As quoted from MSNBC-
Jessica Simpson is telling some Christians to take a walk.
A group called The Resistance has accused Simpson of looking like "a stripper" in her video for "These Boots Were Made for Walking." In the video, the "Dukes of Hazzard" star washes a car while wearing a barely-there bikini.
But Simpson, a pastor's daughter, says that sort of attitude is why she didn't pursue a career as a Christian singer. "It didn't really surprise me because I grew up with a lot of that backlash," Simpson said, according to World Entertainment News Network. "That's why I didn't end up going into the Christian music industry. I think that if they're really good Christians the judgment wouldn't be there."
I wish some folks would just do what they do without claiming Christianity.
Number 1 - I don't believe this is "the attitude" that hindered Ms. Simpson from pursuing a career as a Christian singer. I believe that is how she excuses herself for not pursing a Christian life. It's the same attitude that says "I would go to church if it weren't for the hypocrites". Our relationship with God is dependent upon God -not others. Folks who make such statements usually don't want to go to church anyway, but want to shift responsibility elsewhere. In the same way I suspect Ms. Simpson has not desired a "Christian" singing career but has been, and is, pursuing the career she wants.
Number 2 - "Really good Christians" are actually expected to make judgments concerning right and wrong, and uphold standards of right as defined biblically. The apostle Paul said he who is spiritual judges all things.
Jesus' words from Matthew are surely some of the most abused in scripture. His admonishment against judging was never intended as a sieve through which iniquity would pass and be transformed righteous. It is only through His Blood that dead people are transformed alive. The context of the passage from Matthew is about condemning others while being guilty. It is not our place to condemn, but it is our place to judge right from wrong; Holy from unholy. Further in the passage Jesus says to not to give what is Holy to dogs - how would we know the difference if we were not to judge? Do not condemn others -but judge matters righteously -in love.
Sadly Ms. Simpson is not the only person who would name the Name of Christ, but take no time to understand, or be taught, who He is and the modest way we should conduct ourselves because of who we are in Him -if so be that we belong to Him. It is just this time it was she who gave the media another opportunity to portray Christians negatively. Had she said how charitable Christians are, and what an example of God's love can be found in the Church, I'm sure MSNBC would not have taken the space to report it.
I have nothing against Ms. Simpson. I'm sure she is very talented, and no doubt much smarter than the caricature she portrays on TV. I hope she knows the Lord and grows to know Him in an ever stronger way. To her, or anyone else I would say wear what you want, say what you want, but if it doesn't reflect the modesty and humility of the LIFE, but is concerned with arousing lust in someone - and suggestively dancing around while soaping up a car in a "barely there" bikini for a music video just might qualify - please don't say "Jesus" when you do it. And if you have said "Jesus" beforehand please consider Whom you represent to a lost world that already knows about lust, but far too little about LOVE.
It is befitting for those who are children of the King to behave with the dignity of our Father.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Vacation Bliss!
Vacation!
It goes too quickly, and we just finished another great, if wet, one!
Rain everyday! The remnants of hurricane Dennis gave us some much needed rain but we still had a great time. We spent the first part of the week visiting, and having a great time with family. Thursday we went to Holiday World in Santa Claus Indiana when the rain chances were smaller. As it turned out there was a steady light drizzle for most of the day while we were in the water park, but it stopped raining when we began to ride the amusement rides. The sun even came out for a while!
This trio just in from the parking lot was not yet sure how the light rain was going to affect their day. They need not have worried! And who is that muscular Grace Harbor resident in the center? ( That's right - muscular! That's my story and I'm sticking to it!)
While the rain did make the water too cool for the wife to jump in - the only one upon whom it had this effect - it did not stop her from enjoying the day poolside!
This fearless brother and sister duo know no amusement ride too high, nor too fast! This ability must be a special endowment from the Lord as it is a courage their parents do not posess! :)
Notice the setting SUN in the background! The rain had ended!
Falling from a tremendous height at dazzling speeds you can see that....
...the kiddo's are bored, and looking to move on, while Mom is ecstatic to have survived!
And just because he missed they rain they had all enjoyed earlier Dad had to end the evening with a water ride! It sure made for a cool ride home!
Oh well -back to work tomorrow! What a great week!
How blessed my life is in Grace Harbor!
Thank you Lord!
It goes too quickly, and we just finished another great, if wet, one!
Rain everyday! The remnants of hurricane Dennis gave us some much needed rain but we still had a great time. We spent the first part of the week visiting, and having a great time with family. Thursday we went to Holiday World in Santa Claus Indiana when the rain chances were smaller. As it turned out there was a steady light drizzle for most of the day while we were in the water park, but it stopped raining when we began to ride the amusement rides. The sun even came out for a while!
This trio just in from the parking lot was not yet sure how the light rain was going to affect their day. They need not have worried! And who is that muscular Grace Harbor resident in the center? ( That's right - muscular! That's my story and I'm sticking to it!)
While the rain did make the water too cool for the wife to jump in - the only one upon whom it had this effect - it did not stop her from enjoying the day poolside!
This fearless brother and sister duo know no amusement ride too high, nor too fast! This ability must be a special endowment from the Lord as it is a courage their parents do not posess! :)
Notice the setting SUN in the background! The rain had ended!
Falling from a tremendous height at dazzling speeds you can see that....
...the kiddo's are bored, and looking to move on, while Mom is ecstatic to have survived!
And just because he missed they rain they had all enjoyed earlier Dad had to end the evening with a water ride! It sure made for a cool ride home!Oh well -back to work tomorrow! What a great week!
How blessed my life is in Grace Harbor!
Thank you Lord!
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
You're right Lyn. Marriage is under attack in our culture, and sadly even some who call themselves "Christian" are failing to uphold the righteous banner. The church must be willing to meet the sins of homosexuality and divorce with the light of scripture and the love of God.
One of the things that stuck out to me in Steve Camp's post was his comment about church discipline. If the church will not deal with things inside it's own walls, how shall it be a beacon to those without?
I don't believe we should be in the business of condemning anyone, but at the same time I think we in the church should walk worthy of the calling with which we have been called.
I have often considered Paul's example in 1 Cor. 5 , which in turn acted to the benefit of the person trapped in sexual sin, as well as the church as a whole in 2 Cor. 2 . Individuals, being dust, will sometimes fall into things they should not, but while all are susceptible to the falling it does not mean the thing fallen into should be approved.
The standard for the Church is Christ. What is written in the Book is for our admonishment. I have never seen 1 Cor. 5 in practice, but I confess I have wondered what effect it's application would have with those who have left their spouses for others, or those involved in some other sexual sin. While I think anyone should be welcome to a church meeting, I have wondered what would happen if, instead of pretending that all was as it should be, those Christians choosing to live contrary to the scriptures were made to understand they could attend, but not participate with, or hold a place in, ministry? Might they not be encouraged to repentance and the restoration of their families? And in so doing better learn the voice of the Lord, and the joy of life with a clear conscience? Is the inaction on the part of church to approach those ensnared by sin in reality an unloving act that destines unrepentant individuals to hypocrisy while concurrently hindering church growth?
As I said, I have not seen it in practice but it worked for Paul. The man in question at that time was restored and the integrity of the church was intact.
A lighthouse both warns of danger, and shines as a point of safety. If our light is darkness we can do neither.
One of the things that stuck out to me in Steve Camp's post was his comment about church discipline. If the church will not deal with things inside it's own walls, how shall it be a beacon to those without?
I don't believe we should be in the business of condemning anyone, but at the same time I think we in the church should walk worthy of the calling with which we have been called.
I have often considered Paul's example in 1 Cor. 5 , which in turn acted to the benefit of the person trapped in sexual sin, as well as the church as a whole in 2 Cor. 2 . Individuals, being dust, will sometimes fall into things they should not, but while all are susceptible to the falling it does not mean the thing fallen into should be approved.
The standard for the Church is Christ. What is written in the Book is for our admonishment. I have never seen 1 Cor. 5 in practice, but I confess I have wondered what effect it's application would have with those who have left their spouses for others, or those involved in some other sexual sin. While I think anyone should be welcome to a church meeting, I have wondered what would happen if, instead of pretending that all was as it should be, those Christians choosing to live contrary to the scriptures were made to understand they could attend, but not participate with, or hold a place in, ministry? Might they not be encouraged to repentance and the restoration of their families? And in so doing better learn the voice of the Lord, and the joy of life with a clear conscience? Is the inaction on the part of church to approach those ensnared by sin in reality an unloving act that destines unrepentant individuals to hypocrisy while concurrently hindering church growth?
As I said, I have not seen it in practice but it worked for Paul. The man in question at that time was restored and the integrity of the church was intact.
A lighthouse both warns of danger, and shines as a point of safety. If our light is darkness we can do neither.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
I have to agree with Steve Camp
Something odd is happening with blogspots posting - it is stamped as though posted by Gabriel, but this post is actually by "Lyn".
I have to agree with Steve Camp when he said - " The esteem of Biblical truth has been rapidly on the decline for years now and we are beginning to see the evidence of what neglect of the truth of God has produced. Even within the local church the authority of Scripture, justification by faith alone, the transcendence and holiness of God, "His absolute sovereignty, His ineffable holiness, His inflexible justice, His unchanging veracity" are seldom preached; repentance from sin is barely mentioned and church discipline is all but deemed an archaic past remembrance of a more Puritan, simple naïve time."
I heard this morning that the United Church of Christ has voted to allow same-sex marriages. And I couldn't believe my ears. They said that it was time to show "love and acceptance" for all people. Well...
The simple biblical truth of marriage is being denied - it's in the bible, just being denied. It will never change, it will always be the truth no matter who says differently.
I believe people misunderstand the love of God. His love is so divine that He will not leave you in a mess. When you come to Him, He changes you. From the inside. You are not the same again. What doesn't change is His word. And on the subject of marriage it is very plain. To show love and acceptance to all people is exactly what true Christians do. They love people enough to tell them the truth and lead them to the One who will change them! They do not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoice in the truth.
Thanks for the link.
I have to agree with Steve Camp when he said - " The esteem of Biblical truth has been rapidly on the decline for years now and we are beginning to see the evidence of what neglect of the truth of God has produced. Even within the local church the authority of Scripture, justification by faith alone, the transcendence and holiness of God, "His absolute sovereignty, His ineffable holiness, His inflexible justice, His unchanging veracity" are seldom preached; repentance from sin is barely mentioned and church discipline is all but deemed an archaic past remembrance of a more Puritan, simple naïve time."
I heard this morning that the United Church of Christ has voted to allow same-sex marriages. And I couldn't believe my ears. They said that it was time to show "love and acceptance" for all people. Well...
The simple biblical truth of marriage is being denied - it's in the bible, just being denied. It will never change, it will always be the truth no matter who says differently.
I believe people misunderstand the love of God. His love is so divine that He will not leave you in a mess. When you come to Him, He changes you. From the inside. You are not the same again. What doesn't change is His word. And on the subject of marriage it is very plain. To show love and acceptance to all people is exactly what true Christians do. They love people enough to tell them the truth and lead them to the One who will change them! They do not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoice in the truth.
Thanks for the link.
Friday, July 01, 2005
A Blog Recommendation
A Christian artist who I have enjoyed for over 2 decades now is Steve Camp . A musician whose lyrics have substance, he now has a blog with the same bluntness and clarity. Check him out. I think you will enjoy the reading. This is from a post entitled Where in the World is the Church?
"Persecuted for righteousness sake” has been reduced to mean the secular media disagrees with some evangelical leaders political, moral, cultural ideology and harsh names have been hurled. That's not being persecuted for righteousness sake; that's just politics. They're not suffering for standing for Christ and heralding His gospel of sola fide, sola gratia, or solus Christus. But for the less than heavenly goal of trying to promote and create a cultural morality absent of His gospel.
America is a pagan nation, beloved; it has been for many generations. We live in a fallen world and, therefore, a crumbling society. The esteem of Biblical truth has been rapidly on the decline for years now and we are beginning to see the evidence of what neglect of the truth of God has produced. Even within the local church the authority of Scripture, justification by faith alone, the transcendence and holiness of God, "His absolute sovereignty, His ineffable holiness, His inflexible justice, His unchanging veracity" are seldom preached; repentance from sin is barely mentioned and church discipline is all but deemed an archaic past remembrance of a more Puritan, simple naïve time.
See what I mean? Words rightly spoken are like apples of gold in settings of silver.
It's good stuff.
"Persecuted for righteousness sake” has been reduced to mean the secular media disagrees with some evangelical leaders political, moral, cultural ideology and harsh names have been hurled. That's not being persecuted for righteousness sake; that's just politics. They're not suffering for standing for Christ and heralding His gospel of sola fide, sola gratia, or solus Christus. But for the less than heavenly goal of trying to promote and create a cultural morality absent of His gospel.
America is a pagan nation, beloved; it has been for many generations. We live in a fallen world and, therefore, a crumbling society. The esteem of Biblical truth has been rapidly on the decline for years now and we are beginning to see the evidence of what neglect of the truth of God has produced. Even within the local church the authority of Scripture, justification by faith alone, the transcendence and holiness of God, "His absolute sovereignty, His ineffable holiness, His inflexible justice, His unchanging veracity" are seldom preached; repentance from sin is barely mentioned and church discipline is all but deemed an archaic past remembrance of a more Puritan, simple naïve time.
See what I mean? Words rightly spoken are like apples of gold in settings of silver.
It's good stuff.
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