Christmas -- Going...Going...Gone!

Each December, we are reminded that America is a post-Christian nation as evidenced by the effort to erase Christmas from our culture. Department stores are now requiring employees to say, “Happy Holidays;” school students get a “winter break;” Christmas parades have been replaced by “holiday parades;” Christmas trees have been replaced by “holiday trees,” and Christmas light displays are now referred to as “holiday lights.”

The attack on Christmas is more than a simplistic Scrooge mentality. It is symptomatic of the anti-Christian sentiment that is widespread in America. This sentiment just seems more obvious at Christmas as suggested by talk show host, Bill O’Reilly’s statement, “There is an anti-Christian bias in this country, and it is more on display in the Christmas season than any other time.” Author Don Feder displays the same sentiment as he states, “You’d have an easier time setting up a nativity scene in Saudi Arabia than in most public parks.”
Now don’t misunderstand, the anti-Christian bias extends far beyond Christmas.
Battles are raging over Ten Commandments displays, efforts to remove God from the Pledge of Allegiance, banning prayer from public events, and even redefining marriage. Rosie O’Donnell recently compared radical Christians to the Muslims who flew the planes into the World Trade Center; Keith Ellison, Democratic Congressman from Minnesota, desired to be sworn into office using the Koran; Ford Motor Company endorsed the defeat of Constitutional amendments banning same sex marriage; and the list goes on!

The widespread attacks against religion in America have been ongoing and subtle. People offer their annual uproar about greetings such as “Happy Holidays” and celebrations of Santa, but neither is new. What is new is the readily accepted replacement of nativity scenes by decorations pertaining to Kwanzaa and Labafana, which are indicators that people are forgetting the true meaning of Christmas.
Clemson University religion professor, Nancy Hardesty, recently reported her belief that even Christians have forgotten the meaning of Christmas as a religious event. Could this be true? Christians are launching attacks against those taking Christ out of Christmas; but as author Matt Friedeman states, “Christians too often love to tackle "Happy Holiday" type issues because it diverts attention from the truth of our collective lives.” He states, “We are evangelicals without evangelism, Christians without compassion, and saints without a sanctifying presence.” Could it be that this secularization of culture, the removal of Christ from Christmas is ultimately the fault of Christians who have lost sight of the true meaning of not only Christmas; but also the true meaning of Christianity?
The effort to save Christmas must start within the Christian community. Christians must go back to the biblical foundation and become proactive in telling people about God’s love for mankind and the gift of His Son. If we fail to do so, we can only blame ourselves when our children come home singing, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Holiday,” or “I’m Dreaming of a White Holiday.” Worse yet, when they don’t even know that Jesus is the “Reason for the season!”

Renaming the Trinity?

“What’s in a name?” You may remember that famous question from Shakespeare's lyrical tale of lovers. Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet meet and fall in love, but their romance is doomed from the start because their families are at war. Juliet tells Romeo that a name is meaningless, and that she loves the person, not the Montague name and not the Montague family. Romeo, out of his passion for Juliet, rejects his family name and vows, as Juliet asks, to "deny his father" and instead be sworn as Juliet's lover.

It appears that in our quest to pattern the church after today’s modern culture, some Christians are losing their awe, reverence, and respect for the holy name of God. They have adopted Juliet Capulet’s philosophy of “That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet” and taken it upon themselves to rename God. Such an act borders on blasphemy! It is true that God’s divinity is not impacted by what we call Him, but it is certainly not our right or privilege, as the creation, to rename our Creator.

On June 19, 2006, the 217th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) actually discussed the idea of renaming the holy trinity. The project was initiated in the 212th General Assembly of 2000 and due in 2003, but it was delayed. While not officially adopted, the paper, titled “The Trinity: God’s Love Overflowing.” was commended to individual congregations for further study and discussion. While changes are seriously being considered, the Trinitarian formula of “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” will still be used for baptisms.

The variations for the Trinitarian formula which are suggested in “The Trinity: God’s Love Overflowing” are as follows: “One from Whom, One through Whom, and One in Whom;” “Rainbow of Promise, Ark of Salvation, and Dove of Peace;” “Speaker, Word, and Breath;” “Overflowing fount, Living Water, and Flowing River;” “Sun, Light, and Burning Ray;” “Giver, Gift, and Giving;” “Lover, Beloved, and Love that Binds together Lover and Beloved;” “Rock, Cornerstone, Temple;” “Fire that Consumes, Sword that Divides, and Storm that Melts Mountains;” “One Who Is, One Who Was, and One Who Is To Come;” and finally, “Compassionate Mother, Beloved Child, Life-giving Womb;”

Life giving womb? Leanne Millinger asks, “How does a uterus suggest the role of the Spirit in the believer’s life — power to be Christ’s witness, victory over sin, convicting the world regarding sin, righteousness and judgment?” Such absurdity has motivated other believers back to reevaluate doctrine and as David Irby points out, “All major ‘Reformation churches’ have always agreed that those who don’t affirm, “Father, Son, Holy Spirit” cannot be saved. So even tinkering at the edges of that formula poses a danger to souls.”

What's the Big Idea?

Have you heard all of the commotion surrounding the Veggie Tales videos being aired Saturday mornings on NBC? It seems that the religious references and mention of "God" have caused quite a stir. Critics said that the animated programs should be restricted to "religious" channels. I applaud the Veggie Tale producers for their flexibility and willingness to make the necessary changes in order to meet the network requirements, but why could the programs not be aired in their original format?

Are the major networks anti-God? You saw my previous post regarding Rosie O'Donnell's comments on "The View" comparing Christians to Muslims. To date, there has still been no apology or disciplinary action taken by ABC. Now NBC won't allow religious references. I personally perceive this as an anti-Christian bias, rather than anti-religion. All one has to do is watch the programming and you'll soon realize that only Christianity is being censored. The religion of humanism is being broadcast daily. The gods of free sex, homosexuality, promiscuity, infidelity, violence, murder, greed, self-gratification and more are being broadcast daily. Humanistic religion is approved by the networks, while Judeo-Christian religious references are banned.

Has everyone checked their brains at the door? Think about it... TV will allow Gene Simmons to talk about his "Family Jewels," MTV to teach a kid how to be a "Jack Ass," and Nip/Tuck will teach them how to look and cheat like "everyone" else. Furthermore, a recent court ruling now makes it illegal for companies to edit the sex and violence out of movies to make them suitable for children and families -- even though the companies pay huge royalties! Hollywood wants to remove parental control over what their kids see. Don't tell me there is no underlying agenda! And in spite of all this, we CAN'T talk about God or make religious references??!!!

I applaud Big Idea for being willing to reach into a new market and offer character training in a world filled with less than desireable "characters." I wish the networks would allow them to clearly tell people that Jesus is the answer for the issues they are facing, but I'm trusting that God can still work through the Veggie Tales programming. Let's pray that God will use this Saturday morning opportunity to encourage children toward good morals. He knows we need it!

Rosie O'Donnell Compares Christians to Muslims

When "The View" announced that Rosie O'Donnell would be the new co-host for the show, I had to chuckle. What type of person would watch Rosie O'Donnell host any type of talk show? Well, she recently helped me understand and disclosed the depth of her intellect to viewers on "The View" as Rosie compared radical Christians to the Muslims who flew the planes into the World Trade Center. Even her co-hosts disagreed with her. See the whole article and a video clip at
http://www.afa.net/Petitions/Issuedetail.asp?id=214

To date, ABC has refrained to call for any apology or to issue any reprimand of O'Donnell. Jimmy the Greek was fired by CBS for his controversial comments about black athletes and CBS was respected for it. Will the leadership of ABC have the courage to show the same resolve or are they actually in support of anti-Christian bigotry?

I find it interesting that the Pope recently had the courage to apologize for his comment which offended Muslims. Would the Pope do more to appease radical Muslims than ABC will do to appease those in the Christian community who were offended by O'Donnell's comments? Interesting... the Pope, a leader of the Christian movement which Rosie criticized as being hatemongers, had the courage to apologize. Will Rosie?

I feel that the comments by Rosie O'Donnell deserve a public apology and public reprimand. Please join me in expressing your concerns to:

Brian Frons, President - ABC Daytime
ABC
77 West 66th St.
New York, NY 10023-6298
Primary Phone: 212-456-7777
Fax: 212-456-1424
E-Mail: Brian Frons, ABC (netaudr@abc.com)

Improving Your Serve

There are several sports in which one player with a strong technique has a tremendous advantage over his opponent. Tennis great, Andy Roddick, exemplifies this advantage with his powerful serve. From 2001 – 2004, Roddick’s record was 234-74 and at 22 years of age, his prize money totaled over $7 million. On September 10, 2006, Roddick was the runner-up in the U.S. Open and earned $1.1 million. Roddick's new coach, the legendary Jimmy Conners, has helped Andy improve his overall game; but his greatest strength is still his serve.

The "service" advantage transcends beyond the tennis courts into the business world. Growing up in a metropolitan area, I was used to a competitive service industry; which resulted in great customer service, timely responses and a high quality of work. Business owners knew that if their company didn’t perform well, the customer had plenty of other choices to call the next time. In a smaller town, fewer competitors often results in less motivation and a lower quality of workmanship. I recently called one company that took over five months to respond to a simple service call and another that responded within a matter of hours. Which company do you think I will call the next time? Certainly – the one that provided the best service!

Realizing the importance of the “serve,” I carried my thinking beyond the tennis courts and local businesses, into the realm of the local church. Can improving the way we “serve” really make a difference in the local church? The answer is emphatically “yes!” The problem is that too many church members think they are the ones who should be served, rather than realizing that they are supposed to be serving others.

Phil 2:7 (NIV) says that Jesus set the example of serving by humbling Himself and taking on “the very nature of a servant.” When the disciples were arguing over who would be the greatest, Jesus said in Mark 9:35 (NIV), “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." The Apostle Paul relates a similar thought in Phil 2:3-5 (NIV) as he instructs believers to “consider others better than yourselves… looking not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” In Gal 5:13 he says that by love, we are to “serve one another.” It is obvious that God wants His church to be “others oriented” and to “serve” one another.

How is your serve? Do you sit in the pew or serve in a ministry? Do you go to church to get something for yourself or to give something to others? Do you complain if things aren’t done exactly the way you prefer or are you flexible for the sake of reaching others? Do you build people up or do you tear them down? Is your religion built on serving the Savior or serving yourself?

Andy Roddick improved his serve through years of practice. Serving others may not come naturally to you; but the more you practice, the better you will become at it. The more Christ-like you become; the easier it will be to develop a spirit of servanthood.

Imitation is the Highest Form of Flattery

Have you ever noticed the role that imitation plays in our lives? Children have sports heroes that they imitate by dressing like them, walking like them, shooting free-throws like them and even knocking the clay from their cleats like them. Some people have music idols that they imitate through dress, dance steps and by singing their songs. Impressionists have become rich by imitating popular singers and celebrities. Corporations have boosted earnings by imitating one another through advertising campaigns and logo spoofs. Imitation is part of everyday life!

Imitation is not limited to individuals, impressionists and corporate America. Imitation is also found in the Christian realm. Perfectly healthy preacher boys used to clear their throats, hack and cough like the famous preacher, Jack Hyles. Today, you’ll find preachers imitating Joel Osteen, Rick Warren, Bill Hybels, Andy Stanley, and Ed Young, Jr. The truth is, we imitate those we want to be like!

Churches also imitate one another. Find a successful church and you'll find other churches imitating their service times, programming, musical styles, outreach events, advertising campaigns, and even hiring pastors of similar age. Some people are offended by imitation; but “Imitation is the greatest form of flattery.” When someone wants to be like you, they are paying you a great compliment. People want to be part of what is successful and for those who are not gifted with creativity; it is easy to follow and simply copy ideas from others. When someone replicates your idea or imitates your ministry, it extends your sphere of influence!

Imitation is also seen in families. Watch the little boy who walks behind his daddy and tries to put his feet in his father’s footprints. Watch the little girl who gets into her mother’s makeup drawer, then puts on her mommy’s shoes. Children imitate their parents because they want to be like them. Imitation is the highest form of flattery!

One of my favorite songs is “I Want To Be Just Like You” by the group Phillips, Craig and Dean. It’s a song about a father who realizes that his son is imitating his every step and the father wants to give him a godly example to follow. The dad realizes that as his son imitates him, he must imitate Christ. The chorus reads as follows, “Lord, I want to be just like You, because he wants to be just like me. I want to be a holy example for his innocent eyes to see. Help me be a living Bible Lord, that my little boy can read. I want to be just like You, because he wants to be like me.” The song presents a great challenge to every parent. Our children desire to imitate us, so we must live in a manner that imitates God.

Imitating God was exactly what the early disciples desired to do. Their actions resulted in them being called Christians for the very first time in Antioch. The term was meant in a derogatory sense, accusing them of imitating Christ and wanting to be like Him. The disciples desired so much to be like Christ, that people began to refer to them as “little Christ’s.” Has anyone ever accused you of trying to be like Christ and imitating Him by your actions? Does your life reflect Christ-likeness?

As you watch people imitate sports heroes, celebrities and personal idols; be reminded that God wants believers to imitate His Son. This is clearly seen in Rom 8:29 (NAS), “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son…” If imitation is the greatest form of flattery, just imagine how God feels when we imitate His Son!

Are You Too Busy?

Surveys reveal that Americans are working more, sleeping less, and burning out more frequently. I am amazed at the number of people who live in a state of exhaustion. They are frazzled, they can't remember things, they display dark circles and bags under the eyes, they are short fused, and usually looking for one more thing to get involved in. Often, the exhaustion is due to trying to keep up with the Jones'. Often it is parents who are trying to put their child in dance, cheerleading, softball, and Girl Scouts. It could be baseball, hunting club, school functions, Boy Scouts, and more! Where does the cycle end?

I remember telling my wife that I hoped life would slow down a little bit in South Carolina vs. South Florida. I was wrong! If anything... the pace has increased! This summer was no exception as I hired a completely new administrative team in our school, we added new members to our church staff, and we renovated several areas of our campus. Sure, God is blessing and our church and school have more than doubled since 2003, but the caution flags went up for me as I preached a message about the Sabbath several weeks back. One thing that caught my attention was the following song by Larnelle Harris. Allow me to share it with you:

(verse 1)
"There he was just waiting, in our old familiar place
an empty spot beside him, where once I used to wait
to be filled with strength and wisdom for the battles of the day
I would have passed him by again if I didn't hear him say
(chorus)
I miss my time with you, those moments together
I need to be with you each day, and it hurts me when you say
You're too busy, busy trying to serve me
but how can you serve me when your spirit's empty
there's a longing in my heart, wanting more than just a part of you
it's true I miss my time with you, what do I have to offer
(verse 2)
How can I truly care, my efforts have no meaning when your presence isn't there
but you will provide the power if I take time to pray
I'll stay right here beside him and you will never have to say..
(chorus)

Perhaps you, too, have been experiencing more of life lately than of "The Life. " If so, why not stop right NOW, sit at Jesus feet, and have a moment of personal communion with Him. In our hectic pace to get through life, don't forget the Giver of Life.

Understanding the Sabbath

"REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY TO KEEP IT HOLY." Ex. 20:8

Saturday is the Sabbath, so why do the majority of believers around the world gather to worship on Sunday? Has God changed the day of worship or are believers in violation of His command? The following passage is just one of over 100 describing various aspects of the Sabbath: Ex 20:8-11 reads, “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work…11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.”

The Hebrew word for sabbath is shabbat and literally means “rest.” The Bible speaks of three rest days. First, God rested after He finished creating the world (Gen 2:1-3). This is known as “creation rest.” The second day of rest was given by God to the nation of Israel as a sign of His covenant with them (Ex 31:13, 16-17). This “covenant rest” was to be observed on the seventh day of the week and, if violated, resulted in death (Ex 31:15). The third rest day is portrayed by Jesus resting at the right hand of His Father after He completed the work of redemption (Heb 10:12). The Bible states that the Old Testament Sabbath was merely a shadow of this third rest day, known as “Calvary rest” (Col 2:16-17). Because of “Calvary rest,” Christ can now offer the ultimate rest described in Matt 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

By realizing that the O.T. Sabbath day was merely a shadow which pointed at things to come, we realize that like any other shadow, it was only temporary and would pass. After Jesus died on the cross and was buried, He rose on the first day of the week – Sunday! Thus, a new day had dawned and that new day was called the Lord’s Day (Rev 1:10).

Dr. Adrian Rogers listed the following eight biblical reasons for celebrating the Lord’s Day: 1) Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week [Mark 16:9]. 2. Jesus met with His disciples after His resurrection on the first day of the week [Jn 20:19, 26]. 3) The disciples were commissioned to preach the Gospel on the first day of the week – at that meeting on resurrection day [Jn 20:21]. 4) The Holy Spirit was also imparted to the apostles on the first day of the week [Jn 20:22]. 5) The Church was born on the first day of the week, because the Day of Pentecost was on a Sunday [Acts 2:1]. 6) The book of Revelation was given on the first day of the week [Rev 1:10]. 7) The early church regularly met for worship on the first day of the week [Acts 20:7]. 8) The Church collected its offerings on the first day of the week as they came together [1 Cor 16:2].

This list gives us just a few biblical reasons as to why believers around the world meet for worship on Sunday, rather than Saturday. Remember, Sunday is not the last day of the weekend - it is the first day of the week!

So much emphasis has been placed on which “day” to worship, that some believers have been misguided into worshiping the day itself. Like the ancient Jews, they argue over what they can and cannot do on the Sabbath. Jesus clarified the matter for us in Mark 2:27, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”

Although New Testament Christians no longer observe Saturday as the Sabbath, every believer should have a day of rest. The days may vary, but the meaning does not. The Sabbath is a day to relax and reflect on God’s goodness and His grace. With today’s hectic lifestyles, it is often difficult to find down time; but God has designed us to function that way. Why not try it this Sunday? Worship in a local church then enjoy a Sunday afternoon nap. You’ll be amazed at how refreshed you feel. If you can’t rest on Sunday, find another rest day and spend some time with God and with your family. It could be just what the Great Physician ordered!

The Debate Over Illegal Immigrants

On Monday, May 1, 2006 millions of illegal immigrants across the United States of America protested to show the impact they could have on work, school, retailers, etc. While many took to the streets and their businesses closed, it seems the only ones they effected were themselves. In our little town of Hartsville, a favorite spot is the Rancho Grande Mexican Restaurant. They too closed in support of the boycott, which simply meant that patrons (including myself) just went to another restaurant and they were the ones that lost money and potentially business. I've already heard several people stating that if they aren't legal, then they were not going to eat there.

While America is made up of immigrants from all over the world, the majority of us are "legal." Our ancestors came through Ellis Island or other ports and did what was necessary to become citizens. All immigrants should still have that same right, because that freedom is what makes people around the world dream of coming to America; but everyone should follow the proper channels and become legal citizens.

We are certainly feeling some of the economic impacts. We pay high insurance premiums for our medical coverage, because hospitals are required to treat those without insurance. We are forced to carry uninsured motorist coverage, because we may end up in an automobile accident with an illegal alien that has no insurance. Our unemployment rate is rising, because companies are hiring illegals so they can pay them less, avoid paying payroll taxes, and avoid paying medical coverage. We continue to go deeper into despair regarding Social Security, because illegal immigrants aren't paying into the system and they have replaced the workers who did.

Now, the icing on the cake is some immigrant having the audacity to change the language and the words to our National Anthem. The recent boycott, the new anthem, the rising unemployment rate, etc. are all reasons why the awareness that illegal immigrants are trying to raise is back-firing on them. Many Congressmen have already voiced their opinion of Monday's antics which caused them to dig their heels in even deeper for immigration reform. The Minutemen are gaining strength and popularity at the Mexican border. Monday's display has done nothing but fuel the fire against illegal immigrants -- it back-fired!

The debate regarding how to deal with these illegal immigrants will rage on; but one thing is certain -- immigrants will continue to flood into this country, because -- America is still the greatest nation in the world! As believers, we must also concern ourselves with how to help these immigrants become citizens of heaven. We must guard ourselves against predjudices and realize that "God so loved the WORLD that He gave His only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life!"

God Gives Second Chances

Bad choices, broken hearts, shattered dreams and irrevocable failures are all part of this thing we call life. Satan can use these things to paralyze us with guilt, but God can use these things to draw us closer to Him. He is willing to forgive our failures and offer a second chance. Several examples are recorded in the pages of Scripture.

Moses is one of the great heroes of the Bible, but did you know that Moses blew it in several areas? He was a murderer (Ex 2:11-12), he threw a righteous temper tantrum (Ex 32:19) and he directly disobeyed God (Num 20:8:12). In spite of Moses’ sin, God still used him to lead His chosen people to the edge of the Promised Land and to author several books of the Bible. God gave Moses a second chance.

King David had an affair (2 Sam 11:4) and murdered the woman’s husband (2 Sam 11:15-17); but God still used him to lead the nation, to write many of the Psalms, to prepare for the building of the Temple, and to be in the bloodline of the Messiah. David’s broken and contrite spirit is recorded in Psalm 51 and God calls him a man after His own heart in Acts 13:22-23. God gave David a second chance.

Scripture also records the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8). According to Jewish Law, this sin was punishable by stoning; but Jesus stopped the religious hypocrites that were pointing out her sin and called attention to their own. The accusers left, Jesus forgave the woman and instructed her to go and sin no more. Again, we see a sinner, her repentance and God’s grace offering her a second chance.

Remember the story of the man having an illicit relationship with his stepmother? (I Cor 5:1, 11) Paul instructed the church to break fellowship with him until he repented; but upon his repentance, Paul told them to receive him back into the church family and restore him. (2 Cor 2:6-11) This man was given a second chance.

Finally, we find the story of the Prodigal Son.(Luke 15:11-25) The boy spent his inheritance on parties and prostitutes. When he hit rock bottom, he repented and returned to his father. The father welcomed his son and celebrated his return. The father gave his son a second chance.

The chorus to one of my favorite songs reads as follows: “I don’t know what a sinner you are, but I know what a Savior He is. I don’t know where your feet have taken you, but His climbed up Calvary’s hill. I don’t know what kind of words you’ve spoken, but His words were Father forgive. I don’t know what a sinner you are, but I know what a Savior He is.” According to 1 John 1:9, God is still offering second chances -- “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Forward by Faith

Emmanuel Baptist Church will celebrate her 80th birthday this year. For many years, this church has been a light in our community; but recently, we have illuminated a region! God has been blessing us beyond what we could have ever asked or even imagined. With the rich heritage of such a great church, it would have been easy to coast through and rest upon our laurels; but our church family has done anything but rest.

Since February 26, EBC has hosted an X-treme skateboard outreach; Friend Day; the regional AWANA Olympics; a Women's Conference; a Phillips, Craig & Dean concert; and Emmanuel Christian School Day. This past week included our debt retirement banquet, an Easter EGGstravaganza, and 3 performances of our Easter choir production. Our church family is tired, but they are excited about the impact they are making on eternity!

While some churches are sitting back waiting to die, Emmanuel Church has grown by 109% in just 3 years! I can hear someone asking, "What is the secret?" It is simply people who are radically in love with Jesus and willing to work and worship in ways that really make a difference.

Let me share one snapshot of our church family that trilled by soul this past Sunday. For months, various committees had been praying, planning, and preparing for our "Forward by Faith" debt retirement campaign. Our banquet attendance was strong, our offering was great, our unity was miraculous, and the banquet wasn't bad either. But, my greatest blessing of the night occurred before and after the banquet as I watched people setting up and decorating, then cleaning up and resetting. The mix of people included those who had been members at Emmanuel for decades, others who are new to our church family, and some who have recently been visiting our church. There was a spirit of excitement as we considered what God could do through us after our debt is paid off! We began to dream together and people shouted their visions and ministry dreams for the future. Regardless of the money, the food, the program, or anything else that took place that night; I realized that I have the privilege of pastoring some GREAT people and together we serve a GREAT God!

Our church isn't resting on the laurels of our past -- We're focusing on our future and moving "Forward by Faith." Pray for us as we embark on this spiritual journey!

Phillips, Craig & Dean

Our church had the privilege of hosting the Christian singing group "Phillips, Craig & Dean" last night. I say privilege, because start to finish, they were all about ministry! In a day where you see so many "performers" who are simply in ministry for the money, these three men don't only sing about God, they all three serve as Senior Pastors and have ministered together for 15 years! Also, after their great success with 18 number 1 hits and too many albums to count, they were still as humble and personable as any group we have ever invited into our church.

I thoroughly enjoyed the concert last night and I believe everyone else in attendance did as well. While it could be considered "entertainment" in the concert goers sense, I believe it was much deeper than that. PCD ushered the people of God into the presence of God. They explained salvation and then escorted us into a real time of worship. They prayed for those who were hurting and spent time praying with hurting pastors who were on the verge of quitting. They truly ministered in this place last night.

Emmanuel Baptist Church has hosted quite a few big concerts over the past several years and we look forward to doing so in the future. We don't do them as fundraisers and truth be known, we usually lose a few dollars; but it allows us to enter into a different arena of ministry to people far beyond just our own congregation. A special thanks to PCD and to everyone who attended and helped with the concert! And to those who met Jesus Christ last night, "Welcome into the family of God!"

KJV-ONLY Controversy or Catastrophe?

Satan has subtlety and successfully used God’s Word to divide God’s family. Fellowship has been broken, churches divided and families destroyed over the KJV-ONLY controversy. The premise of the debate is the belief that the Bible has been perfectly "preserved" ONLY in the 1611 Authorized King James Version.

The rhetoric of the KJV-Only crowd has trapped them into a belief system that rivals any cult and careful examination will reveal that the KJV Bible has become their idol. Those who disagree with the KJV-Only view are labeled Bible mutilators and modern translations are called perversions, corruptions and satanically inspired works.

Consider the 10 basic facts that follow and derive your own conclusion of whether or not the KJV is the “ONLY” reliable Bible version.

First, respected Bible versions existed prior to the 1611 KJV, including the Latin Vulgate (400AD), Wycliffe (1380), Tyndale (1525), Coverdale (1535), Matthews (1537), Great (1539), Geneva (1560), and the Bishop’s Bible (1568). Second, KJV-Only advocates defend the 1611 KJV as “perfect;” but it was revised in 1629, 1638, 1762 and 1769. Third, KJV-Only advocates vehemently oppose the Apocrypha, although it was part of the 1611 KJV. Fourth, the Textus Receptus, from which the KJV New Testament was translated, is incomplete and sections of the 1611 KJV were actually translated from the Latin Vulgate - a version that KJV-Only advocates call “corrupt.” Fifth, the translators of the 1611 KJV wrote, "the very meanest (most common) translation of the Bible in English, set forth by men of our profession . . . containeth the word of God, nay, is the word of God." In other words, they believed that any translation of the Bible by Christian scholars was still the Word of God. They also included marginal notes with alternate word meanings, stated that the KJV wording was not above correction or improvement, and admitted that there were some Hebrew words whose precise meanings were open for debate. Sixth, KJV-Only advocates attack modern Bible versions for changing the “literal” words, but the KJV has also added words to the original text and changed words during translation. If exact wording were vitally important, then OT quotations repeated in the NT would be worded exactly the same; but often they are not. Seventh, the KJV-Only position is not the historic view of Christianity. While the early church used the Septuagint and Vulgate texts, KJV-Only advocates regard these as "perversions” and claim the church had no accurate Bible until 1611. Eighth, the KJV was a political project overseen by the bi-sexual King James I of England, who had children by Anne of Denmark; and homosexual relations in Scotland with Esmé Stuart, Earl of Lennox and in England with Francis Stewart Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell. Ninth, holding to a KJV-Only position does not guarantee godliness or doctrinal accuracy. Some cults claim a KJV-Only position, but deviate from mainline Bible doctrines. Finally, the KJV-Only position requires speakers of other languages to learn English or be denied access to God’s “perfect” Word. That idea is in direct conflict with Rev. 22:7, “WHOSOEVER will (Spanish, French, Creole…), let him take the water of life freely…”

The fact is that many believers across denominational lines use the King James Version of the Bible, but they do not hold to a KJV-ONLY position. The KJV is a great Bible and the best selling version, but simple research reveals that it is NOT the “ONLY” reliable version. Satan has so effectively used the Word of God to divide the family of God that the KJV-Only debate is no longer a controversy – it’s a catastrophe! Believers draw lines in the sand, choose sides, and lash out venomously over this issue.

God, forgive those who are more concerned about having KJV on the Bible’s cover than they are about living by the principles contained within its pages and forgive those who use Your Word to divide Your family! Amen.

What is a Christian Fundamentalist?

I was recently ridiculed for being a "fundamentalist." Interestingly enough, just one week later, I was blasted for not being one. That encounter reminded me that the term "fundamentalist" means different things to different people in today's world. I did an Internet search for the word "fundamentalist" and found, "fundamentalist" Christians, Mormons, Socialists, Islamic extremists, and more. One site even blamed the behavior of canabalistic murderer, Jeffrey Dahmer, on his "fundamentalist" Church of Christ upbringing. The truth is that most people in our present day have equated the term "fundamentalist" with those who are militant, combative, and mean spirited.

"Fundamentalist" churches are too often those who are irrelevant to the culture and view themselves as the last great defenders of the faith. They rarely reach out and make little if any eternal impact, but they stand proud of their militant positions and mean spirits. This group of "Christian" fundamentalists can be compared to the Islamic fundamentalists in the sense that they believe they are the only ones who have the truth and no one can get to heaven unless they adopt their position.

I personally hold to the belief that a fundamentalist is simply a person who believes in the basic Fundamentals of the Christian faith. Those fundamentals are non-negotiable and include 1) The virgin birth, 2) The deity of Christ, 3) The substitutionary death of Christ, 4) The vicarious sufferings of Christ, 5) The bodily resurrection of Jesus, 6) The inerrancy of Scripture, and 7) The imminent return of Christ. Those are the ONLY non-negotiables of the Christian faith and by that definition, yes... I am a fundamentalist.

Where do I differ from other "fundamentalists?" When people begin to put the King James Version of the Bible on the same level as the deity of Christ...I disagree. When people place particular dress standards on the same level as the virgin birth...I disagree. When people place denominational titles on the same level as the inerrancy of the Scriptures...I disagree. When people place personal preferences on the same level as the bodily resurrection of Christ... I disagree. When non-essentials are listed among the basic, fundamental essentials of the Christian faith and practice...I disagree. Those beliefs are not fundamental, they are foolish!

To be a "fundamentalist" is a good thing, when it means you adhere to the Fundamentals of the Christian Faith. The problem arises when those who call themselves "fundamentalists" dislike and militantly oppose everyone whose opinion differs from theirs. Are you a fundamentalist? Do you believe in the basic tenets of the Christian faith? Can you back your position with Scripture or is it based on personal preferences? This is a great time to do some introspection.

Making the Most of Opportunities

People around the world focused on the Women's Snowboardcross at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy. American, Lindsey Jacobellis, had a slight lead in the group of four. One Canadian fell and was later carried off the course. A second Canadian went through the safety fence and later recovered to take the Bronze medal. Switzerland's Tanja Frieden landed on the back of Lindsey's board, which caused her to wobble and allow Lindsey to take a commanding lead. On the next to last hill, Lindsey looked back to survey the field. Upon seeing her lead, she took her eyes off the finish line and began an early celebration. A simple trick to proclaim her victory ended in a wipeout! As Lindsey lay on the ground, scrambling to reenter the track, her Swiss competitor passed her and claimed the Gold medal. After the race, the TV broadcasters commented that Lindsey's face did not reflect one who had just earned a Silver medal, but rather one who had just given away a Gold medal.

Lindsey's tragedy poses a great reminder to Christians. The apostle Paul said, 1 Cor 9:24 (NIV) "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." He also reminded the believers at Philippi to "Forget those things which are behind and to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (KJV) Even the author of Hebrews says, "...Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (NKJV)

Paul warns the believers at Ephesus to "...be careful how you act; these are difficult days. Don't be fools; be wise: make the most of every opportunity you have for doing good." (TLB) What are you doing with the opportunities God is placing before you? Are your eyes fixed on the finish line? Are you entertaining the crowds? Are you prematurely celebrating?

Believers can easily be lulled into a state of religiosity, observing, and entertaining the cloud of witnesses. Let me encourage you to passionately pursue Christ, get in the game as a participant, and bear down on the finish line! No Christian wants to stand before God as Lindsey Jacobellis stood before the world. Keep your eyes on Christ and make the most of every opportunity God places before you!

Myspace.com Follow-up

Last month, I posted an article entitled, "Don't Get Trapped in the Web" which warned parents of the dangers facing our children and our nation. Some thought I was an "alarmist," but time is now telling the story. Dateline NBC has since hosted two full hours of programming to raise awareness of the dangers surrounding Myspace.com. These programs revealed how pedophiles are setting up meetings with young girls and boys. Instead of the teen arriving for the meeting, the pedophiles were surprised by FBI agents and law enforcement. They were caught and arrested!

It didn't stop there! CNN has since done numerous reports regarding the same subject. A local teen in our area was expelled from a public school for what she posted on her website. A sting operation in our area resulted in the apprehension of a local pedophile tracked through Myspace.com. South Carolina Law Enforcement Division(S.L.E.D.) is now carefully investigating internet usage and myspace.com sites in our area. Even Sonoco has listed Internet safety among its top public safety concerns this year.

Why am I rehashing this issue? Because even when informed, some parents are naive! They look only at their child's site and think everything is okay. If they knew the workings of the site, they would be appauled. Too often, people hide their heads in the sand and think this kind of "stuff" doesn't happen in a small town... well it does and is!

I'm sure some still feel (and even argue) that reading your child's web page is an invasion of privacy. I remind you that when your child posts something to the "WORLD WIDE WEB," it is not noble to respect their privacy... it's ignorant and irresponsible! Everyone else in the WORLD has access to your child's thoughts, why should you be the only one who doesn't? Your children have plenty of "friends," they need you to be a parent. They may not "like" your action now, but they will "love" you for it later.

Excuses for Skipping Church

Now that we are officially a full month into the new year, some have probably completed the annual cycle of making a New Year's resolution and then breaking it. Without a doubt, some resolved to attend a church regularly this year, but due to the same empty traditions and sleepy sermons, you're looking for a way out. After serving in vocational ministry for 22 years, I’ve heard many excuses offered as to why people choose not to go to church. Some of them might sound like they have some merit, but others have launched me into laughter. One of my favorites was the family of five who all stayed home to wipe an infant’s runny nose. With that many people wiping it, I wonder if he had a nose left on his face. Another favorite excuse I heard, came from a fisherman who said that he had to go fishing, because his wife had a cold and they certainly could not go to church!

I recently came across a list by Mike Herman of Glen Ellyn, IL who took the excuses people use for not going to church and applied them to “10 Reasons Not to Bathe:” 1) I was forced to bathe as a child. 2) People who make soap are only after your money. 3) I only wash on special occasions like Christmas and Easter. 4) People who wash are hypocrites—they think they are cleaner than everyone else. 5) There are so many different kinds of soap that I can't decide which one is best. 6) I used to wash, but it got boring, so I stopped. 7) None of my friends wash. 8) The bathroom is never warm enough in the winter or cool enough in the summer. 9) I'll start washing when I get older and dirtier. And 10) I can't spare the time.

Another list of excuses was developed by Mike and Amy Nappa entitled, “Why I stopped going to ball games:” 1) Whenever I go to a game, they ask for money. 2) The other fans don't care about me. 3) The seats are too hard. 4) The coach never visits me. 5) The referee makes calls I don't agree with. 6) Some of the games go into overtime and make me late for dinner. 7) The band plays songs I don't know. 8) I have other things to do at game time. 9) My parents took me to too many games when I was growing up. 10) I know more than the coaches do. 11) I can be just as good a fan at the lake. Finally, 12) I won't take my kids to a game either. They must choose for themselves which teams to follow. It is funny how pathetic these excuses sound when applied to neglecting a bath or boycotting a ball game, yet people rationalize these same excuses every week as legitimate reasons to skip church.

The truth is that excuses are easy to make! In Proverbs 26:13 (NLT), Solomon pokes fun at those who make lame excuses. He says, “The lazy person is full of excuses, saying “I can’t go outside because there might be a lion on the road.” I challenge you to eliminate your excuses and get involved in a good, active and growing local church in your community. The Bible says the day is coming when every man will be held personally accountable before God and will be left without an excuse.

A Supreme Victory in the Courts

Today, Christians and conservative voters are reaping the benefits of going to the polls for the 2004 Presidential election. Conservatives across America are cheering with the news of Samuel Alito's confirmation as the 110th Supreme Court Justice of the United States of America! Without question, disgruntled opponents will continue to refer to the closeness of the vote and the partisan politics; but as with the upcoming Super Bowl, a close score at the end of the game still dictates who won! The bottom-line is, there is a new "conservative" voice on the Supreme Court!


I'm not sure where Judge Alito stands on all of the contentious issues, but I know that he practices a literal interpretation of the Constitution. His past record and decisions during the Reagan administration indicate that he has been true to form throughout his judiciary service. The integrity he displayed by refusing to discuss his views on abortion and other divisive issues earned my respect. I also respected the strength of character he revealed by refusing to play into anyone's hand during the hearings. In a day when judges hold so much authority, I'm glad to see the scales tipping toward conservatives. Who knows if "Roe vs. Wade" will be reversed or any other rulings for that matter; but Justice Alito will add another conservative voice and a champion for the literal interpretation of Constitutional law in the future.

Today is a good opportunity to remind people of faith that believers have a God-given responsiblity to be good citizens and to participate in the Democratic process. Some people try to separate church and state. They foolishly and very ignorantly state that politics and religion don't mix. I vehemently disagree! Edmund Burke said it best, "All that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing." It only makes sense that Christians would be leaders, catalysts for change, run for office, and more... especially in America. After all, our national slogan is, "In God We Trust!" So, get out of the stands and get into the game...We're counting on you!

Don't Get Trapped in the Web

Did you know that the website, www.myspace.com is the latest trend among teenagers? I took a peek to see what was happening among our youth culture and was shocked! Some of the sites were okay; but others were filled with profanities, some linked to pornography, and others led users toward forums for gays, lesbians, bi-sexuals, swingers and even Satanism. While myspace.com provides a way for kids to communicate, it also introduces them to people and issues that are less than desireable for their well-being. The "interesting" thing is that most parents are naive to what their teens are involved in, the "sad" thing is that some don't care.

A recent report by CNN discussed the link between abductions and the myspace site. Principals of public schools commented on the safety risks the site was posing to their students and justified the expulsion of any student with a myspace site. Dr. Phil got into the action as he addressed the issue on a recent talk show. Even major corporations are blocking this site, due to the decreased productivity as a result of their employees spending too much time on it.

Myspace.com is a pedophile's playground! Users give their names, ages, city of residence, and what school they attend. This puts EVERY student on the user's school campus at risk! Some parents and students believe that simply making the site "private" eliminates these risks -- WRONG!!! Students don't realize that the Internet is a WORLD WIDE network, extending far beyond their circle of friends.

So what can a parent do? 1) Do NOT allow a child to have Internet access in his bedroom, 2) Move the computer to a common area with the monitor facing out, 3) Discuss Internet safety, 4) Install a good filtering software, better yet use a server based filter, 5) Obtain your child's password and check his site regularly, and 6) Check the history trail -- if it's been erased, you'll know you have a problem!

Finally, let me offer some websites that may be helpful to parents: 1) The FBI website offers online safety tips at http://www.fbi.gov/publications/pguide/pguide.htm, 2) Compare Internet filters at internet-filter-review.toptenreviews.com, 3) Check out the best family filter (in my opinion) at www.afa.net. Your child may feel like you are invading his privacy, but he is publishing his page on the WORLD-WIDE Internet. Why should you be the only one who DOESN'T know what your child is doing?

Your child may not appreciate your intervention on this matter, but parents have a God-given responsibility to protect their children. Take time to educate your child regarding both the benefits and dangers of the Internet. Like a gun, the Internet can be a great tool if used properly; but used contrariwise, it can also destroy a life!

Remembering the Sanctity of Life

January 22 is the day set aside to honor the "Sanctity of Life" in 2006 and remember those who never experienced it outside of the womb due to abortion. It is estimated that 6 million Jews were exterminated by Nazi Germany and 20 million people died under Stalin's tyranny in the Soviet Union; but America surpasses their combined total with over 35 million lives having been lost to abortion in just 25 years.

Many women claim they have the right to decide what happens to their body, but Mother Teresa said, "It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish." Ronald Reagan noted that, "Abortion is advocated only by persons who have themselves been born." Surgeon General, C. Everett Koop, stated that not once in his entire medical career, did he ever see one instance in which an abortion was necessary to save a mother's life. The truth is that abortion is not a medical issue, it is a moral issue. It is not a medical decision, but it is a selfish one.

The following bumper sticker slogans give cause for contemplation. "Aren't you glad your mother was pro-life?" "Abortion doesn't make you unpregnant, it makes you the mother of a dead child." "If it's not a baby, then you're not pregnant." "Abortion stops a beating heart." And one of my favorites, "As a former fetus, I oppose abortion."

Ronald Reagan said, "We cannot diminish the value of one category of human life - the unborn - without diminishing the value of all human life." While abortion is a devisive issue, even among Christians, it is not the only "Sanctity of Life" issue. On "Sanctity of Life" day, let us also consider other issues such as 1) Research on human embryos, 2) Physician assisted suicide, 3) Violent crimes toward others, and 4) Quality of life issues - i.e. Terry Shiavo.

Listen to the following mission statement of one pro-life group: "We believe the weak, vulnerable, infirm, handicapped, preborn, and needy deserve our respect and our care. We reject the notion that there are some lives not worthy of living and embrace the belief that we should graciously receive and protect all human life God gives."

Listen to the Scriptures: Gen 1:27 - "God created man in his own image..." Jer 1:5 - "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart..." Ps 139:13-16 - "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made...15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place... 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Ex 20:13 - "Thou shalt not kill."

Challenging thoughts for Changing Times will call us to do some introspection. Where do you stand on these "Sanctity of Life" issues? Do your personal views conflict with Scripture? Knowing that James 4:17 (Message) says, "In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don't do it, that, for you, is evil (sin)." Where will you stand and what will you do with the issues of life?

2005's Top News Stories with Religious Impact

Every New Year, multiple “Top Ten” lists of general news headlines from the previous year are produced. Following is a list of some top stories that specifically impacted “religion” in 2005. These stories are being referenced repeatedly in magazine reviews, various news organizations, and on personal blogs.

1. THE DEATH OF POPE JOHN PAUL II drew the eyes of the world back to the church. The College of Cardinals clearly chose a Conservative successor. Some believe this new Pope will be a transitional pope due to his age; but he will likely appoint conservative Bishops which will keep the Catholic Church firmly committed to its present views on issues such as women priests, homosexuality and abortion for many years to come.

2. THE "CHRISTMAS SERVICE" CONTROVERSY arose as many churches canceled their services because Christmas fell on a Sunday. Rationale included Christmas Eve services, the "family" day excuse, and a “day off” for overworked volunteers. The media pressure made some churches reverse their decision. The thought of cancelling Christmas services gives insight into the sad condition of modern evangelical churches.

3. CHANGES IN PASTORAL ICONS included the death of Adrian Rogers, pastor of Bellevue Baptist, after a battle with cancer. Dr. Jerry Vines also announced his retirement from First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL. Rick Warren is in the pulpit of Saddleback Church less frequently and Bill Hybels is no longer the teaching pastor at Willow Creek.

4. A NEW CHURCH EMERGES and many evangelicals are perplexed. Led by pastor Brian McClaren, Emergent Churches target postmodern young people through cultural and generational relevance. At issue is whether or not they are watering down the gospel and orthodox doctrine in their effort to be relevant and remain on the cutting edge.

5. HOLLYWOOD COURTED THE CHURCH after the success of "The Passion of Christ.” They offered special deals and previews to churches for their movies that had family-friendly themes and "The Chronicles of Narnia" ended #4 for total box office receipts in 2005 after only starting in December.

6. TERRY SHIAVO died after her feeding tube was removed. Her “husband” initially launched a campaign to end her life just four months after he received $2 million to pay for her long-term care. Multiple courts denied Terry’s parents’ requests to care for her and rekindled debates surrounding the right-to-life. Debates over abortion, euthanasia and suicide are now littered with discussions about one’s “quality of life.”

7. RETAILERS BEGAN RECOGNIZING CHRISTMAS and the American Family Association canceled a national boycott against Target as the retailer promised to make more references to Christmas and in its advertising. Wal-Mart, Lowe's, Macy's and Walgreen’s also reversed marketing decisions and specifically referenced "Christmas" rather than "holiday" products.

8. INTELLIGENT DESIGN WAS DROPPED as a Pennsylvania school district halted all discussion of intelligent design in its high school biology classes after a federal judge declared the policy unconstitutional. (Like teaching the “theory” of evolution is scientific or Constitutional.) Most of the school board members who had championed the policy have been voted out of office.

9. CHRISTIANS RESPONDED TO NATURAL DISASTERS around the world in the wake of the Tsunami, the earthquake in Pakistan, Hurricane Katrina, and other disasters. Churches became shelters, gathered supplies, and sent teams of volunteers. The crises caused denominations to put aside their differences and work together toward a common goal.

10. BUSH’S SUPREME COURT NOMINEES should excite all conservatives and those who desire original interpretation of Constitutional law. Contrary to popular belief, the Constitution does not state “separation of Church and State” but in its purest interpretation, it does protect the Church from the State and not visa-versa.

Obviously this is not an exhaustive list of “religious” news from 2005. Other top news items included the debate over homosexuality in mainline denominations, the posting of the 10 Commandments on government property, Billy Graham’s farewell campaign in New York City, Israel’s withdrawal from the West Bank, stem cell research, and the Democrats rethinking how to reach out to people of faith. It will be exciting to see what 2006 holds in store!