How the Bible came to be and why the King James Version isn't and shouldn't be the only version

There are many, many different versions of the Bible out there today. Sometimes, the choice for an appropriate text can be overwhelming. Some prefer the NIV, others the NRSV, while others would have you think that the King James Version is the only pure and Godly version in existence. This belief is more harmful than good. For many proponents of this position, the other versions of the Bible came out through a satanic plot to corrupt the church. They claim that the Alexandrian texts used by the NIV and others are corrupt. Actually the objection to the Alexandrian texts is a fallacy. The King James text, which originated in 1611, has limitations, due to the time it was written and by the method of translation that IT used. I am not saying this to proclaim that one text is better than the other, but I do want to point out that the line of thinking that Alexandrian texts were considered heretical is not true.
First, the KJV is without the knowledge of the Masoretic texts and the Dead Sea Scrolls, which when discovered in 1947 brought about incredible knowledge of early Jewish life and their beliefs. Second and most important, the image of one lonely monk painstakingly translating the Bible from its original Hebrew and Greek into Latin or even later, English is not an accurate view of translation.
See, we don't have the original autographs - the original documents, written by the original writers. We do have pieces of papyrus that date close to the originals, but even then, we are talking about @ 100-200 years of difference. Also, many - and I mean hundreds of pieces of scrolls and papyrus get laid out on tables and they are then pieced together by flow and writing style in order to match up content, etc. for accuracy. This is a lengthy process that requires the work of many, rather than one.
Second, the translation style that was used for the KJV is actually the weakest. Instead of examining the scrolls, etc. themselves, the "translators" all sat in one large room, while one person sat up front and read the scrolls aloud. In essence, this was a large dictation party. This was done for speed's sake. Remember, the KJV came at the bequest of King James. History shows us that he was not even what you would call a very decent man. YES, I do believe that God used in spite of himself. God does that throughout history. By the way, for what it is worth, it is believed that James was very likely a homosexual. Does that really matter? That is an issue between the man and God, but it should be noted.
The translating process for scrolls, papyrus that was used by the NIV involves much more time and the process that I first described. This is one reason why you might see phrases like "does not appear in the earliest Greek texts" in the notes in some Bibles. For example, Mark 16:9-17 - the ending that we have in Bibles simply was added later. John 7:53-8:1-11 - which is the story of the woman caught in adultery does not appear in most ancient texts. These portions, along with others simply weren't in the most reliable early texts. This clearly points to the portions being added by later writers. By the way, the one text that is used by KJV-only proponents, most vocally Chick Publications, point towards I John 5:7 to say that if your Bible doesn't read, "There are three that testify in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one", then it is "false". The vast majority of versions render this verse in v.7-8 as "There are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood, and these three agree". Once again, the most reliable early texts simply DON'T render what the KJV has in it. In fact, the KJV rendering, while being a concise Trinitarian statement, would be the ONLY verse in the Bible to be so clear in position. I am a firm believer in the Trinity, so I am not bashing that, only once again pointing out that there are inconsistencies in the KJV.
Frankly, it is NOTHING BUT A MIRACLE of the Holy Spirit that we have the Bible at all. Remember, it is NOT like the Bible was assembled in one piece and laid at the feet of every believer upon conversion. The Bible that we have today is the result of the efforts of thousands over countless hours of writing, mediation, study, debate and most importantly, PRAYER.
I really think that some of the issue with KJV-only folks is their view of how scripture was given to men. Some people believe that the writers were mere tools who wrote every word EXACTLY as God meant it to be. In other words, they were merely taking dictation. However, when you read the Bible, it is clear that the personalities of the writers comes out from time to time. I really believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, but just as God chooses to speak to the hearts of men, he also has used men to write. This is called "dynamic inspiration". The Holy Spirit worked WITH the writers, using their literary skills, world views, etc. For instance, why do we have 4 Gospels? Why do those 4 Gospels actually have 4 different views of the same events? Why is it that some omit things others left in? It has to do with the writer and most importantly, the CONTEXT in which the book was written. Remember, the books were also assembled. It's not like Luke would have just sat down and wrote his gospel in sitting. It took time, etc. Remember, Luke wasn't even at the events that he describes in his gospel, yet Matthew was. Don't you think that would lead to some differences in accounts? This isn't to lessen either one, it is merely to say that we have to be careful as to how hard and dogmatic we cling to each word.
Each person has a unique personality and even writing style. This is reflected in the texts that we have today. Look at the different styles that are present. The Bible is collection of 66 smaller books that were written over hundreds of years and then only MUCH later, assembled into what we have today. It wasn't even until AD 367 that Athanasius wrote the first list of books of the New Testament, in the way in which we have it today. As a side note, it should be stated that the nature of Christ, his full divinity and full humanity wasn't nailed down until the Council of Nicea in AD 325. The full divinity of the Holy Spirit wasn't established, formally, until the Council of Constantinople in AD 381. Point being, our faith has been worked out through the course of time by so many. We take this for granted, but it should NEVER be.
I write this not to attack, but to inform. We must understand that while yes, the Bible is the Word of God; it has been given to and through fallible men. I am not saying that it is full of errors. I am saying that the Bible has plenary inspiration from the Holy Spirit. This means that the Bible is inerrant in INTENT. It is completely inspired in thought and intent from the Holy Spirit. Personal use of words and phrases was allowed for the purpose of expressing the divine in human words. I hope this is of use. There are many other reasons why there are different versions of the Bible, but I assure you that the NIV and others do not exist as some plot of Satan to corrupt the church and Christians everywhere. This has been a quick overview of the landscape of Biblical interpretation.

3 models of theology

All Christians are called to be theologians. I am not talking about a monk who reads, writes and studies 20 hours a day, by candlelight. Although there is nothing really problematic with that lifestyle, if you are called to it, that is. It is just that few are. Most believe that theology is best left to academicians or ivory tower gurus who wear blazers and think really deep thoughts. Nothing could be further from the truth. A theologian, as defined by M. James Sawyer, is someone who knows about or speaks about God. Dr. Chris Bounds defines a theologian more along the lines of a practitioner. That is to say, a theologian is one who takes gospel truths and applies them to life in order to care for the souls of others. This really encompasses all Christians who wish to make a difference for Jesus Christ in society.
Since that makes every committed Christian a theologian, I think that it is important to outline what makes theology so beneficial and important. A quick note about the following work. It is not mine, exclusively. In fact, far from it. Herein lays one of the beauties of theology. You are not a complete original. You are standing on the shoulders of the giants who have come before you or alongside of those who are serving with you. If you believe that you are completely original, it would perhaps be best for you to research just a bit more where your theology is coming from. If you are interpreting scripture in a way that no one else in the past 2000 years has, chances are GREAT that you are not an original. You are more than likely a heretic. That is, you are wrong. The writer, in Ecclesiastes, laments that there is nothing new under the sun. With that in mind, here are the three useful models of theology. Another good word for model might be the word view or aim. These models have been organized into a table format in Sawyer's excellent book, The Survivor's Guide to Theology.
1. Theology as SAPIENTIA. This is Latin for "wisdom". By the way, theologians can use a lot of Latin. This is due to the fact that so many scholars for well over 1000 years have used the language. Therefore, some it has stuck around. Besides, it can sound really cool - but only if you know what the word means!
This viewpoint centers around the belief that theology, at its heart, should be wise enough to direct a person "toward a relationship with God based on personal trust", to quote Sawyer, once again. This means that all of the theological statements about God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation, sin, etc. should direct a person towards actually wanting a relationship with God. It should be wise and engage the heart as well as the mind.
2. Theology as SCIENTIA. Once again - Latin - here it is used for "science". This is the classic definition of theology. The fathers of the church called theology "the queen of the sciences". This is because, by their estimation, everything else flowed out of theology. Isn't that interesting? Today, many scientists claim that faith has no part in science. Yet, the pioneers of scientific research clearly thought otherwise. By the way, practice organic chemistry and tell me that you don't need faith. Yes, everything is calculated and measured, but exact chemical reactions can differ when using organic compounds. One false move and POOF!!
3. Theology as ORTHOPRAXIS. Orthopraxis means "right action". This differs from the Greek word, orthodoxy, which means "right doctrine". Yes, theologians have also used Greek, as the New Testament of the Bible was written in Greek. Orthopraxy, put into practical terms, means that you practice what you preach. You can call yourself a Christian, but do you live it, according to the Bible? To me, this view makes so much sense. I can preach and study and learn about theology. But, if I am not willing to put into practice what I have studied, then I have really just wasted my time.
This is just a little overview of what theology, at its heart, is aiming for. It doesn't have to be scary. It doesn't have to be overly intellectual. It does require thought, study and most of all, prayer. I encourage everyone to begin to study theology. One problem that can occur is that many texts, provided that you find one, can be over the head of most people. This is why I would really encourage beginners to find the book, A Survivor's Guide to Theology. This can be found at most Christian bookstores and will not break your bank or back. Once you have moved from there, something like Wayne Grudem's "Systematic Theology" or Thomas C. Oden's 3 part systematic theology would be excellent for full immersion.
I do not consider myself to be an expert theologian. I am still learning and plan on doing so for the rest of my life. I am doing so in order to grow in wisdom in order to strengthen my walk with Jesus and in order to help educate others whenever possible. Don't be afraid of reading and study. Take a few pages at a time, if you are new to it. Pray to the Lord that you will receive "spiritual wisdom and understanding." If you do this, the Lord WILL open the "eyes of your heart" to the vast treasure that is a relationship with him!

Some eschatological thoughts

I'm not a pre-trib, mid-trib, post-trib, pre-millennial, post-millennial type of Christian. However, I do believe in the return of Christ to this Earth, just as he promised. Here is some of my eschatology - it's not my own, I'm not trying to claim that it is - nor am I trying to say that I have it all figured out. Let God do that. He is the one with answers. I know that I am to trust in him and know that he is control. I do my work, he does his. Jesus is Lord and that is good enough for me!!
I believe that 1. the 1000 year reign is a figurative sum of years. Just to think about this for a moment - so say you make it to that point. If Satan is released AGAIN after he is bound up, that would mean that theoretically, you could make it through everything and then be seduced by Satan and end up in hell. Also, if Christ is in control then, this would mean that he gives up at least some control. I have real problems with this. Rev. 20:1-3 is then talking about a time PRIOR to the final judgment. Read all of Rev. 20 in context and you see that in order for Satan to wage war, he has to have troops. These troops would be trib survivors? They are "as numerous as the sands of the sea?" When you do some quick math, and assuming even current figures- that could mean millions of troops? From where? If we are to read Revelation as a history book, that is chronologically speaking, remember that when Christ returns in Rev. 19, the antichrist's army is wiped out. The only way to fit then Rev. 20 in is to assume that while Christ is reigning on Earth, people still are married and having babies. These babies then grow up and eventually, through the course of time have many who reject Christ and join Satan's army? That just doesn't seem to make any sense.
2. the rapture still isn't mentioned in the Bible. That's a problem. I know that it is popular but it is a recent phenomenon, only gaining popularity in the 19th century due to the works of Darby and the advent of the Schofield Reference Bible. See, what the rapture doctrine really teaches is a "parachute" type of mentality. Let's get out of here - jump off this plane before it crashes and grab my chute!! Are we so anxious to be rid of this gift of life?
3. there are not 2 prophesied return events but 1. If there is a rapture where we are caught up in the clouds with Christ that is one return event. Then when he returns, we have two. Scripturally, that doesn't fit. 4. It is a major league problem to try to put a modern exegetical spin on Revelation. Revelation is apocalyptic literature. It must then be treated as such and read as such. This means that it is not a history book to be taken the nth degree literally, a la Left Behind. It tells the story of deliverance and God's victory. Yes, I do believe that Jesus will return, literally here on Earth. However, I'm not counting on it being in my lifetime. I do seek to live every day as if he might return, but my faith is not built upon that. Every generation - EVERY generation has felt that they were the final generation. Read some of Paul's writings, it is very clear that he believed that Christ's return was imminent back then. Yet, it wasn't Why? Because God is patient.
II Peter 3:9 says that "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." God is merciful in delaying his judgment - that is sure to come, so that many more will hear the Gospel and receive Jesus. My best advice is to stop looking for signs - remember, Jesus said that a wicked and adulterous generation looks for signs. Live as if Jesus may return at any moment BUT don't live like Jesus MUST return at any moment. Revelation is a synopsis of the entire Biblical story, it is a history book with portions that are obviously set in the future. It was not intended to be a history book or a guidebook. God has never given us exact dates - he transcends time! Remember, Jesus came to earth 400 years after the last OT book was written. We must be wary when we attempt to put the infinite into a finite time table that suits our purposes. I will never say that I have it all figured out. I will rely upon God to fill in the details of history as he sees fit. But one thing I do know is that we are really trying to make his plan fit into our charts and seminars and books if we try to make everything fit the human mindset.

The promise of heaven

To me, I barely possess the vernacular to describe heaven. After all, "no eye has seen, no ear has heard..." but for the sake of the exercise, I'll try. The nature of heaven, to me, is a place beyond our boundaries of time and space. It is a place where there is no more pain, no more tears and no more remorse. It is a place of eternal praise and rest. It is then "joy unspeakable and full of glory."
We will find our place in the presence of God. I believe that is where we will finally realize - aha! that was what life was all about. Paul wrote that he only saw in part, that he hadn't attained perfection, and on and on with the metaphors of partial realizations that we gain here on Earth.
In heaven, that all comes to fruition. I believe it to be a place of everlasting joy. We finally get to meet Jesus - face to face! I say this from personal experience. In 1989, I had a heatstroke and actually died for a short period of time. During that span, long story short, I was transported into a place of blinding yet calming light. I remember feeling like I was no longer confined to my own body, that I had somehow transcended it. The next thing I was aware of was a presence in front of me. I still remember looking up and seeing a majestic robe. It was bright and the further I raised my head, the greater the radiance was. I couldn't even see above a certain point, but I knew, just knew in my being that I was in the presence of Christ. It was at that moment that I heard him say that it wasn't my time yet and then BOOM! I was back in my own body and in all of the pain and convulsions that I had been before.
All of that was to say that I not only believe in heaven but I have also been blessed enough to have experienced just a taste of what heaven was like. The ironic thing about that is that I would later live as though I hadn't. Just another proof that miracles do NOT inspire, in and of themselves, long term responses.
Anyway, back to the topic. When heaven is brought up in conversation, I usually go back into my mind to a time when I was 11. My grandmother had just passed away very unexpectedly. I remember talking with my dad, who was younger than I am now, about what heaven was like and what Grandma must now be seeing. I remember thrilling at the prospect that she was in the presence of Jesus. She was getting to meet David, Moses, Noah, Peter and all of the heroes of the Bible. I will never forget that night and the childlike innocence that I possessed at that moment.
I really believe that is what heaven is all about. It is when we truly become childlike again. I mean that to say that we are once again INNOCENT! If that were all heaven is, then it would still be worth everything. To be innocent and unknowing of evil, guilt and fear. I hate those three things so much. To be free of their bondage will be so heavenly.
When heaven is brought into conversation, to me, it is better than any Christmas memory that I had as a child. When comes up, it always seems to bring is with it joy and even a bit of wistfulness. I long to be there, but I must remember that my labor here is not finished yet. In my case, the Lord literally had something more for me to do for his kingdom. I don't want to forsake that.
I believe that my concept in heaven can ONLY enhance my intimacy with God. To think that he has prepared a place that so much greater than anything I can comprehend!
Because I have had a dynamic experience with heaven, I believe that has afforded me the chance to describe it to others in vivid detail- at least from a standpoint of feelings and perceptions. This in turn gives me the feeling of great intimacy with God. My experiences, as great as they were, though, are still not enough to rely upon. My reliance must come upon the Lord himself. If at times he seems distant, I must remember of the promises that he has made me through his Word and through the experiences that I have had. Heaven and the promise thereof allows for such peace and trust in God that I feel that I can empty my heart and soul to him. The promise of heaven is so great that I know that despite the pains that I encounter in life, the doubts that naturally creep in or the times when I want to give up can't overcome it. To know that God loves us so much that he has given us the chance to be in his presence FOREVER is mind-blowing!
Even what I can conceive of is so incredible that I am literally smiling as I write this. It is utterly so vital that we gain at least a perspective of what our lives are about. we are not just sleep-walking through this life. We are not the random arrangement of molecules, we have been given a purpose. As Christians, we are to live a life that is pleasing to the lord. This is for two reasons. One, yes, is to secure our future with God in heaven. But secondly, and just as important, is that we are to live a life that reflects the greater future of heaven so that OTHERS may see that. We want others to know that they too can have a place in heaven, if they will but turn their lives over to Jesus Christ! God gives us the choice to accept this eternal place of joy and happiness. How can we choose anything else?

My Secret Identity

Paul begins Ephesians 1:18-23 by briefly stating that there are three things that will open the "eyes of your heart". He then moves to elaborate upon these three things. I believe that Paul uses the phrase "open the eyes of your heart" in order to state that we need to focus on the big picture of life, both that lived here on earth and the one to come in eternity.
We mortals, myself included, get so bogged down on trivial matters. As C.S. Lewis stated, we live "like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because (we) cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea..." (The Weight of Glory) In other words, we settle for what we know, no matter how mundane because we forget or have no ability to comprehend just how grand of a scale our lives CAN be lived upon. The only true way that we can change is to, as Paul said, to have "the eyes of hearts" opened.
First, Paul mentions "the hope to which he has called you". We are saved and bought at a high price. I need no longer fret about my eternal destination because Jesus paid the price of admission - all I must do is accept it and live it. I can only really live out my salvation when I focus less on myself and more on others. If I become self-focused, I become lost in pity and get removed from community. I have been given an incredible hope - the hope of eternity in heaven with Savior for all time!
Second, Paul mentions the "riches of his glorious inheritance." I am a child of the king! Paul also writes that we are joint-heirs with Jesus. This means that we are going to inherit more than we can possibly comprehend. I'm not talking about earthly riches, like gold or paper money. I am talking about eternity here. Infinity. Transcendence. We have the promise that, as saints, we get to partake in the splendor of the universe. If this seems like a mind-boggling concept - this is because IT IS! I'm not going to attempt to describe every bit because "no eye has seen and no ear has heard" what magnificence God has in store for us.
Third, and this is where the pay-off is- we know that these two things will come to pass because we serve a God who possesses "immeasurable greatness" and power. Our God is so far beyond our puny imaginations. Think about this for a second. Our God, my God, is omniscient. He knows EVERYTHING. He is omnipresent. He's EVERYWHERE. He is omnipotent. He is all-powerful. There is nothing that God cannot know or overcome. He is so powerful that he possesses the ability to NOT strong-arm us into loving him. It is said that those who possess true power know it. They don't have to flaunt it. The power is innate. When you are around someone like that, you too know they are powerful. Just imagine how much more power God possesses then.
He has allowed us to CHOOSE to accept him or reject him. He wants my true love. He wants me to come to him only if I want to. This is what blows my mind. My entire eternal destination is not decided by someone else. It is decided by me. Now, there are incredible consequences that come with my choice. I can choose to live like I have hope and a glorious inheritance ahead of me. I can choose to recognize that God is all-powerful and that he made the way to him through his son, Jesus Christ. All I have to do is accept this and then live for him. THIS is what will "open the eyes of my heart." When I focus on the glorious hope and future that I have in Christ, my arrows, my pain, my struggles start to pale in comparison. My wants and desires begin to become more centered on what Jesus would want for me rather than what I think I want.
Yet, with all of that said, as incredible as this prospect is, so many want to choose another way. They want to choose what seems to be their own path. They choose their own "mud pies" because they know no different. Their eyes are closed. They reject their God in exchange for the temporal and ever-changing. They live life grasping at straws, searching for peace that never comes. they live looking for next big high, the next big thrill, yet when this comes, it is never enough. Just one more binge. Just one more hot night and I know that I will be content... Yet that never happens. It's like living with an itch that you just can't scratch. I know because I have lived that way. I chose to make my own "mud pies" because I never wanted anyone - ANYONE to tell ME how to live MY life. But you know what? Nothing fit. Nothing gave me peace. Nothing allowed me to look at myself in the mirror and actually LIKE what I saw. sure, I had attended church for years. I knew my Bible. That wasn't the problem. I studied to be a pastor but I walked away from it when things got really tough. Why? Because the "eyes of my heart" were closed. I had the head knowledge and some raw gifts. The problem wasn't that. The problem was that I hadn't allowed God to become REAL! That is a choice that must be made. You have to WANT it.
I believe this is what Paul is alluding to in this passage. He is offering a brief glimpse into the realm of possibilities. We don't have to live in the squalor of our own lives. I no longer have to live a selfish and incomplete life. Jesus has offered so much more. One choice. Just one choice can change everything. If we will but "open the eyes of our hearts", we gain HOPE, INHERITANCE and the knowledge that the omnipotent creator of all things is ultimately our Lover, Lord and King. This will in turn give us an identity that will last for all of eternity. I will no longer have to view myself as a loser, as an underachiever or as a failure. My identity is built, then, on the firm foundation of Christ. I am truly then, a "new creature" in Christ.

Intimacy issues?!

Intimacy is a rare commodity today. Too many times, we exchange intimacy for quick fixes of immediate gratification. We trade love for lust. We view our spouses as mere objects for our own pleasure rather than as partners for life. This isn't true intimacy, it is self-gratification. In the long run, this mindset isn't healthy for us or the other people in our lives. What is it that creates a sense of intimacy in a relationship?
I believe that the ability to disclose oneself is what begins to create a sense of intimacy in a person. You can't possibly hold others at an arm's length if you want to establish intimacy. Secondly, you can't force it. Intimacy can't be bought or rushed. It takes time to develop. It takes common experiences and "insider" moments. Third, you can't just wish for it. Intimacy isn't something that can be "poofed" into existence. It comes from hard work and commitment to a relationship. Fourth, intimacy is an issue of desire. You have to WANT to be intimate with another person, whether that relationship is platonic or otherwise. Relationships, once again, are hard work. Just like exercise, you tend to get out of relationships what you put into it. Of course, there are always exceptions to this. However, be in a long-term relationship, like a marriage and find out how much effort it requires for a healthy and intimate relationship with your spouse.
For me, most of those same principles apply. Take my marriage, for instance. When we were first married, my wife and I longed to spend every bit of our time together in one form of intimacy or another. As the years passed, we found ourselves spending less and less private time together. I really longed to get to know my wife better on a personal level - as more than a wife and lover. I wanted to know her as a woman and fellow human being. This required so much more effort! What I found was that she was less willing to open up sections of her heart due to previous pains and hurts. In turn, I also found that I had placed many walls around my own heart because I too had been burned too many times by others. So, I found that one big component of being intimate was self-exposure - you know what I mean...
I had to be willing to expose parts of my being, my soul to my wife if I wanted to grow closer to her. This was and still is scary. I have been married for thirteen years and it is still hard work and is still frightening at times. Why is that? Anytime you seek to move closer to another person, you have the chance of getting hurt - yes, even and maybe ESPECIALLY by your spouse. My wife gets to see me at my best and worse - and yet, she still loves me- wow!
Finally, intimacy with Christ requires much work as well. For me, it is a labor of love. It requires discipline and much faith. See, you can't physically see the Lord right now. This has required faith for my analytical side to process. However, through prayer, I have sensed his presence in powerful ways. It has been through a desire to want to know him better, to open my heart and being open to him completely - in ways that I can't even do with my wife. I talk to Jesus just like I write and talk with anyone else. I still hold him in the utmost regard, there is a sort of tension. I talk to him as if he is my best friend but I still realize that he is the sustainer of the universe - yet he still longs to love my heart! Sorry for the babbling here...
Intimacy to me is so special. It is what makes life worth living to me. Intimacy is a rare and difficult achievement. I say achievement because of the work and discipline that is involved in it. Yet, at times, it is the most natural and easy thing to do. We all want to be known and pursued, I am no different. I want those that I love to know me as well as they desire to do so. In a like manner, I want to know them as well as they will let me.

A few words about the church

It is fine to be upset with the status quo within the church today. That's good! Be upset! However, you have to do something about it. Can you truly make any difference in an organization if you pull out of it? What good does it do to run from the church, which is called on more than one occasion, the bride of Christ? Remember one thing, NOWHERE in the Bible is the phrase "personal savior" ever used. God didn't so love Jeff, he so loved the world. This means that there is a whole lot more at stake then just me. We are saved IN COMMUNITY! There is a world that is literally dying to hear. This starts locally. It begins in your heart - BUT it doesn't END there.
The church is not intended to be a one-stop shop or a drive-thru for any one person. It is a collection, a body of believers. To live isolated from it is extraordinarily dangerous. Once more, it is irresponsible. We have been called to tell the world about Christ AND to make disciples. Disciples aren't made in isolation or overnight. They are made through time and through community. We are told in the word that iron sharpens iron. This symbolizes how one person strengthens another. How can a person be sharpened in continual solitude?
My main issue with this mindset is the same problem that I have with people who complain about the government but then don't vote. They have no right to complain because they aren't attempting to change the broken organization. The problems that exist in the church aren't going to fix themselves. They require caring, loving and honest people who are caring, loving and honest enough to get involved in their churches and denominations.
The Bible NEVER says that we are to leave the church. We are never called to live in isolation. We are never called to go to church or to pray or read the Bible in order to get what we can out of God. This is why George Barna’s book Revolutions is complete garbage! We are called to equip ourselves so that we might do 2 things. One, so that we can resist the devil and two, so that we can help equip others. Show me one time in the Word where the Holy Spirit works in complete isolation with just one or even two people. It doesn't work that way!
So, get angry! Get appalled at the apparent apathy and compromise that exists in the church today! Luther did! Wesley did! Calvin did and on and on. But one question here then - what would have happened if they had taken their ball and gone home? What if they had been so upset with the church but then simply did their own thing? If that thought is frightening to you - and it should be - then don't make that mistake. Take what you learn and GIVE it away. That is the true nature of the Kingdom of God!!

Understanding God (a little) Better

I am not saying that I have God figured out. Far from it. In fact - very, very far from it. However, the Bible does give us indications as to how he works. Interestingly, not all of the scriptures view God as loving and tolerant of our every action. Quite honestly, if Ps. 13:1; 22:1 and 44:24 were all that I knew of God, I would have to seriously doubt his intentions. I would feel that I run the risk of abandonment when things fail. Would I feel like I am lost when I sin? But when I really think about it, how many times have I seriously questioned the Lord in this way, as if the creation knows better than the creator. The fact remains that we constantly question and wonder what the problem is when "bad" things happen. If we have failure, many of us run to see what we have done wrong.
The real problem is that we tend to forget that Jesus made us a promise. He promised us that in this world, we WOULD have troubles. We aren't promised anything more than trials and tribulations in this life. In many ways, it us almost more realistic to look for the good times as points when we were truly blessed rather than as the accepted norm of the redeemed.
I am not suggesting that this life is misery and worth dumping at the first chance. What I am saying is quite the contrary. God is constant, even when we do not see him. He is always there. He promises that he will never leave us nor forsake us. While it is easy to feel abandoned when bad things happen, we must keep the big picture in mind. God is good all of the time, even when I wonder if that is true.
For my money, I prefer to remember God through Psalm 23:1, as my shepherd. Psalm 46:10 assures me that he is God, so I can relax in him when things go "bad". Psalm 10:17 promises that God does indeed hear the cry of the afflicted. Jeremiah 29:11-13 tells me that God does indeed have a plan for my life. He doesn't seek to harm me but to test me so that I may become strong. Isaiah 41:10 tells me not to fear, God is in charge. Finally, can I forget the promise of John 3:16? God has sent the ultimate fix and ultimate expression of his love for me, when he sent his own son, Jesus, to make the way for me to live with him eternally. In turn, I can then express to others that they too need the saving touch that can only come from a personal and transformative relationship with Christ. This, then, is the ultimate purpose that God has for our lives - to live with and for him, to bring others into that same loving community and relationship with him!!

You have to understand your enemy!!

We are constantly given choices in life. We have the ability to determine much of what we perceive. It has been said that life is but 10% of what happens to us and 90% of how we react to the events. In other words, much of what happens in our lives has little bearing upon it. What really matters is our perceptions of those events. This is where Satan has his most fertile areas for attack. If we constantly go through life with a "woe is me" mentality, if we are constantly pessimistic and a general drag to be around, how will we be able to positively impact the world for Christ?
If we choose to focus upon our problems and pains throughout our life, we will be less than effective in reaching out to others. We will afraid of being hurt again. We will choose to live in isolation and insulation. Nobody WANTS to be hurt, do they?
It's not like we are the first round of humans to be here on earth. Satan has had thousands of years to hone his "craft". Few of us are gullible enough to believe that he is somehow in charge of things. He isn't usually able to get people to openly renounce God. This is rarely his modus operandi.
He usually attacks much more subtly and indirectly. The most crushing attacks are the hardest ones to openly perceive. If we will not actively turn from God, perhaps we will passively do so. If we can have a doubt, a pessimistic mindset or victimized mentality, we will become weak to other attacks. This is how Satan usually moves. If a Christian can't be turned, they can be rendered uninfluential by focusing on their own pains and issues. If we can be moved to be self-directed and if we can be kept from genuine community and brotherly love, we are made easy targets.
Try watching any program on hunters on Animal Kingdom. Do the predators every go right into the middle of the herd in order to attack the most strong and healthy animals? No way. Predators look towards the outside of the herd. They look for the weak and slow. These animals make the best victims. We really aren't any different. If we stay on the fringe of the community by rarely going to church and rarely becoming involved, we stay weak. If we constantly focus on the negative and the painful, we remain weak.
Remember, Satan is called a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. He is a predator by nature. If we remain weak, we make an inviting target. However, if we are strong through continual prayer, love and faith that God will provide and care for us, even when it is tough, then we will be strong. If we stay plugged into our local church and other Christian support groups - such as online forums, etc. - then we stay strong. DO NOT TRY TO LIVE AS A CHRISTIAN ALONE!! Stay connected. Get involved! If we see that God has only our best in mind, we stay strong. If we examine our arrows and attempt to remove them, we remain strong.
In this way, we may do as James implores us. We will resist him. The battle is not our own. Christ is the defender of our faith. However, we are commanded to do our parts. By doing this, we are strong in the Lord and so much less of an inviting target to the enemy of our souls.

Baggage claim!


The word, baggage, has such negative connotations for me. It seems to imply something that is extra or something that hangs on. It's like a growth or tumor, just one that might not be visible. Due to this fact, it is absolutely imperative that we are able to interpret whether or not that baggage is benign or malignant. Therefore, we must know not only the nature of our baggage but also whether or not we have any to begin with.
In my estimation, I clearly possess baggage. From a pro standpoint, it is good to know that I have it in order to examine its impact upon my life. For instance, if I were the product of an abusive household, that would have an impact on how I interacted with others. On the flip side, if I was the product of a nurturing and loving household, that would also have an impact on my interpersonal relationships. It is always good to understand how my upbringing may have influenced my life's baggage.
An additional pro of knowing one's baggage is that it keeps us grounded and humble. It is too easy for us to become self-righteous and condescending when we view ourselves as above the fray of humanity. If I realize that I have problems just like everybody else, then I am able to identify with the needs and concerns of others.
From a con standpoint, if I am always focused upon those bags in my corner, I can hinder my growth as a professional out of fear that my baggage will either become known or that they will devour me. Likewise, constant self-loathing lowers my confidence level. This then causes me to become introverted and unable to give myself freely to others.
There is no way that a pastor can be authentic if they are unaware of their own baggage. If you are oblivious to your own problems, how can you give yourself away freely? You are only able to give a perception of yourself. additionally, by being unaware of your own shortcomings, you have a tendency to portray yourself as superior or above others. How does allow you to be authentic and approachable to others?
I believe that we can find out what our baggage is through prayer, meditation, self-inspection and honest dialogue with others, preferably those who know us best. From time to time it is of benefit to gain the perspective of those who do not know us in order to find out how we are perceived at a glance by others. as we have seen in this workshop, there are also tools available for our consumption that will benefit our self-examination. In this instance, a tool like the Johari Window can be used in order to examine what dark and dank baggage may be lurking in the shadows or perhaps even mildewing in some lost corner of our minds, even unbeknownst to us.
It's never too late for spring cleaning - even in August!!

Some ramblings from my exegetical study of James 4:1-10

There aren't too many things that make me feel better than having a final paper written and done. I'm telling you what! James 4:1-10 is an incredible passage. If you haven't ever read it, do so know. I'll wait for you....
There is so much power present there. For those that don't have their Bible handy, I'll tell you that, in short, James tells his people that they are fighting because they have been blindly following their own desires and passions. They have been playing games with God. They are trying to live exactly like they did before they were saved, only know they were trying to "Christianize" the very things that they had been delivered from.
James tells them trying to be friends with the world and friends with God won't work. To be a friend of the world is to be an enemy with God. By the way, a friend of the world is really another way of saying that a person is acting like they never were saved in the first place. James gets pretty rough with the people - he calls them adulteresses. This tough love continues but then in true pastoral fashion, he explains how they can get straight with God. He actually lists 10 things to do. The most important things for them and for us - for me to do are to submit to God, to draw close to God and to humble yourself before him. These things are easier said than done.
I know that I always had a problem with that submission issue. I'm a man. who wants to submit when you don't have to, I thought. I was really missing the point. Submission is NOT - repeat - NOT a sign of weakness. It's a sign that you are mature and secure in your faith. It's admitting that you know that you don't have everything all figured out in your life.
I know that I never started to REALLY LIVE until I submitted my life and career to God. It was at that point that I began to wake up. My faith had always been weak and much like a rollercoaster, I always up and down... yo-yo Christianity is a weak substitute for the real thing.
I was truly, as James writes, double-minded. I was trying to live with the best of both worlds. However, Jesus says that no one can serve two masters. You will leave one for the other. Invariably, if you try to take just a bit if God with the rest of your life, that little bit of God will become less and less. There is a reason for that. God won't share you. He doesn't have to. God is not going to FORCE you to do anything. He loves you enough to allow you to make up your mind. Why not? Think about this. What kind of love would you rather have from your significant other? Coerced or genuine voluntary love? The answer is a slam-dunk! God wants your heart, your life free and clear. That is why he sent his only Son to die for you and claim you.
One step further, Jesus wants your life totally. So many of us - myself included - have always lived our lives with the adage of "Can I still do ___ and still be a Christian?" Fill in the blank with what you want. I am telling you that question is backwards. As a Christian, our minds need to be set upon God, not us. If not, we are being double-minded and are enemies of God. This passage in James is directed to CHRISTIANS!
Our lives must be lived in another way. "How is doing ___ going to bring me closer to God?" That must be our primary line of thinking. I am not saying that we should gather up our belongings, give them up and go join a monastery. We are called to live in the world. That said, we can't forget the rest of the verse here. We are also called to not be OF the world. That is not popular to say. we want to do whatever we feel like doing and still believe that we have God's blessing. I will tell you this. Being a Christian is NOT easy. It is never promised that we will have an easy, healthy and wealthy existence here on earth.
Jesus tells that in this life, we WILL have troubles. If we are to share in his glory, we must also share in his SUFFERINGS. That is NOT popular stuff to say right now. But guess what? It is what the Bible says. we aren't promised the biggest and best things NOW. We are promised that Christ will never leave nor forsake us. God IS NOT our cosmic bell-hop.
Sorry, but when Jesus says that we have not because we ask not, he is NOT referring to that BMW535 that we have our eye on. He is referring to spiritual wisdom and authority. He is referring to that which is of the Father's will for your life. Our life can't be lived in the pursuit of material things. If they come in the course of your OBEDIENCE to the Lord, then great. But always remember one thing. It is NOT yours. We are bought at a price - a high price. The one who never knew sin took our sin upon himself and paid for it IN FULL. All that we must do to receive this gift is to receive it and live it.
This is the message of James 4:1-10. I urge you, draw close to God. He promises that if we do that, he WILL draw close to us. When that happens, get ready for the ride of your life!

Dealing with the peaks and valleys of our lives

How easy is it to live life when all is well? When we are on top of the mountain, we feel invincible. We feel strong; we are happy and full of life. There is only one problem with that. We don't get to STAY on top. The majority of our lives are lived in the valleys below.
The mountain top represents our peak experiences in life. For me, as an example, that was last Sunday. However, as great as that time was, the effect eventually wore off as it always does. That is not to say that life is bad or anything like that. It means that there are always issues and even problems that "bring you back down to earth", so to speak. It's not to say that other people bring you down. Life has a way of doing that for you. Have enough problems coming at you at the same time and all of the sudden, you find yourself back down the slope.
We can't sustain life on the mountain top. To even attempt to do so is foolhardy. We would begin to search and crave highs and we would then miss out on the rest of life. Sure, we live most of our lives "in the valley". That's alright. It should make us enjoy those mountain top experiences all the more. They are few and far between. we should remember them and more importantly, remember how God has helped us in the valley and brought us up the mountain. By focusing on the positive rather than the negative, it becomes easier to survive the down times. By remembering that "this too shall pass" we can keep from going into emotional tailspins or depression, which can keep us from even trying to climb the mountains that could be right ahead of us.
How many of know exactly what God has in store for us? Without choosing to move forward, we will never know. We could choose to give up and to be down. By doing that, we deprive ourselves of what could have been an incredible and transformational experience.
What I'm saying is this. Life is full of troubles. It really is. Much of what happens in our lives comes as a result of choices that we have made. Additionally, much of our attitudes about life are formed by our reactions to events that have happened, rather than the actual events themselves.
Our lives are blessings. Each breath is a cherished gift that must be viewed that way. It's incredibly easy to take that gift for granted. We can get into the "woe is me" mode at the drop of a hat, if we want. How do we avoid this? By thanking the Lord for his goodness and provision. This helps to keep from being selfish and self-absorbed.
It is not a recipe for avoiding troubles. Those WILL happen, regardless of faith. Jesus tells us that in this life, there WILL be troubles. We will have problems. We are NOT guaranteed health, wealth and power in this life. There are absolutely NO Biblical grounds for that type of thinking. You CAN take individual scriptures and TWIST them out of context to say something like "Jesus will grant me whatever I ask as long as I ask for it in his name..." Yet, that is out of context and frankly shows that we are thinking of our Savior as Santa or a genie in a bottle who is waiting to do our bidding.
So sorry, I don't have any ways for you to AVOID problems, but I CAN tell you how to DEAL with them when they do appear. TRUST. Trust that you will come out the troubles a better and stronger person. No one can see the end of the storm when you are in the midst of it. That is why you TRUST. Trust the one who CAN see the other side of your storm. By doing that, by placing your faith in Jesus, your troubles begin to look surmountable. The valleys are less deep and more livable. The mountains begin to appear on the horizon and before you know it, you begin to climb up one. Then, get ready for the ride!

Family RULES!!

Family RULES!! There are many things that we can change. We can change our hair length and color (let me tell you something about that - haha!). We can change our clothes, our eating and sleeping habits, etc. One thing we can't change is our family. We are born into one and that is the way that it is. Maybe that is why it is so easy to take them for granted. I have been terribly guilty of doing that.
Let me give you an example. For many years, really until last year, I took the Crawford Family Reunion for granted. It was a time we all got together, ate, talked and then went home. I loved everybody there but it was really almost about putting time in before I went and did what I wanted to do. It sounds bad but it is true.
Last year, that perspective began to change. I began to realize that my family is a valuable treasure given to me by God. I must not take for granted the times that we have to share together because who knows if I will ever get the chance to see them again. You miss so much through apathy.
This year, I was totally blown away... I was given the opportunity, privilege and honor of preaching the Sunday morning sermon. This has been the territory of my dear Uncle Roy, who has been a pastor for some 55 years. In other words, he knows what he is doing. I was approached about two months ago to take over - wow! For me, preaching in front of my family would be the litmus test of my calling and abilities. In other words, the thought of preaching in front of my family scared me, exhilarated me and overwhelmed me.
I am telling you, I really didn't sleep well for the two weeks before the big day. My other class work was completed early so I could focus on sermon preparation and much prayer. I wrote it, read it, delivered it and prayed over it to the point that I pretty much drove my wife nuts! (She is used to that type of behavior - thank you, God!!)
When the reunion came this past weekend, I felt somewhat nervous and apprehensive about the whole situation. Then something changed. Saturday evening we all got together as a family. We met at my old church and had a fabulous time. I had the chance to go into the big sanctuary, by myself, in order to preach to exactly no one. I should back up a second... Everytime that I visualize myself preaching, it has always been at this church. I don't know why, but that is how it has been. To actually get to do what I have dreamt about for years was a thrill that is every bit as exciting as anything else I have ever experienced! Needless to say, that time alone relaxed me and convinced me that God was going to help me through this.
Sunday morning came and as I was sitting in church, I noticed my voice was a bit hoarse. I don't know why but it was. I really couldn't sing anything. It was kind of funny. Anyway, I began to get nervous as the moment arrived. I was called to come forward to preach and there I was! In the spotlight, in front of most of the people that I had known all of my life. It was go time! That feeling of fear slammed against me. For one second, I thought about sitting right back down. Then, a wonderful thing happened. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in a way that I never have before. I felt the love and support of my family as never before. I began to not only WANT to preach but I felt that I HAD to preach. It was like a burning sensation.
As the sermon progressed, I began to really enjoy myself. I was able to make eye contact with my uncles, my parents, my cousins and Grandpa. I was moved to the point of tears at one point and almost lost my composure. But at that point, I felt the calm reassurance that my calling was sure and I was right where I needed to be. For one of the few times in my life, I knew EXACTLY that in that moment, I was at the BEST place and BEST time in the WORLD!! I was supposed to preach in order to bless them, but something really awesome happened. Instead of blessing them solely, I was blessed. I was ministered to in an unimaginable way!
Afterwards, the outpouring of love, affection, affirmation and support from each and every family member was overwhelming. They really showed me their hearts and love. It was a time I will never forget. The day is one of the best days of my entire life. The rest of my life will never be the same.
Take my advice; NEVER take your precious family for granted. If that makes me sound like a wimp or a geezer, so what! Family is an irreplaceable blessing that should never be looked at with disdain. Don't cheat yourself! Get in contact with some family today. Pray for them and show your love for them regularly! You won't be sorry that you did.