To those of you who know us, I'd just like to let you know that we began a website for my father, who was killed in a car accident December 20th. I don't usually post my deepest thoughts about this stuff on our website or even our blog (which, by the way, is www.ericandleila.blogspot.com), but I do put some in the "journal" section of this website. Please keep praying for our family, if you don't mind. The website is www.drnayeem.com. Love you guys.
Leila
Friday, February 29, 2008
Mars Hill Series
I have really enjoyed watching Mark Driscoll's 9 misconceptions sermon series. The "Emerging Church" topic was especially good this week. http://www.marshillchurch.org/sermonseries/
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Bad Chicken Lesson
So in my pursuits to find the balance between strict materialism and strict nonmaterialism, especially in regards to emotional sin ... I have a funny story. My stomach was rolling yesterday and I had the shakes. I figured it was because I had to much on my mind. All day, I tried to keep my mind steadfast on the Lord. I examined my heart for sin.. which I did find some of course. But I still could find no rest. When I went to bed, I started crying to Wes that I apparently did not have the right view of God because I could not relax. I silently cried out to God for peace and believed promises of Scripture for God to give us peace. Finally, I whispered the verse from Zephaniah.. "God, please quiet me with your love". At that second, I felt a lump in my throat. I lept from bed and puked bad Chik Filet all over the floor. Sweet relief for my soul. Oh the day, when we will no longer be one with this corrupted body plagued by disease and rotten chicken!
And what grace from our Designer to have an eject reflex!
And what grace from our Designer to have an eject reflex!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
culture or kingdom?
Sorry Hans, you asked where we've been...traveling across Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming! But we're home now.
Lately I've been asking a lot of questions about how much of what we do is Kingdom of God stuff, and how much of it is our culture. Eric likes to say that he thinks he's 97% culture, 3% biblical. This first came up a few years ago when I heard a preacher say that to wear baggy jeans, have piercings, or blue-dyed hair was looking "like the world." Immediately I wondered who he thinks he looks like when he wears his suit and tie? He still reflects a good portion of "the world," but of course it's the respectable part so it's much more like Christ...(This will continue to happen until Christians become so good at separating themselves from the world around them that we have truly Christian hairstyles, Christian clothes, and maybe even a Christian language to go with our music, movies, and jewelry. I hope I'm hanging out with Jesus by the time this happens.) I don't mind culture--in fact I love studying and being a part of different ones--but I react strongly when people assume that what they do culturally is biblical. Eric and I have been reading a book called Pagan Christianity? (a warning: don't read it unless you're ready for some really challenging thoughts, and unless you are able to read something that you don't agree with 100% but can take the good parts from), and it details where we got most of our church culture. I won't go into it, but most of it wasn't from the Holy Spirit, Jesus, or the Bible, it was from the pagan cultures of the day. I could give example after example of this, but will spare you. That doesn't mean we can't do some of these things--I'm all about contextualizing the Good News--but it does mean that they aren't sacred, they aren't commanded, and they aren't guaranteed to please God. I can't wait to see CREATIVITY reemerge in Christ's Church, the kind that actually NEEDS God to pull off the Christian life, and can't survive a single day without Him calling the shots.
Leila
Lately I've been asking a lot of questions about how much of what we do is Kingdom of God stuff, and how much of it is our culture. Eric likes to say that he thinks he's 97% culture, 3% biblical. This first came up a few years ago when I heard a preacher say that to wear baggy jeans, have piercings, or blue-dyed hair was looking "like the world." Immediately I wondered who he thinks he looks like when he wears his suit and tie? He still reflects a good portion of "the world," but of course it's the respectable part so it's much more like Christ...(This will continue to happen until Christians become so good at separating themselves from the world around them that we have truly Christian hairstyles, Christian clothes, and maybe even a Christian language to go with our music, movies, and jewelry. I hope I'm hanging out with Jesus by the time this happens.) I don't mind culture--in fact I love studying and being a part of different ones--but I react strongly when people assume that what they do culturally is biblical. Eric and I have been reading a book called Pagan Christianity? (a warning: don't read it unless you're ready for some really challenging thoughts, and unless you are able to read something that you don't agree with 100% but can take the good parts from), and it details where we got most of our church culture. I won't go into it, but most of it wasn't from the Holy Spirit, Jesus, or the Bible, it was from the pagan cultures of the day. I could give example after example of this, but will spare you. That doesn't mean we can't do some of these things--I'm all about contextualizing the Good News--but it does mean that they aren't sacred, they aren't commanded, and they aren't guaranteed to please God. I can't wait to see CREATIVITY reemerge in Christ's Church, the kind that actually NEEDS God to pull off the Christian life, and can't survive a single day without Him calling the shots.
Leila
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Biblical Basis for Self Defense
I was recently asked if there was really a Biblical basis for self-defense. After all, wasn't Jesus pretty consistent with His teachings in the Gospels (particularly in Matt 5 Sermon on the Mount) in presenting a doctrine of pacifism, or at least non-violent resistance?
Matt 5:38-39 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'[g] 39But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."
Matt 5:43-45 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor[h] and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies[i] and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven."
After a first look at this it seems as though Jesus and His New Covenant teachings are contradicting Mosaic Law, but even Jesus Himself denied this earlier in the same passage saying,
Matt 5:17-18, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
So, does this mean I can use Exodus 22:2 as a "license to kill" and keep a clean conscience in self-defense?
"If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck so that he dies, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed"
Some would disagree with this, proposing that the New Covenant takes precedent over the old, and that Jesus' teachings clearly teach non-violence
Matt 26:52 "Those who live by the sword will die by the sword."
But what about when Jesus said in
Luke 22:35-36, "Then Jesus asked them, "When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything? "Nothing," they answered.
What are we to make of this? Is anyone thoroughly confused now? I will not presume to make sense of this dilemma, I will leave that to some respected theologians, whom I quote below:
"What our Lord here enjoins upon His disciples is simply the duty of self-preservation as the need may arise under the new conditions. They must now give thought to two things: first, the physical requirements of life, as indicated by a 'purse' for money, and the 'wallet' for provisions; and, second, some measure of defense against physical dangers, as indicated by the 'sword'" (Italics his, Pg. 372). Since the time period that Christ was talking about is obviously that of the early church, could this not be applicable to us today? If Christ told the disciples to not needlessly risk their lives, why shouldn’t we also think about our own protection and that of our families? In a day when having a gun in our house for protection is under attack, it is interesting that Jesus himself seems to okay the use of force to protect one's life if necessary."
Alva J. McClain, Greatness of the Kingdom
The Theory of Self-Defense
If life is thus sacred, as God’s boon, and is man’s one possession of transcendent value, then to take it away without right is an enormous outrage. Suppose this outrage is obviously about to be perpetrated by an aggressor upon an innocent person. Suppose, also, that the protection of the law is absent, and cannot be successfully invoked? What shall the defendant do? Is it his duty to be passive and yield up his life; or to take the defensive, and protect it by force, even to the extent of taking the assailant’s life if necessary? Human laws and conscience concur in the latter answer. Remember that the aggressor unrighteously creates the dilemma, making it necessary that at least one life must go. Whose had best go? Obviously the life of the criminal, rather than that of the innocent man. Again: If law subsequently has its just course, the murderer, after his guilty success, will have to die for it. The case is then still stronger: that the passive theory sacrifices two lives, one innocent; whereas the theory of self-defense saves the righteous life, and only sacrifices the guilty one. Our conclusion is also confirmed by the existence in us of the emotion of lawful resentment, the righteousness of which, within its proper bounds, the Savior allows (Matt.5:22 ; Eph. 4:26 ). For if there is no forcible self-defense against wrong, there is no reasonable scope for this emotion.
The Scriptures expressly confirm us. The right of slaying the housebreaker clearly implies a right of self-defense, Ex. 22:2. The law of the cities of refuge contains the same right, Num. 35:22. The effect of this permission is evaded, indeed, by the pretense that Moses’ legislation was imperfect and barbarous, and is corrected by the milder instructions of our Savior. Matt. 5:39. But I have taught you the falsehood of this notion, and showed you that the Old Testament teaches precisely the same morality with the New.
- R. L. Dabney, Topical Lectures on Scripture
Self Defense is not forbidden by God
That homicide in self-defense is not forbidden by the sixth commandment, is plain,
(1.) Because such homicide is not malicious, and, therefore, does not come within the scope of the prohibition.
(2.) Because self-preservation is an instinct of our nature, and therefore, a revelation of the will of God.
(3.) Because it is a dictate of reason and of natural justice that if of two persons one must die, it should be the aggressor and not the aggrieved.
(4.) Because the universal judgment of men, and the Word of God, pronounce the man innocent who kills another in defense of his own life or that of his neighbor.
- Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology
Matt 5:38-39 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'[g] 39But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."
Matt 5:43-45 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor[h] and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies[i] and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven."
After a first look at this it seems as though Jesus and His New Covenant teachings are contradicting Mosaic Law, but even Jesus Himself denied this earlier in the same passage saying,
Matt 5:17-18, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
So, does this mean I can use Exodus 22:2 as a "license to kill" and keep a clean conscience in self-defense?
"If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck so that he dies, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed"
Some would disagree with this, proposing that the New Covenant takes precedent over the old, and that Jesus' teachings clearly teach non-violence
Matt 26:52 "Those who live by the sword will die by the sword."
But what about when Jesus said in
Luke 22:35-36, "Then Jesus asked them, "When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything? "Nothing," they answered.
What are we to make of this? Is anyone thoroughly confused now? I will not presume to make sense of this dilemma, I will leave that to some respected theologians, whom I quote below:
"What our Lord here enjoins upon His disciples is simply the duty of self-preservation as the need may arise under the new conditions. They must now give thought to two things: first, the physical requirements of life, as indicated by a 'purse' for money, and the 'wallet' for provisions; and, second, some measure of defense against physical dangers, as indicated by the 'sword'" (Italics his, Pg. 372). Since the time period that Christ was talking about is obviously that of the early church, could this not be applicable to us today? If Christ told the disciples to not needlessly risk their lives, why shouldn’t we also think about our own protection and that of our families? In a day when having a gun in our house for protection is under attack, it is interesting that Jesus himself seems to okay the use of force to protect one's life if necessary."
Alva J. McClain, Greatness of the Kingdom
The Theory of Self-Defense
If life is thus sacred, as God’s boon, and is man’s one possession of transcendent value, then to take it away without right is an enormous outrage. Suppose this outrage is obviously about to be perpetrated by an aggressor upon an innocent person. Suppose, also, that the protection of the law is absent, and cannot be successfully invoked? What shall the defendant do? Is it his duty to be passive and yield up his life; or to take the defensive, and protect it by force, even to the extent of taking the assailant’s life if necessary? Human laws and conscience concur in the latter answer. Remember that the aggressor unrighteously creates the dilemma, making it necessary that at least one life must go. Whose had best go? Obviously the life of the criminal, rather than that of the innocent man. Again: If law subsequently has its just course, the murderer, after his guilty success, will have to die for it. The case is then still stronger: that the passive theory sacrifices two lives, one innocent; whereas the theory of self-defense saves the righteous life, and only sacrifices the guilty one. Our conclusion is also confirmed by the existence in us of the emotion of lawful resentment, the righteousness of which, within its proper bounds, the Savior allows (Matt.
The Scriptures expressly confirm us. The right of slaying the housebreaker clearly implies a right of self-defense, Ex. 22:2. The law of the cities of refuge contains the same right, Num. 35:22. The effect of this permission is evaded, indeed, by the pretense that Moses’ legislation was imperfect and barbarous, and is corrected by the milder instructions of our Savior. Matt. 5:39. But I have taught you the falsehood of this notion, and showed you that the Old Testament teaches precisely the same morality with the New.
- R. L. Dabney, Topical Lectures on Scripture
Self Defense is not forbidden by God
That homicide in self-defense is not forbidden by the sixth commandment, is plain,
(1.) Because such homicide is not malicious, and, therefore, does not come within the scope of the prohibition.
(2.) Because self-preservation is an instinct of our nature, and therefore, a revelation of the will of God.
(3.) Because it is a dictate of reason and of natural justice that if of two persons one must die, it should be the aggressor and not the aggrieved.
(4.) Because the universal judgment of men, and the Word of God, pronounce the man innocent who kills another in defense of his own life or that of his neighbor.
- Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Raised From The Dead
A news report of a man raised from the dead by a doctor's prayer. Very compelling. Follow the link below...
Raised From The Dead
You'll need a version of Windows Media Player 7 or higher to view the video. If you need to download it, go tohttp://www.microsoft.com/windows/mediaplayer/en/default.asp. The video player is supported by Microsoft IE 5.0 and above.
Raised From The Dead
You'll need a version of Windows Media Player 7 or higher to view the video. If you need to download it, go tohttp://www.microsoft.com/windows/mediaplayer/en/default.asp. The video player is supported by Microsoft IE 5.0 and above.
God and Politics
Here is an interesting quote I found by a Christian blogger on politics and Christians. Let me know what you think...I like the part I italicized, but not the rest
For if we are to be Christlike, we must not focus on building up a political solidarity around “God’s Politics” or trying to get “our people” into power. This reflects how Jesus Christ rejected the way of the Zealot or the capture of the state by “the righteous” as critical for the advancement of the kingship of God. Instead, we must focus on loving our neighbors and overcoming evil with love. However, a critical part of how we overcome evil with love is in how we participate in the ongoing remaking of the rules that govern us. We need to, in the context of our local communities, prayerfully form or join local and national movements, including third parties and/or factions working from within or with main parties, that will help to move the “center” so as to balance the promotion of sustainable wealth creation and its fair redistribution, especially with the eradication of extreme poverty in our world.
For if we are to be Christlike, we must not focus on building up a political solidarity around “God’s Politics” or trying to get “our people” into power. This reflects how Jesus Christ rejected the way of the Zealot or the capture of the state by “the righteous” as critical for the advancement of the kingship of God. Instead, we must focus on loving our neighbors and overcoming evil with love. However, a critical part of how we overcome evil with love is in how we participate in the ongoing remaking of the rules that govern us. We need to, in the context of our local communities, prayerfully form or join local and national movements, including third parties and/or factions working from within or with main parties, that will help to move the “center” so as to balance the promotion of sustainable wealth creation and its fair redistribution, especially with the eradication of extreme poverty in our world.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
I will bless the Lord at all times,
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes it boast in the Lord,
let the humble hear and be glad. ---Ps 34
"What do you know? anything good?"
"Oh, nothing much."
How many times have I heard that question and answered it in that way?
Really? NOTHING MUCH???
Even though people don't expect a substantive answer- any more than when they ask "How are you?"- this is a wonderful opportunity to extol the marvelous grace of Jesus.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight, O Lord,
my Rock and my Redeemer. ---Ps 37
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes it boast in the Lord,
let the humble hear and be glad. ---Ps 34
"What do you know? anything good?"
"Oh, nothing much."
How many times have I heard that question and answered it in that way?
Really? NOTHING MUCH???
Even though people don't expect a substantive answer- any more than when they ask "How are you?"- this is a wonderful opportunity to extol the marvelous grace of Jesus.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight, O Lord,
my Rock and my Redeemer. ---Ps 37
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Olathe Marathon March 29
After checking out many of the local health clubs here in KC, Jerrica and I decided to join a local YMCA. It isn't quite the luxury club that Lifetime Fitness is right down the street, but it doesn't cost an arm and leg like Lifetime either. We have been up there at least three times a week over the past couple of months. Last week I noticed some advertisements for the Olathe Marathon on March 29. They are also hosting a half-marathon and 5k. I am shooting for the half-marathon. There are six weeks until then, I started preparing this week with an 8 mile run today. It went well. The most important part of training for a long run like a marathon is doing at least one long run a week, with shorter runs during the week that when put together add up to the long run done over the weekend. I will stagger the long runs leading up to the race as follows (8, 9, 10, 8, 11, 12, race).
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
My Experience with Science and Sin
I don't want to be a blog hog.. stay-at-home moms are notorious for that. Yes Gustavo, I wish I could tell you that I know exactly where the middle is on the issue. Obviously, you are an authority on organic causes of illness. I wish I was an authority on spiritual causes of illness. I did state my thoughts abruptly and hoped no one would take them as more than "my thoughts". My hope was that if someone was reading my thoughts, they would examine their own heart and see if science has urged them to regard emotions in their heart that the Bible calls sin. If not, then their conscience is clear. Jesus is so fulfilling to behold, that I don't want anyone to cloud their vision with sin. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Obviously, we cannot escape sin and see Jesus clearly in this life. Yet the Holy Spirit points to our unbelief as He refines us. I have found from personal experience, that I let the physical manifestations of my unbelief be an excuse for not believing. When I speak of unbelief, I mean belief in who God is that He states in His word. An example of this would be my experience with "panic disorder". Many of you might remember that I sat in the Nix's living room during Hans' bachelor party. This is because I was terrified to go anywhere without Wes. I had to quit my job and stay in bed. I was scared to walk to the other side of the room without Wes holding my hand. If I thought about deep things, I would hyperventilate and empty my bowls (nice way of putting it). The doctor gave me Zoloft and I found much relief from these symptoms. But I found that the fearful thoughts were still in my mind. I was frightened by God. I had become aware of His sovereignty and control over all things, but I did not believe that He was working for my good. My spirit was terrified of God and my body was acting out this fright. From what I understand of current neuroscience research on OCD patients, is that the adult brain is plastic and can be conformed by a nonmaterial brain. Meditation actually "resets" chemical pathways in the brain. This research is at the front of the Intelligent Design's movement to hault materialism, therefore Darwinism. (Unfortunately, I think it will also advance paganism in our culture.) Anyway, as I meditated on His Word, especially the psalms, the Holy Spirit testified to my spirit that David's perception of God was true. My mind was renewed and its medium, my brain, followed. I do not wish to help the enemy of our souls by accusing anyone of sin that is not there. Please correct me if I am wrong, but Scripture recognizes despair, fear, and anger (I name these because I have done their bidding) as rooted in unbelief. God made us to be emotional, and our emotions are at peace when they do His bidding and our minds are steadfast because we trust in Him. Isaiah 26:3
I have not been on medication for years and now understand the weight of God's power to transform through His Holy Spirit and His word. This is not because of anything I have done, but because of God's faithfulness to refine us. My experience with panic disorder produced peaceable, powerful fruits of faith. What a gift!
I have not been on medication for years and now understand the weight of God's power to transform through His Holy Spirit and His word. This is not because of anything I have done, but because of God's faithfulness to refine us. My experience with panic disorder produced peaceable, powerful fruits of faith. What a gift!
Back on my horse
As the time draws near (3 months and 5 days) for my next race- the Memphis in May Triathlon, I have finally started getting serious about training- this week, anyway! It is helpful and motivating to have clear memories of14+ previous experiences of race day with varying levels of preparation.
Especially in swimming, my worst sport, I have cranked up the distance. I swam 30 laps Saturday, and 32 (1 mile) Monday. This morning, I did 20 laps before work. I also ran 3 miles after the swims Saturday and Monday, and 3.5 mi Tuesday; and biked 1 hour on Sunday afternoon.
Now I just need to control my intake so I don't have to drag a fat carcass around the race course.
Especially in swimming, my worst sport, I have cranked up the distance. I swam 30 laps Saturday, and 32 (1 mile) Monday. This morning, I did 20 laps before work. I also ran 3 miles after the swims Saturday and Monday, and 3.5 mi Tuesday; and biked 1 hour on Sunday afternoon.
Now I just need to control my intake so I don't have to drag a fat carcass around the race course.
Monday, February 11, 2008
My Thoughts on Science and Sin
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me Psalm 66:18
Darwin's theory of natural selection is a theological response to natural evil. He could not attribute the loss of his beloved daughter and malevolent animal behaviors to a loving creator. Instead, he evoked natural processes that would, by chance, produce such sadness and devastation. Darwin extrapolated current natural processes to account for the origin of life. He offered no empirical evidence whatsoever, but appealed to man’s imagination. He trained his readers to visualize transitions between animals even though they are found nowhere in the fossil record. Why would man go along with this theory that is only true in our imagination? Natural selection was readily received by a condition that was already corrupting the hearts of man. Philosophers call it naturalism or scientific materialism. The Bible calls it foolishness. It states that we are only matter. We are not souls accountable to God. Our thoughts are simply chemical reactions.Sociobiology is a "science" born from Darwinism. The great sociobiologists, like E.O. Wilson, offered explanations of human behavior by applying Darwin's theories of natural selection. We behave and think certain ways because these ways were once advantageous for survival. This branch of Darwinian thought eventually infiltrated how we counsel one another. The Bible appoints fellow believers to counsel one another. Someone is qualified to counsel if he has submitted himself to God's authority and bears good fruit in his own life. However, with the advent of sociobiology, one became "wise" to counsel if he earned a PhD in psychology under the submission of an academic advisor. Popular psychologists now inform us how to raise our children, treat our spouses, and express our emotions.What Darwinism, therefore popular psychology, lacks is the recognition of sin. Darwin abolished evil as he attempted to account for it. However, moral and natural evil are a product of sin, man’s rebellion against God. Darwin’s theory has allowed us to no longer be sinners, but victims of our brain chemistry. Psychologists tell us our depression and anxieties are not our fault, they are simply chemical imbalances. This would be true if we were only matter. Yet the Bible, and current neuroscience research, teaches that we are souls in a body. You have a mind that effects your brain. Our bodies' ailments are usually products of spiritual ailments. David said "Oh my soul, why are you downcast? Hope in God!" He did not say "Oh my body, why are you chemically imbalanced? Take your Prozac!" Prozac would have helped David by fixing his brain, but his spirit would have continued to not hope in God. As Christians, we often identify sin as certain behavior. But sinful behavior stems from sin which is unbelief. It is not believing God's word which leads to sinful emotions like anxiety, depression, anger, coveteousness, etc. Thankfully, these sinful emotions are not only manifestations of an unbalanced brain! We are souls, created to know our creator! He has not left us in our unbelief, but took the consequences of sin upon Himself through Jesus Christ. And He has given us His Holy Spirit to open our eyes to the reality of God's word. Those of us who are found in Jesus, must not harbor sin in our hearts, but draw near to God. Darwin would not face the fact that he was accountable to a loving and JUST God. There are consequences for sin. Jesus bore our consequences; do not continue in them as you grow cold to the love of your father. Science is a tool, it is not reality. Don't let man's denial of sin lead you to regard sin in your heart.
Darwin's theory of natural selection is a theological response to natural evil. He could not attribute the loss of his beloved daughter and malevolent animal behaviors to a loving creator. Instead, he evoked natural processes that would, by chance, produce such sadness and devastation. Darwin extrapolated current natural processes to account for the origin of life. He offered no empirical evidence whatsoever, but appealed to man’s imagination. He trained his readers to visualize transitions between animals even though they are found nowhere in the fossil record. Why would man go along with this theory that is only true in our imagination? Natural selection was readily received by a condition that was already corrupting the hearts of man. Philosophers call it naturalism or scientific materialism. The Bible calls it foolishness. It states that we are only matter. We are not souls accountable to God. Our thoughts are simply chemical reactions.Sociobiology is a "science" born from Darwinism. The great sociobiologists, like E.O. Wilson, offered explanations of human behavior by applying Darwin's theories of natural selection. We behave and think certain ways because these ways were once advantageous for survival. This branch of Darwinian thought eventually infiltrated how we counsel one another. The Bible appoints fellow believers to counsel one another. Someone is qualified to counsel if he has submitted himself to God's authority and bears good fruit in his own life. However, with the advent of sociobiology, one became "wise" to counsel if he earned a PhD in psychology under the submission of an academic advisor. Popular psychologists now inform us how to raise our children, treat our spouses, and express our emotions.What Darwinism, therefore popular psychology, lacks is the recognition of sin. Darwin abolished evil as he attempted to account for it. However, moral and natural evil are a product of sin, man’s rebellion against God. Darwin’s theory has allowed us to no longer be sinners, but victims of our brain chemistry. Psychologists tell us our depression and anxieties are not our fault, they are simply chemical imbalances. This would be true if we were only matter. Yet the Bible, and current neuroscience research, teaches that we are souls in a body. You have a mind that effects your brain. Our bodies' ailments are usually products of spiritual ailments. David said "Oh my soul, why are you downcast? Hope in God!" He did not say "Oh my body, why are you chemically imbalanced? Take your Prozac!" Prozac would have helped David by fixing his brain, but his spirit would have continued to not hope in God. As Christians, we often identify sin as certain behavior. But sinful behavior stems from sin which is unbelief. It is not believing God's word which leads to sinful emotions like anxiety, depression, anger, coveteousness, etc. Thankfully, these sinful emotions are not only manifestations of an unbalanced brain! We are souls, created to know our creator! He has not left us in our unbelief, but took the consequences of sin upon Himself through Jesus Christ. And He has given us His Holy Spirit to open our eyes to the reality of God's word. Those of us who are found in Jesus, must not harbor sin in our hearts, but draw near to God. Darwin would not face the fact that he was accountable to a loving and JUST God. There are consequences for sin. Jesus bore our consequences; do not continue in them as you grow cold to the love of your father. Science is a tool, it is not reality. Don't let man's denial of sin lead you to regard sin in your heart.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Reaching Down From Heaven
Hey Ideators.
check out this documentary.
I made this video back in October.
It's telling the story of one of our close friends here in San Francisco.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
I think I'm going to vote for Hilary Clinton.
Especially if Barak Obama runs with her as her Vice President.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Ignatius
Wes Tappmeyer sent me the following in a recent email...
Friends,
Mull this over and chew on it. Our time here is short. Ignatius, an early church father (around 100 AD), had been captured by the Romans and condemned to die for his faith in Christ (under the Trajan edict). By this time, he was an old man. He had faithfully expounded the word of God for many years at Antioch. A Roman convoy was transporting him to Rome to be executed (likely by wild beasts for the sport of the Romans). He wrote a letter to the Church in Rome, which was planning to use its considerable influence to free Ignatius. He told them to halt their efforts.
Ignatius, desirous of an end fitting of His Christ, penned the words below to the Church in Rome. No doubt the following words of the Apostle Paul were on his mind, "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead."
Ignatius (letter to the Roman Church):
I write to the Churches, and impress on them all, that I shall willingly die for God, unless ye hinder me. I beseech of you not to show an unseasonable good-will towards me. Suffer me to become food for the wild beasts, through whose instrumentality it will be granted me to attain to God. I am the wheat of God, and let me be ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found the pure bread of Christ. Rather entice the wild beasts, that they may become my tomb, and may leave nothing of my body; so that when I have fallen asleep [in death], I may be no trouble to any one. Then shall I truly be a disciple of Christ, when the world shall not see so much as my body. Entreat Christ for me, that by these instruments I may be found a sacrifice [to God]. I do not, as Peter and Paul, issue commandments unto you. They were apostles; I am but a condemned man: they were free, while I am, even until now, a servant. But when I suffer, I shall be the freed-man of Jesus, and shall rise again emancipated in Him. And now, being a prisoner, I learn not to desire anything worldly or vain.
...May I enjoy the wild beasts that are prepared for me; and I pray they may be found eager to rush upon me, which also I will entice to devour me speedily, and not deal with me as with some, whom, out of fear, they have not touched. But if they be unwilling to assail me, I will compel them to do so. Pardon me [in this]: I know what is for my benefit. Now I begin to be a disciple. And let no one, of things visible or invisible, envy me that I should attain to Jesus Christ. Let fire and the cross; let the crowds of wild beasts; let tearings, breakings, and dislocations of bones; let cutting off of members; let shatterings of the whole body; and let all the dreadful torments of the devil come upon me: only let me attain to Jesus Christ.
Shortly thereafter, Ignatius was cast to the wild beasts and eaten.
He loved not his life unto death.
"Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it bears much fruit." -- Jesus
Come, Lord Jesus!
Wes
Friends,
Mull this over and chew on it. Our time here is short. Ignatius, an early church father (around 100 AD), had been captured by the Romans and condemned to die for his faith in Christ (under the Trajan edict). By this time, he was an old man. He had faithfully expounded the word of God for many years at Antioch. A Roman convoy was transporting him to Rome to be executed (likely by wild beasts for the sport of the Romans). He wrote a letter to the Church in Rome, which was planning to use its considerable influence to free Ignatius. He told them to halt their efforts.
Ignatius, desirous of an end fitting of His Christ, penned the words below to the Church in Rome. No doubt the following words of the Apostle Paul were on his mind, "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead."
Ignatius (letter to the Roman Church):
I write to the Churches, and impress on them all, that I shall willingly die for God, unless ye hinder me. I beseech of you not to show an unseasonable good-will towards me. Suffer me to become food for the wild beasts, through whose instrumentality it will be granted me to attain to God. I am the wheat of God, and let me be ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found the pure bread of Christ. Rather entice the wild beasts, that they may become my tomb, and may leave nothing of my body; so that when I have fallen asleep [in death], I may be no trouble to any one. Then shall I truly be a disciple of Christ, when the world shall not see so much as my body. Entreat Christ for me, that by these instruments I may be found a sacrifice [to God]. I do not, as Peter and Paul, issue commandments unto you. They were apostles; I am but a condemned man: they were free, while I am, even until now, a servant. But when I suffer, I shall be the freed-man of Jesus, and shall rise again emancipated in Him. And now, being a prisoner, I learn not to desire anything worldly or vain.
...May I enjoy the wild beasts that are prepared for me; and I pray they may be found eager to rush upon me, which also I will entice to devour me speedily, and not deal with me as with some, whom, out of fear, they have not touched. But if they be unwilling to assail me, I will compel them to do so. Pardon me [in this]: I know what is for my benefit. Now I begin to be a disciple. And let no one, of things visible or invisible, envy me that I should attain to Jesus Christ. Let fire and the cross; let the crowds of wild beasts; let tearings, breakings, and dislocations of bones; let cutting off of members; let shatterings of the whole body; and let all the dreadful torments of the devil come upon me: only let me attain to Jesus Christ.
Shortly thereafter, Ignatius was cast to the wild beasts and eaten.
He loved not his life unto death.
"Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it bears much fruit." -- Jesus
Come, Lord Jesus!
Wes
from the Valley of Vision
Gustavo sent me the following excerpt in a recent email...
from The Valley of Vision:(book of prayers from the Puritains)
Another week has gone and I have been preserved
in my going out,in my coming in.
Thine has been the vigilance that has turned threatened evils aside;
Thine the supplies that have nourished me;
Thine the comforts that have indulged me;
Thine the relations and friends that have delighted me;
Thine the means of grace which have edified me;
Thine the Book, which, amidst all my enjoyments,
has told me that this is not my rest,
that in all successes one thing alone is needful,
to love my Saviour.
Nothing can equal the number of they mercies but my imperfections and sins.
These, O God, I will neither conceal nor palliate, but confess with a broken heart.
In what condition would secret reviews of my life leave me
were it not for the assurance that with thee there is plenteous redemption,
that thou art a forgiving God,that thou mayest be feared!
While I hope for pardon through the blood of the cross,
I pray to be clothed with humility,
to be quickened in thy way,
to be more devoted to thee,
to keep the end of my life in view,
to be cured of the folly of delay and indecision,
to know how frail I am,
to number my days and apply my heart unto wisdom.
from The Valley of Vision:(book of prayers from the Puritains)
Another week has gone and I have been preserved
in my going out,in my coming in.
Thine has been the vigilance that has turned threatened evils aside;
Thine the supplies that have nourished me;
Thine the comforts that have indulged me;
Thine the relations and friends that have delighted me;
Thine the means of grace which have edified me;
Thine the Book, which, amidst all my enjoyments,
has told me that this is not my rest,
that in all successes one thing alone is needful,
to love my Saviour.
Nothing can equal the number of they mercies but my imperfections and sins.
These, O God, I will neither conceal nor palliate, but confess with a broken heart.
In what condition would secret reviews of my life leave me
were it not for the assurance that with thee there is plenteous redemption,
that thou art a forgiving God,that thou mayest be feared!
While I hope for pardon through the blood of the cross,
I pray to be clothed with humility,
to be quickened in thy way,
to be more devoted to thee,
to keep the end of my life in view,
to be cured of the folly of delay and indecision,
to know how frail I am,
to number my days and apply my heart unto wisdom.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Nobody's Perfect... not even the Patriots
I'm sure I wasn't the only one happy to see the NY Giants upset the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl Sunday evening. Why is it that we are naturally filled with desire to see the underdog win, and the predicted favorite lose (unless the favorite happens to be our team)? Is it because so many of us identify with the underdog with the odds stacked against us in life? Is it born out of pure jealousy? Cultural influence?
Just a thought, didn't know if anyone had any ideas out there that might be able to explain this phenomenon. Which brings me to my next point... this blog is not limited to theological discussion. There are plenty of interesting things to talk about in this world besides theology, and I for one am in favor of creating an atmosphere for "Idea Summit" that is open to the discussion of all topics (excluding in-depth descriptions of personal hygiene issues/products). I have a feeling that just because I said that, Eric is going to have make some sort of comment on the subject.
By the way, I would like to give special thanks to Eric and Leila, and of course my dad for their quick replies to the first subject. I also would like to thank both parties for their inspiration in the creation of this blog. It was my dad's idea (Gustavo) in the first place, and Eric and Leila contributed the background picture (their back yard in Summit County, Colorado). The choice of the word "Summit" was a coincidence though... sorry guys, can't give you credit for that.
Just a thought, didn't know if anyone had any ideas out there that might be able to explain this phenomenon. Which brings me to my next point... this blog is not limited to theological discussion. There are plenty of interesting things to talk about in this world besides theology, and I for one am in favor of creating an atmosphere for "Idea Summit" that is open to the discussion of all topics (excluding in-depth descriptions of personal hygiene issues/products). I have a feeling that just because I said that, Eric is going to have make some sort of comment on the subject.
By the way, I would like to give special thanks to Eric and Leila, and of course my dad for their quick replies to the first subject. I also would like to thank both parties for their inspiration in the creation of this blog. It was my dad's idea (Gustavo) in the first place, and Eric and Leila contributed the background picture (their back yard in Summit County, Colorado). The choice of the word "Summit" was a coincidence though... sorry guys, can't give you credit for that.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Topical vrs. Exegetical Preaching
My father and I were discussing the pro's/con's of Topical versus Exegetical preaching. My father was lamenting the lack of exegetical preaching coming from the pulpit at his home church. Obviously, once one deviates from the proper form of exegesis the chances for a message full of fluff, personal ideas and heretical philosophies increase exponentially.
However, just because a message is topical in origin doesn't mean it is necessarily based on a false or personal pretense. A proper understanding of theology comes from seeing God's theme of redemption from the book of Genesis interwoven through all the books of the Bible to Revelation. Therefore a proper understanding of any one particular scripture is seen best as a part of the larger theme of God's picture revealed through the whole Bible.
As long as a preacher is well-versed and knowledgeable of all the elements of "the big picture" and has a solid biblical foundation for his personal beliefs and theology, he can safely draw on a larger resource of knowledge revealed through scriptures as a whole and even personal experience. It is when preachers do not have this biblical foundation for their personal beliefs and theology that things start to get messy... not counting improper motives for whatever topic he or she may choose to preach on in the first place.
All things considered, my father and I agreed that we would both appreciate and prefer exegetical preaching from our pulpits as a norm instead of a random occurance.
However, just because a message is topical in origin doesn't mean it is necessarily based on a false or personal pretense. A proper understanding of theology comes from seeing God's theme of redemption from the book of Genesis interwoven through all the books of the Bible to Revelation. Therefore a proper understanding of any one particular scripture is seen best as a part of the larger theme of God's picture revealed through the whole Bible.
As long as a preacher is well-versed and knowledgeable of all the elements of "the big picture" and has a solid biblical foundation for his personal beliefs and theology, he can safely draw on a larger resource of knowledge revealed through scriptures as a whole and even personal experience. It is when preachers do not have this biblical foundation for their personal beliefs and theology that things start to get messy... not counting improper motives for whatever topic he or she may choose to preach on in the first place.
All things considered, my father and I agreed that we would both appreciate and prefer exegetical preaching from our pulpits as a norm instead of a random occurance.
Welcome friends and family
My dad and I were discussing the idea of creating a blog where we are free to communicate ideas, encourage each other, and keep in touch. We decided we did not want to restrict access or membership to just the Nix family, and that we would like for it be a place to stay in touch with friends as well. If you can think of someone right off the top of your head who you would like to see have a membership with this blog (ability to post scripts, ideas) please email me their address and I'll try to include them as well. I have included many already, I will let you know if I've already invited them. Again, welcome to the Idea Summit, a place for the convergence of people and ideas!
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