Saturday, September 28, 2013
Juniper Project Serving Day
A bit rainy today, but rainy days are perfect for pizza! Clothes, socks, and care kits distributed!
Thursday, September 26, 2013
It's Between Them and God
Due to a nudging, I gave a pan handler $20.00 today. Now, God and I had our conversation about this and He won.
Because it wasn't about giving to, it was about parting with.
And, as always it was about a persons "worthiness" of grace - in it's many forms.
The man I gave it to was surprised to get $20 an almost started to cry and shook my hand. He then put away his sign and rode off.
Maybe he went to get something to eat or mate he went to drink it away. But it was his "grace" now and what he did with it was between God and him.
He owes me nothing for it, I freely gave it to him, what he does with it is on him.
Even if he does drink it away, how often to we spiritually do the same and all the while God keeps handing us "$20" over an over again??
If God can hand out true grace without ceasing and our deserving than how can I not help anyone in need?
I know sometimes that isn't true help, but hen God nudges you to do something: there's a reason for it.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Can Christian's Drink Alcohol?
Because of my blog title, and because it's a question I have heard and seen Christians bring up, I am address the question: can Christians drink alcohol?
Now, many people have already addressed this question, but as I said I probably should too.
How I wish to do this is to take what a prominent teacher says about drinking. When I typed it in on the searchy thing I came across Greg Laurie's post on it: Greg's Drinkin Stance
After reading it, I thought given my blog name, a Christian, and a drinker I should address this and thus present my belief on the matter.
Now, I am not criticising Greg as a person. I don't know him at all. I have heard him on the radio before, but couldn't tell you what he said.
Instead, I wish to show that people with his belief, tend to lean the argument on their side by not actually addressing the question and ignoring evidence that doesn't fit this point.
I do this, also, because I believe as a spiritual leader he should know better than to present a lopsided view of an issue many Christians deal with. It's important, and people deserve ALL information available - not just opinion and straw man arguments.
The question is whether Christians can drink alcohol. The question ISN'T: can Christian drink excessively and abuse alcohol.
Greg doesn't answer the first - the question people actually ask. He answers number two: which, as far as I know, isn't up for debate.
So let's look at Greg's response:
"The Bible tells us the story of John the Baptist,who was set apart by God from the time he was in his mother’s womb. In Luke 1:15, the angel said of John, “He will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb” (NKJV).
John gives us a good model for life: he drank neither wine nor strong drink."
No, but he did eat locusts and honey...I doubt that Greg is a consumer of the former. John was set apart, by God, for a specific purpose. That he didn't drink, wasn't the purpose. That is, John wasn't set apart just to NOT drink. It was a small, minor, part of what John was there to do...and that John didn't drink doesn't follow that we can't.
"Personally, I don’t drink at all. That is due, to some degree, to coming from an alcoholic home and seeing the devastation that drinking can bring."
For sure, excessive drinking can. I don't disagree, however, alcohol also masks the true problem that goes beyond drinking. Working with folks who live with mental illness, I know that people self medicate with alcohol among other substances - alcohol isn't their root problem: their illness is. I can't speak to Greg's life growing up, so I won't.
"I can’t think of a single good thing that comes from drinking, but I can think of many bad things that
come from it: broken homes, violence, accidents, people killed on the road by drunk drivers, addiction,
destroying your health . . . the list goes on."
Yep, Greg all those can happen with drinking. And many happen without alcohol too. Because we can think of bad things that happen when something is abused and misused doesn't mean the "thing" is bad. When used properly, does the list still hold?
Greg here is not arguing apples to apples. He arguing abuse of alcohol vs. responsible use.
I would agree, ABUSE of alcohol is a sin - as abuse of ANYTHING is a sin. Money, sexuality, gluttony, etc. Abuse does lead to destruction of lives, no doubt about it. But that's not the same as common sense use.
"Drinking will never make anything better, only worse."
Health Experts Disagree
Though they do mention in the article that " too much alcohol can have many harmful effects on your body."
Again, ABUSE can have harmful effects, proper use can have healthful effects.
And another for good measure: Beer Does a Body Good.
And Paul, whom he quotes, also said this to Timothy: “Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine [oinos] because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses” (1 Timothy 5:23)
Greg might not be able to think of anything good that can come from drinking, but that doesn't mean there isn't. I agree EXCESSIVE drinking doesn't lead to anything good, but that's not what the question is...
But Greg doesn't relent arguing the incorrect point:
"Every illustration of drunkenness in the Bible is a disaster:
Noah became drunk, and in his nakedness, he acted shamelessly.
Lot became drunk and his daughters committed incest with him.
Belshazzar, in Daniel 5, had a drunken feast and worshipped his false gods. He lost his
kingdom that night.
Many a kingdom, family, career, ministry, and life have been lost through drinking."
"Through EXCESSIVE drinking," it should read.
Nowhere in the Bible do you read about RESPONSIBLE drinking leading to problems...
"As Paul told the Corinthian believers, “‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but I will not be mastered by anything” (1 Corinthians 6:12
NIV).
I don’t want to be under the power of anyone or anything but Jesus Christ!"
Does moderate drinking equate alcohol taking power over your life?
"Here’s a revolutionary thought: If you don’t drink, you will never get drunk. If you do drink, you may get drunk. Is it worth the risk?"
If you eat the wrong types of food you might get fat. Is it worth the risk?
If you drive your car, you might get into an accident and be killed. Is it worth the risk?
If you go swimming, you might drown. Is it worth the risk?
Actually I find this the silliest argument, as we can do this all day with various things. As the saying goes, "Life is Dangerous."
But here's one for you, Greg: if you live your life, you might SIN.
Scratch that: you WILL sin.
Is it worth the risk?
"But here’s another question for you: Could your so-called liberty ever cause another believer to stumble in their faith? 1 Corinthians 8:9 says, “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”
But this goes for ANYTHING! I would agree, that if we are too focused on or abuse something it can be a stumbling block - but good grief if we stopped to take inventory, we'd do nothing but that and not get around to living life.
"John never touched alcohol, but was instead “filled with the Spirit.” The Bible says, “Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18 NLT). It’s better to be filled with the Spirit than with the spirits."
Greg's parting shot seems to state that one cannot be filled with both. Of course, if one truly was filled with alcohol as they were with the Spirit they'd be dead.
We are not talking about being "filled" with alcohol Greg - we are talking about responsible drinking. Of which Jesus was more than okay with.
Here is a great link on wine and drinking in the Bible: Alcohol in the Bible
But in Greg's post, he doesn't mention ANY this. He only argues HIS one side. That doesn't, I believe, answer the question.
I don't believe this to be good teaching. I believe that good teaching presents all sides fairly. A teacher doesn't present a lopsided argument that doesn't actually address the question being asked.
Again, I'm not attaching Greg personally. I'm sure he's a fine man. But I do believe that he didn't fairly answer the questions many in his fold dearly wanted answered.
So, to answer the question: yes Christians are allowed to drink. Drinking alcohol is NOT a sin.
But, like everything in life for many it CAN lead to and become a sin...but alcohol is not alone in that boat.
So celebrate the gift of God that brewers and winemakers have received and enjoy a glass, or two - if you wish. If not? Then that is just fine as well.
Now, many people have already addressed this question, but as I said I probably should too.
How I wish to do this is to take what a prominent teacher says about drinking. When I typed it in on the searchy thing I came across Greg Laurie's post on it: Greg's Drinkin Stance
After reading it, I thought given my blog name, a Christian, and a drinker I should address this and thus present my belief on the matter.
Now, I am not criticising Greg as a person. I don't know him at all. I have heard him on the radio before, but couldn't tell you what he said.
Instead, I wish to show that people with his belief, tend to lean the argument on their side by not actually addressing the question and ignoring evidence that doesn't fit this point.
I do this, also, because I believe as a spiritual leader he should know better than to present a lopsided view of an issue many Christians deal with. It's important, and people deserve ALL information available - not just opinion and straw man arguments.
The question is whether Christians can drink alcohol. The question ISN'T: can Christian drink excessively and abuse alcohol.
Greg doesn't answer the first - the question people actually ask. He answers number two: which, as far as I know, isn't up for debate.
So let's look at Greg's response:
"The Bible tells us the story of John the Baptist,who was set apart by God from the time he was in his mother’s womb. In Luke 1:15, the angel said of John, “He will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb” (NKJV).
John gives us a good model for life: he drank neither wine nor strong drink."
No, but he did eat locusts and honey...I doubt that Greg is a consumer of the former. John was set apart, by God, for a specific purpose. That he didn't drink, wasn't the purpose. That is, John wasn't set apart just to NOT drink. It was a small, minor, part of what John was there to do...and that John didn't drink doesn't follow that we can't.
"Personally, I don’t drink at all. That is due, to some degree, to coming from an alcoholic home and seeing the devastation that drinking can bring."
For sure, excessive drinking can. I don't disagree, however, alcohol also masks the true problem that goes beyond drinking. Working with folks who live with mental illness, I know that people self medicate with alcohol among other substances - alcohol isn't their root problem: their illness is. I can't speak to Greg's life growing up, so I won't.
"I can’t think of a single good thing that comes from drinking, but I can think of many bad things that
come from it: broken homes, violence, accidents, people killed on the road by drunk drivers, addiction,
destroying your health . . . the list goes on."
Yep, Greg all those can happen with drinking. And many happen without alcohol too. Because we can think of bad things that happen when something is abused and misused doesn't mean the "thing" is bad. When used properly, does the list still hold?
Greg here is not arguing apples to apples. He arguing abuse of alcohol vs. responsible use.
I would agree, ABUSE of alcohol is a sin - as abuse of ANYTHING is a sin. Money, sexuality, gluttony, etc. Abuse does lead to destruction of lives, no doubt about it. But that's not the same as common sense use.
"Drinking will never make anything better, only worse."
Health Experts Disagree
Though they do mention in the article that " too much alcohol can have many harmful effects on your body."
Again, ABUSE can have harmful effects, proper use can have healthful effects.
And another for good measure: Beer Does a Body Good.
And Paul, whom he quotes, also said this to Timothy: “Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine [oinos] because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses” (1 Timothy 5:23)
Greg might not be able to think of anything good that can come from drinking, but that doesn't mean there isn't. I agree EXCESSIVE drinking doesn't lead to anything good, but that's not what the question is...
But Greg doesn't relent arguing the incorrect point:
"Every illustration of drunkenness in the Bible is a disaster:
Noah became drunk, and in his nakedness, he acted shamelessly.
Lot became drunk and his daughters committed incest with him.
Belshazzar, in Daniel 5, had a drunken feast and worshipped his false gods. He lost his
kingdom that night.
Many a kingdom, family, career, ministry, and life have been lost through drinking."
"Through EXCESSIVE drinking," it should read.
Nowhere in the Bible do you read about RESPONSIBLE drinking leading to problems...
"As Paul told the Corinthian believers, “‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but I will not be mastered by anything” (1 Corinthians 6:12
NIV).
I don’t want to be under the power of anyone or anything but Jesus Christ!"
Does moderate drinking equate alcohol taking power over your life?
"Here’s a revolutionary thought: If you don’t drink, you will never get drunk. If you do drink, you may get drunk. Is it worth the risk?"
If you eat the wrong types of food you might get fat. Is it worth the risk?
If you drive your car, you might get into an accident and be killed. Is it worth the risk?
If you go swimming, you might drown. Is it worth the risk?
Actually I find this the silliest argument, as we can do this all day with various things. As the saying goes, "Life is Dangerous."
But here's one for you, Greg: if you live your life, you might SIN.
Scratch that: you WILL sin.
Is it worth the risk?
"But here’s another question for you: Could your so-called liberty ever cause another believer to stumble in their faith? 1 Corinthians 8:9 says, “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”
But this goes for ANYTHING! I would agree, that if we are too focused on or abuse something it can be a stumbling block - but good grief if we stopped to take inventory, we'd do nothing but that and not get around to living life.
"John never touched alcohol, but was instead “filled with the Spirit.” The Bible says, “Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18 NLT). It’s better to be filled with the Spirit than with the spirits."
Greg's parting shot seems to state that one cannot be filled with both. Of course, if one truly was filled with alcohol as they were with the Spirit they'd be dead.
We are not talking about being "filled" with alcohol Greg - we are talking about responsible drinking. Of which Jesus was more than okay with.
Here is a great link on wine and drinking in the Bible: Alcohol in the Bible
But in Greg's post, he doesn't mention ANY this. He only argues HIS one side. That doesn't, I believe, answer the question.
I don't believe this to be good teaching. I believe that good teaching presents all sides fairly. A teacher doesn't present a lopsided argument that doesn't actually address the question being asked.
Again, I'm not attaching Greg personally. I'm sure he's a fine man. But I do believe that he didn't fairly answer the questions many in his fold dearly wanted answered.
So, to answer the question: yes Christians are allowed to drink. Drinking alcohol is NOT a sin.
But, like everything in life for many it CAN lead to and become a sin...but alcohol is not alone in that boat.
So celebrate the gift of God that brewers and winemakers have received and enjoy a glass, or two - if you wish. If not? Then that is just fine as well.
Flash Flood For Good
Hey Folks!
Just a quick post about a great opportunity that I support and wish to bring to you.
Flash Flood For Good
I won't go into a big sales pitch, but seriously if you are reading this why wouldn't you help?
All they are asking for is $10 bucks...
You're most likely going to waste that on something today - why not put it to good use?
Okay, enough with the "guilt trip." Seriously though, it's water - it's a necessity to live.
You know you want to give ;)
You'll be glad you did, I promise!
Take care,
Chris
Just a quick post about a great opportunity that I support and wish to bring to you.
Flash Flood For Good
I won't go into a big sales pitch, but seriously if you are reading this why wouldn't you help?
All they are asking for is $10 bucks...
You're most likely going to waste that on something today - why not put it to good use?
Okay, enough with the "guilt trip." Seriously though, it's water - it's a necessity to live.
You know you want to give ;)
You'll be glad you did, I promise!
Take care,
Chris
Monday, September 23, 2013
The Juniper Project
This Saturday TJP will be serving those in need with food, care kits, and smiles.
The Juniper Project
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Loving our Enemies: the illogical command.
"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," Matthew 5:44 (NIV)
Another year passes by 9/11 and now the President has just asked us to be ready and WILLING to bomb Syria (should diplomacy not work); both make me think of perhaps Jesus' most controversial command to us: love your enemy.
But what does this mean? Really?
Are we truly to love those who persecute us? Who wish to kill us? Who wish to harm us?
Well, if we read on in the Bible passage...the short answers is: yes.
Jesus gives us examples of loving our enemies, but guess what he doesn't give us?
Exceptions.
In my opinion, this command, while tough, couldn't be any clearer.
But yet, we can find Christians who will argue and run through a list of "what ifs" as evidence that Jesus couldn't REALLY mean what he said.
Love God? Can do.
Love my neighbor? You got it.
Love my enemies? Well, let's not be so hasty! I might need some clarification - and by that I mean: you can't be serious?
Sure, I can love the guy that just cut me off in traffic. I can love the guy at work that seems to hate me for no good reason.
But you can't expect me to love __________(insert your exception here).
I know, there are days when I wish Jesus didn't give us this command - it would make things SOOOO much easier.
But he did.
And for a reason.
1) because WE are someones enemy...
I know, we like to think we are perfect, but guess what? We're not! I guarantee you, right now, there is someone that can put you in their list of perceived enemies or they just plain don't like you.
And this means something even more, but I'll get back to it...
2) because Jesus loved (and still loves) his enemies...
If Jesus' enemies are good enough for HIS love, then our enemies certainly are more than worthy of OUR less than stellar love.
3) because Jesus said so.
Serious, it's a command that is non-negotiable and not to be taken lightly or debated by us looking for loop holes. Because of this simple, yet profound, truth: if we truly are looking at people with the heart and through the eyes of Jesus, we have NO enemies.
Did Jesus see enemies? No. He saw lost sheep, and lost shepherds too. Oh, he got on the shepherds, let's not kid ourselves, but he did not see them as enemies..."God forgive them for they know not what they do..."
And, because WE may think someone is our enemy, does that mean they truly are?
Well, let's put it back on us, because someone thinks WE are their enemy, does that mean we truly are?
The answer is no, to both.
And 4) this command is logically impossible.
You can't love your enemy. For once you love them, they are no longer your enemy but a loved one. The very nature and act of love removes someone from the enemy list.
If we are loving them, if we love them, they cannot be our enemy because to be our enemy means we do not love them.
Jesus was quite a clever guy.
By giving us an illogical command, he points out one of our biggest failures: to love.
So the question, "How do we love our enemy?" Is a trick question...
You can't, because if you truly love your enemy, you don't have any enemies...all you have is "neighbors."
And what are we to do with our neighbors? Love them. Not ONLY love them, but love them as we love ourselves...or better in some cases.
And yes, some neighbors are "better" neighbors than others, but...
Okay, but what does this look like in practice and in our lives?
Well, folks, I'm going to have to defer to the expert on this: God.
You want to really know what this means in YOUR life, you have to turn to the author of your life and find out from Him.
Can't use me as a cop out.
Hell, I'm working this out on my own...I'd be a poor example to go by!
But God will be more than happy to tell you...if you're truly willing to listen...
Another year passes by 9/11 and now the President has just asked us to be ready and WILLING to bomb Syria (should diplomacy not work); both make me think of perhaps Jesus' most controversial command to us: love your enemy.
But what does this mean? Really?
Are we truly to love those who persecute us? Who wish to kill us? Who wish to harm us?
Well, if we read on in the Bible passage...the short answers is: yes.
Jesus gives us examples of loving our enemies, but guess what he doesn't give us?
Exceptions.
In my opinion, this command, while tough, couldn't be any clearer.
But yet, we can find Christians who will argue and run through a list of "what ifs" as evidence that Jesus couldn't REALLY mean what he said.
Love God? Can do.
Love my neighbor? You got it.
Love my enemies? Well, let's not be so hasty! I might need some clarification - and by that I mean: you can't be serious?
Sure, I can love the guy that just cut me off in traffic. I can love the guy at work that seems to hate me for no good reason.
But you can't expect me to love __________(insert your exception here).
I know, there are days when I wish Jesus didn't give us this command - it would make things SOOOO much easier.
But he did.
And for a reason.
1) because WE are someones enemy...
I know, we like to think we are perfect, but guess what? We're not! I guarantee you, right now, there is someone that can put you in their list of perceived enemies or they just plain don't like you.
And this means something even more, but I'll get back to it...
2) because Jesus loved (and still loves) his enemies...
If Jesus' enemies are good enough for HIS love, then our enemies certainly are more than worthy of OUR less than stellar love.
3) because Jesus said so.
Serious, it's a command that is non-negotiable and not to be taken lightly or debated by us looking for loop holes. Because of this simple, yet profound, truth: if we truly are looking at people with the heart and through the eyes of Jesus, we have NO enemies.
Did Jesus see enemies? No. He saw lost sheep, and lost shepherds too. Oh, he got on the shepherds, let's not kid ourselves, but he did not see them as enemies..."God forgive them for they know not what they do..."
And, because WE may think someone is our enemy, does that mean they truly are?
Well, let's put it back on us, because someone thinks WE are their enemy, does that mean we truly are?
The answer is no, to both.
And 4) this command is logically impossible.
You can't love your enemy. For once you love them, they are no longer your enemy but a loved one. The very nature and act of love removes someone from the enemy list.
If we are loving them, if we love them, they cannot be our enemy because to be our enemy means we do not love them.
Jesus was quite a clever guy.
By giving us an illogical command, he points out one of our biggest failures: to love.
So the question, "How do we love our enemy?" Is a trick question...
You can't, because if you truly love your enemy, you don't have any enemies...all you have is "neighbors."
And what are we to do with our neighbors? Love them. Not ONLY love them, but love them as we love ourselves...or better in some cases.
And yes, some neighbors are "better" neighbors than others, but...
Okay, but what does this look like in practice and in our lives?
Well, folks, I'm going to have to defer to the expert on this: God.
You want to really know what this means in YOUR life, you have to turn to the author of your life and find out from Him.
Can't use me as a cop out.
Hell, I'm working this out on my own...I'd be a poor example to go by!
But God will be more than happy to tell you...if you're truly willing to listen...
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Screw you! No, I'm kidding...
Sorry for the lack of posting...and as the say in the military "What's the maximum effective range of an excuse, soldier?"
So I offer none.
But I am going to start posting again. I will look to post TWO posts a month.
I have another blog, far different from this, that I will be working on and thus do not want to commit to something I cannot do. Two posts is more than doable.
So please check back every so often, I will try to make my posts on a regular day - say Monday or something of that nature so you can at least know which day to look, rather than just checking back all the time - thought that would do my visits well!
Until next post!
So I offer none.
But I am going to start posting again. I will look to post TWO posts a month.
I have another blog, far different from this, that I will be working on and thus do not want to commit to something I cannot do. Two posts is more than doable.
So please check back every so often, I will try to make my posts on a regular day - say Monday or something of that nature so you can at least know which day to look, rather than just checking back all the time - thought that would do my visits well!
Until next post!
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