American Belief in Global Warming Takes a Dive

alex12 »

Fri Oct 23, 2009 11:14 am Agree: 4   Disagree: 0

I agree regardless of global warming people shouldn't stop taking care of the environment. There is nothing in the bible that would say not to prevent the release of harmful chemicals into the air or water. Saying that we are pro-life includes preserving human life outside the womb too.

Expert: U.N. Resolutions Would Create 'Global Blasphemy Law'

alex12 »

Fri Oct 23, 2009 10:05 am Agree: 16   Disagree: 1

I really don't like the idea of this. 1) you can't limit preachers for calling Islam what it is, a wicked religion 2) This is going to put the lives of missionaries and new converts in danger. I really hope the UN does not adopt this.

Famed Fla. Megachurch Votes to Keep New Senior Pastor

alex12 »

Mon Sep 21, 2009 9:56 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

The issues that the 6 former church members had with the new pastor had nothing to do with scripture. I think this is a classic case of where you do not want your ministry to go. The danger here is that the traditions have become more important than God himself. What I found very disturbing is that some members did not like how the new pastor asks people to come to Christ at the end of each sermon because it was not tradition before. They are really missing the point that peoples lives are being saved to Christ. That in itself should be celebrated not condemned. If we spend more time trying to focus on keeping the law rather than focusing on what God wants we become like the Pharisees that Jesus rebuked. Not saying that the law isn't important but that if fulfilling the law isn't motivated by love for God and for others than it is just arrogant self-righteousness. I should also say that those 6 former church members should have had more common sense. Knowing that the new pastor is not straying from scripture and that he was anointed to serve in that position, it is fact a great sin to try to tear down what God has exalted. I pray for Rev. Tullian and that God will use him well in Florida.

Prop. 8 Proponents Stand Ready to Fight Repeal Efforts

alex12 »

Thu Aug 13, 2009 5:46 pm Agree: 3   Disagree: 1

Continued...

Now if you are not Christian and I told you that I am against Gay marriage and that it isn't good I can see how you might think that I am coming from a hatred point of view, but rather I am actually trying to share a great treasure that I have found to really give my life meaning. Because of my faith in Christ my heart is that I want to give you what I have and many Christians think that way as well. They want to share with you something great that has touched their own lives. I just believe that there is an obvious mistranslation and break down in communication.

Prop. 8 Proponents Stand Ready to Fight Repeal Efforts

alex12 »

Thu Aug 13, 2009 5:36 pm Agree: 3   Disagree: 3

Gnosticgirl
I am not just saying that it is Gay marriage alone that is causing our country problems. There are actually more issues with the marriage problem. For instance the divorce rate among heterosexuals is also an issue as well, even in the church. I believe marriage on a whole needs to be preserved and that the general public needs to be educated in strong family rituals. There are a lot of hard facts that show that the break down in the family can cause many problems from future health problems to an increase in government spending because of the divided lifestyles. In fact CNN recently had a piece that showed that that individuals are more likely to have more health problems after being divorced or widowed then if they had just remained single and never gotten married. They even found that getting remarried did not help those individuals overcome the scars from the previous relationship.

Now as for Gay marriage, I am against that for a biblical reason. Now if there is a God (and I definitely believe there is based on my own experiences), and he is as powerful and all knowing as the bible says he is then there must be a reason why he does not like same sex relationships. In the old testament the bible is pretty clear about homosexual relationships and how they are not allowed. Now the Justification that I commonly hear about same sex relationships is that God is about Love so it must be ok if we are in love. But that couldn't be further from the truth. In fact Jesus never abolished the law as he said with his own words, rather he came to fulfill it. Rather Jesus' teaches are made to be seen as a lens to view the laws of the old testament. Before Jesus the way the law was practiced was were if I don't follow them then I'm in trouble. But now the way we should be viewing that is that because I am a son of God made possible through the blood of Christ I should do these things to make my father happy. I do it out of love and thankfulness for the sacrifice he made for me. The bible even mentions that God thoughts are higher than mine so with that humble understanding I just trust with faith that God has placed these boundaries for a reason. Just like how a parent might restrict their daughter or son from dating during high school so that they only focus on their studies. It seems strict from the son or daughters point of view but when the later day comes that that son or daughter gets a better job because their studying paid off they will be thankful. As Christians we don't look at what we want and pray that God allows us to have it rather we look at what God wants and pray that he allows us to be apart of it.

Prop. 8 Proponents Stand Ready to Fight Repeal Efforts

alex12 »

Thu Aug 13, 2009 4:53 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

I agree that Christians can be self-righteous at times but the underlying fact of this matter is marriage is the basic foundation of civilization. And it is not something that can just be bent in any direction. One of the reasons why the government created Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac was so that getting a home would become easier for families. Strengthening the family in turn strengthens everything from the economy to the local community. You can ask any historian and they will tell you a civilization falls and rises on the morals and values starting with the family culture. All the great empires in history toppled because they allowed their morals and values to collapse. Great nations fail internally first before they fall to external threats. There is a bigger picture to all of this that goes beyond the self-righteousness of anyone.

The Taking of Healthcare 1 2 3

alex12 »

Tue Jul 21, 2009 1:32 pm Agree: 4   Disagree: 0

As much as I may disagree with some of the plans in Obama's health care reform. One thing that I can not disagree with is that there is a crisis. I know because I'm a statistic of uninsured. I simply can't afford it and it isn't because I don't have a job or anything it is because 1 my employer doesn't offer health care coverage and 2 my salary isn't large enough to take care of that and the other bills that I have. I used to be covered by my parents when I was in college but as soon as I turned 25 I was cut off because that was the way the insurance company worked. So for me if I get sick I can't risk going to the doctor for just anything, I have to be really sick because I know the thousands of dollars I would have to pay if I went. A large portion of the uninsured are actually my age. So the only options I have are to either get a raise which isn't happening anytime soon or quit and find another job which is also very difficult for someone my age because I don't have the experience that others who are older might have. Quite honestly a lot of youth today feel taken advantage of by the older generation. We're left with the highest education student loan bills ever seen in the history of this country when we graduate but we're in an economy that doesn't want to pay us enough so we can pay the basic bills so we are left in a pile of debt. This isn't even about financial mismanagement on our part. I don't even use credit cards. We need Health Care reform without a doubt. The lie is the people saying that there is no Crisis. For them perhaps there is no crisis but not for myself and the millions that are in the same position as me. This isn't about socialism. This is just about putting the american dream in reaching distance for those of us that work hard enough for it. There is a problem with this and it needs to be solved

Christian Retailers, Publishers Convene for 60th Convention

alex12 »

Fri Jul 17, 2009 11:13 am Agree: 2   Disagree: 0

to get youth to buy anything Christian related it would have to serve a purpose not just for showing outwardly that they are a Christian. Most the stuff that you can buy in some of these stores are just gifts that let others know you are a Christian. Rather what is needed are very helpful products that have the sole purpose of bringing the individual themselves closer to Christ. Time and money are more and more becoming precious commodities. Of course this isn't just with Youth it is with everyone. Unfortunately most americans have entered a state of mind where they always ask why do I need this and how will it fit into my lifestyle and make my life easier. How do you sell something to someone in that mind set if it doesn't 1) in someway save them time or 2) save them money over the long run. Now you'll still get the occasional gift giver buying the "Jesus Junk", but those things are not important to youth. Their thirst for Christ is on a different level. If they are going to hand their money over they are going to do it because it helps them fill a void in their life and grow closer to Christ and not for any other reason.

Survey: Churches Losing Youths Long Before College

alex12 »

Mon Jun 29, 2009 6:15 pm Agree: 2   Disagree: 0

I think the issue here is much larger than just the church. I was reading an article on the way to work today about how the age gap is the largest it has ever been since the vietnam war. I would consider myself in the younger generation and I can definitely see that there is a large difference in the way the older generation processes thoughts and approaches situations as opposed to my generation. So I don't believe the issue is that we should go right or left rather I think the issue is that the older generation hasn't figured how to pass the torch yet. There are conservative youth and there are liberal youth but the way they understand issues and approach them are different then their fathers before them. In a ministry that work with from time to time I have actually had the chance to collaborate on projects to reach people and there were many times where for some reason myself and the older members of the ministry just could not get on the same page. It wasn't that we were disagreeing with one another it was that we didn't understand where the other was coming from. The sad part about this is the media does understand the youth and they know how to appeal to them. Which is a big reason why most youth tend to lean to the left. In my opinion if the older generation were to change the way in which they deliver the information so that it is more easily absorbed by the youth then we could see a big change in this country. Christians need to develop a delivery strategy around the notion that the people listening have short attention spans. So the order in which the foundation of the gospel is taught would have to be considered. Lastly I think that responsibility really needs to be put in the hands of the youth. I found that God taught me more in one year being a leader then he did in 5 years of bible studies because in order for me to do well I had to examine my faith very closely.

Federal Lawsuit Against Prop. 8 Comes More Quickly Than Expected

alex12 »

Fri May 29, 2009 5:26 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 1

If this goes to the supreme court it is going to be end game for one side. The only way to change that outcome is going to be a US amendment, and that is an uphill battle for both sides.

Islam Experts Wary of Plan for U.S. Muslim College

alex12 »

Mon May 25, 2009 7:23 pm Agree: 5   Disagree: 1

very troubling news

Prop. 8 Challenge Reaches Calif. Court

alex12 »

Tue Mar 03, 2009 1:37 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 1

I think Christians using the law to halt the sin in this country is not the right course of action because it can become a double edged sword that could eventually do more harm to Christians than good. I completely agree that Homosexuality is a sin but I don't know if we should be going about solving it just through the courts. The thing about law that is not answering to the authority of God is that it can be interpreted by anymore. And because our court system is based on precedent what may have seemed like a victory to Christians in the short term could turn out to be a defeat in the courts in the long term. The ACLU is very good about taking advantage of these loop holes and using the law against Christians. For instance there is a article on CP about a school kicking out a Christian club because they would not allow non Christians to sit on their leadership board. They were kicked out for discrimination. Obviously we know that discrimination is bad but there are also certain things that have to be kept well with God. Yet the law doesn't and will never address those things unless it is directly written into the law. But as soon as you include one group of people to be excluded from the law it is very likely that it will be found unconstitutional. There is a reason we need a separation of church and state and it is because Christianity cannot flourish unless it is in a free society where people make up their own minds. The Gospel is the truth and the light always wins out so us trying to defend Gods truth in the Courts is like trying to defend a ferocious lion.

Episcopal Priest Claims 'Being Gay is Gift from God'

alex12 »

Wed Jan 21, 2009 1:47 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

Mike something you have to understand about being a Christian is that it does not prevent you from Physical problems. You will not suddenly be cured of all diseases, live a healthy life until you are 100 and never have a problem. None of us are meant to spend eternity on this earth. We will die. You can even see Paul as an example of someone who lived their entire life inflicted with an illness. God uses each persons physical flaws in different ways to show his glory. It is not that he gains glory because you are the way you are but that you are able to overcome an obstacle because of who you are not. To give a visual example it would be like we have no legs but because of God we can run. The bible already says that every single one of us are born with original sin because of what Adam and Eve did so to say that God accepts everything about us is not correct.

Episcopal Priest Claims 'Being Gay is Gift from God'

alex12 »

Wed Jan 21, 2009 1:18 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

Chicago the rising number of divorces is a problem as well but you can not justify a sin because of someone else's sin. To say that because they did something I should be able to do something too is completely neglecting responsibility for ones own actions. The reason why those divorces occur is actually the same root sin as homosexuality and that is we think we are entitled to do anything we can just for the sake of personal happiness and that we have a right to get rid of anything that prevents that. The individuality culture is what is causing this because it neglects the well being of those around us. It is a disrespect for God's authority and a selfish lifestyle to always put ourselves first above all other things. Arrogance in a word.

Episcopal Priest Claims 'Being Gay is Gift from God'

alex12 »

Wed Jan 21, 2009 1:05 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

Phat taking the cross isn't about coming out of the closet, taking the cross is resisting temptation of our flesh. There are a lot of things that any person would want to do but they restrain themselves out of love for the father. There are a lot of things that we don't fully understand and we could always object to but just as the bible says God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours. It can be easy to get caught up in our feelings and urges and it can be easy to think that what you are doing is the right thing. Yet how can any of us say that we know the future enough to say that what we do will effect things in a positive manner. Only God knows the answer to that question which is why we put our faith in him to lead us in the right direction. There is no biblical justification in succumbing to our urges outside of the boundaries of what God set. And you can not replace the biblical authority with the acceptance of society. Just because society accepts something does not make it right. obviously society accepted the greed that was occurring on Wall Street for the last decade and you can see where that has led us. What society calls us to believe can lead us to a tragedy which we are now seeing.

10 Stupid Things That Keep Churches from Growing

alex12 »

Wed Jan 14, 2009 11:45 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

I want to add to my post just so no one misunderstands. The word is still a critical part of raising disciples. I am just saying that it is one of many parts in a whole process.

10 Stupid Things That Keep Churches from Growing

alex12 »

Wed Jan 14, 2009 11:36 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

I don't think this Pastor is saying that you have to grow a megachurch. You could also say that these principles can help an existing congregation grow spiritually as well. Getting more people involved in leading, making sure your family is strong are basic principles that should be strong. I hear where he is coming from having led projects and other activities in my church community as well. It is not that they want to take everything upon themselves but usually young leaders don't know how to fully get the help of the people around them. Any experienced leader will testify to this. It takes being knocked over the head one day that being the leader does not mean doing all the work. As simple as it sounds it is actually more difficult to figure out unless you experience it. Also to be saying that just preaching the word is enough is not totally correct. As controversial as that may sound we are not just trying to save lives but we are also trying to make disciples. To be perfectly honest because we all have flaws and sin the word doesn't motivate some people to do everything. Actually people who are young in faith take offense from the word when you try to point out what they should be doing but when you put them in a place of responsibility they learn to see things from a different perspective. The holy spirit teaches them not the Pastor or leader that they are following. Arrogance has a way of creeping in and making us think we are better than others. This is actually a big headache for many leaders to deal with. The obvious answer you would think would be to remove them but by grace we are all here so it takes patience. Through suffering we learn. I can tell this Pastor has been through a lot and there is definitely wisdom in what he is saying.

Focus on the Family Explains Decision to Pull Mormon Interview

alex12 »

Mon Jan 05, 2009 12:57 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 6

Yes I agree, I don't think we can blast all mormons just because they are mormon. Just like most Christians don't completely know the gospel the same can be said about the mormons not completely knowing the book of mormon. I think if more was done to point out the flaws in the latter day church many lives could be saved to Christ.

Calif. Lawmakers Introduce Resolutions Opposing Prop. 8

alex12 »

Tue Dec 09, 2008 11:36 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

I agree with you on that point jester that we are made of 75% water so naturally we run downhill. Our sin and flesh is more appealing than suffering. There is a true story that I heard though about a muslim village that was devastated by the tsunami in Indonesia. All of the homes and including the Mosque had been destroyed. Before the Tsunami, Christians missionaries had tried to convert them but where unsuccessful. After the tsunami though a group of Christians from a nearby village came and helped them rebuild. They even rebuilt their mosque for them. Also to note that during the time that they were doing this they never once taught them the Gospel. Now since the muslim religion is based heavily on the concept of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth they were stunned that the Christians who they perceived as enemies would come over and help them rebuild, including their mosque. The muslims in this village became so intrigued about why they would do this that they asked them. The Christians from the other village just simply said that they were showing the love that God showed them through Christ. After learning more the entire Muslim village eventually converted to Christianity.

It can be easy to sin but we don't fulfill the law because we have to, we fulfill the law because we want to. This is what Jesus is speaking of when he says he didn't come to abolish the law but fulfill it. As sons we do what needs to be done out of love. Why can a mother lift a car off their child when a strong firefighter might not be able too. Scientifically it is because of adrenaline but it proves a point that through love we gain strength to overcome. In part with that through love we also develop faith. I think that the opponents of prop 8 are viewing it from the perspective of a slave where as the supporters view it from the viewpoint of a son. It isn't about teaching them about the existence of the sin because obviously if they voted against it they know that we are saying that it is a sin. Rather I feel that since they have the perspective of a slave their interests are not always the same as the masters where as a son does what they can to help the father because what the father reaps they reap later as their inheritance. Changing the mindset from slave to son can not be taught through simple lecture but it almost has to be realized by the sinner. If you can remember that first moment where you understood God's love that is a very powerful moment. The holy spirit really takes over.

Calif. Lawmakers Introduce Resolutions Opposing Prop. 8

alex12 »

Tue Dec 09, 2008 8:31 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

True, there could always be a chance that one day the hate crimes bill could be passed, but will it be passed because prop 8 wasn't in place or will it be passed because less people are biblically grounded. I think prop 8 is only attacking a symptom of arrogance. Adam and Eve were thrown out of Eden because of their arrogance and the way that God fixed that was through Christ. By sacrificing himself for the sinners Christ redeemed us. The only way to deal with this head on is a reflection of what God did for us, by showing love and compassion towards the ones we wish to save which is why Jesus also said that we should love our enemies. This means going to the homosexual community and asking what can we do for you without any preconditions just as God did for us(there are lines that you have to draw here just like you don't give a book of matches to a 5 year old). When their heart changes so does their lifestyle. But if you can't even approach a group of people because of something that we have done may it be right or wrong how can we effectively evangelize them? If a tree falls in the woods and no one is around does it make a sound? If we ignore this prop 8 will just be overturned eventually. The reason why the homosexuals have been gaining some support is because they have been good at winning hearts. If they are better at winning hearts than Christians that should be a wake up call to us.