me wrong.  The problem is that when you are looking for a church sometimes you have to "settle" for compromise on some things.  The problem is that unless one rolls over and plays dead and can keep quiet eventually things happen to make it hard to stay.

When a person believes in the Biblical doctrines of grace, you are frowned upon by the people who have not come to a better understanding of Scripture.  They may think you fit in more with reformed people. 
On the other hand, when you try a reformed church you are frowned upon by people who may not accept you for a different view of eschatology or baptism.

Then there is the issue of not believing in women teaching or leading men at church or preaching to groups that include men.  Since for us that includes Sunday School classes and Bible Studies from our understanding of Scripture, it means even I as a woman  may walk out or not go back.

Modesty is also important to me, and this does not mean that we are legalistic.  It means I care enough about the men of the church including family that I believe that the issue should be addressed.  It is a distraction and a struggle for men, and it bugs me that churches are so silent and afraid of the issue.

When you finally find a church that you are happy at circumstances change for one reason or another, and you find yourself having to go back to square one and waiting for God's direction.

 

The Sound of 50 Million Babies Murdered

A family member and I watched the following video together this past week. It may leave you in tears. Wake up America!

Losing Freedom In America - Will We Take a Stand?

President Obama is standing firmly against God and His Word on the issue of marriage.
http://www.onenewsnow.com/latest-headlines-from-the-web/2013/03/01/obamas-all-out-militant-assault-on-marriage 
I voted for Prop 8 before leaving California.  I also voted for Prop. 22 before that.  I even got signatures from family and friends for Prop. 22, and a family member got signatures of neighbors for Prop. 8

When the nation and the President go against God's plan, we cannot expect God's blessing on this nation.  When millions of babies have been murdered, we cannot think that God doesn't see and ignores the blood of the innocent.  God defined marriage in Genesis 2:24 and Mark 10:7-8.
Homosexuality is clearly taught against in Scripture.  I did a blog post on that subject in the past.  Marriage is a picture of Christ and the church.
I have been accused of bigotry and hate for standing for other Christians and the Bible in regards to homosexuality.  Yet it is likely that some of these same people would fully support the slaughter of preborn babies for simply existing.  I hope that people will repent and turn from their love of sinful lust and worship of pleasure and put their trust in God whose ways are perfect, righteous and pure.  He is patient and ready to forgive and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon Him.  (Psalm 86:5)

Freedom in America is going the way of the dinosaur.  A pro-lifer who published the names of people who vandalized a display is treated like he is the guilty one:
http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top-stories/depaul-punishes-pro-life-student-for-releasing-names-of-vandals.html

In some places in the U.S. we have become like other countries who now have rules and laws that discriminate against Christians for calling sinful behavior sin and refusing to compromise.  The time is now that Christians must stand up and not capitulate.  I must obey God rather than men if I am ever placed in a position where the law goes against God.  I must trust that God will give me strength and courage to stand.  Even if all respected Christians "heroes" cave, I must look to God rather than fallen, frail & fragile human beings.

Some may wonder why someone with my eschatological views makes any efforts at all politically.
As a Christian,  I still have love for others and want to slow down the judgment if possible (God is Sovereign) for the sake of myself and the elect (and I do not know who they are).  God has definitely allowed times of mercy on this nation, and I remember Abraham pleading for Lot's habitation.