"The American Dream" Mis-Defined

As I read a popular writer/pastor this week,  I noticed he finally (after 46 pages) defined the "American Dream " he is so opposed and called Unbiblilcal.  I did an informal questioning of a cross section of the people I work with or socially accociate with of  how they would define "The American Dream".  Not one of them gave me the definition defined in the book.  Martin Luther King in his July 4,1965 speech also did not define it the way this pastor defined it.

I think before one uses "The American Dream" term in the title of the book, one should have the proper definition before he accuses people for being wrong and un-biblical.  Many people that I asked about the book were quite offended by that implication.

Maybe the definition is more generational defined than applying to all people.  If his definition applies to you, then read on.  It is hard to move past false accusations to trust anything else in the writing.

RINOs, DINOs, and CINOs

During the election season we heard a great deal about RINOs (Republicans in name only), DINOs (Democrats in name only).  These are not committed to their party affiliation but are just doing their on thing with their party label.  These are using the party label just to promote their on purposes.  What about CINOs?  (Christian in name only)
As we start this new year, lets not be Christian in name only.  We should walk in a way worthy of the name of Christ Jesus.  Consider what He endured for us; should we not live our lives with utmost integrity?  May we (I) not mar the name of Jesus in 2011.

As Santa increases, The Savior Decreases

I have noticed this year that Santa Clause has really become the for-front of Christmas.  The greater Santa becomes the less Jesus is recognized.  Wow, is not Jesus and redemption and reconciliation the real reason for Christmas?  Jesus has all but booted out of Christmas.  We argue if He can even be a part of public Christmas displays. This is just wrong.  Why have Believers allowed this to happen?  Will we get it back?  Even the Church has bought into this. 

Relevance or Wisdom

The add council has an add that ask the questions, a choice between this or that, this or that. You are choosing between a 200 year old tree or clean water…etc. There can be no right answer; you loose either way.

I would like to propose a question somewhat like those, but it does have a right answer. Truth is truth or it is all false; there is no in between. Given a choice, would you choose your church members to be culturally relevant or people full of wisdom? You see, you can not have both. I have found after being in the same church many, many years that once the body embraces relevance then those with wisdom leave or are asked to leave. Relevance is not based in truth but in culture. Wisdom leaves because it can not tolerate foolishness. Somewhere along the road we as a church visible have lost the understanding of not being conformed to this world. Today’s relevance does not embrace Be ye Holy for I am Holy any more.

Given a choice, which would you choose?

Allen

Here is a posting from the WSJ. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704111704575355311122648100.html#printMode

Bodies, Budgets, and Buildings

As I listen to the Southern Baptist Convention, one thing I notice is that the pedigree of all leaders presented consists of how many people their church has in attendance (from # to #). Next is how large their budget is, and somewhere is the building program they have or are a part of. Baptisms are thrown in there at the end, but I surmise that those are mostly children or denominational changes. As I read in ACTS, I only hear if SOULS added to the church.

It’s all about appearances not Holiness, Truth, Growth.
Allen

"At the end of the day........"

One must consider the "Beginning of the day......." before he/she can declare the end of the day.
Psalms 26 states that "I have walked in mine integrity" If I start that way then the End of the day will be satisfying.

Let's start right so we can end right
Allen

Swimming Pools, Beaches and Churches

Ephesians 4:11 states that God” gave to the church Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist, Pastors and Teachers.” Also are deacons and Elders. You have heard or possibility taught that there are not Apostles after the original 13, also prophets are suspect as well. I contend all these exist today and should be recognized as such. Most SBC teach that the Pastor is 3 in 1, i.e. Pastor, Bishop, Elder. I also contend that all these positions serve specific functions and you can not lump them under one or two leaders.

What does this have to do with swimming pools and beaches and churches?

Consider a membership pool for a moment….
You have an enclosure for the pool, a lifeguard, a maintaince staff, swimmers, etc.
The job of the lifeguard is to keep and eye on the swimmers and watch for dangers and maintain order. (Pastor)
The job of the maintaince staff is to make sure trash is up, things run orderly etc. (Deacons)
The job of Lifeguard instructors is to train the lifeguards to do the best job that they can (Apostles)
One job around the pool or beach is to beware of dangers lurking around. Sharks, Broken pipes, blind spots, currents, etc. Warning the lifeguard and swimmers is very important. (Prophets)
Every pool / beach needs someone to extol the virtues of their place. Someone must convince others to come to the Life and Life abundantly [water] at their place (Evangelist)
There are those that will be good swimmers that can go to the deep and will help those that can not swim a well get better and make good decision about how far they can go (Elders)
There are those that can give lessons on being a better swimmer (Teachers)
Some pools / beaches will double up some of these jobs, but all are specific and unique.


You see, our churches have Pastors that should be watching the members for dangers. What happens when he gets distracted by other things? The members are in danger.
All Pastors should be taught by Apostles to keep them up to date.
Deacons aught to be about making sure the members have a safe environment out of the water.
Prophets should be diligent to warn of dangers in the water and around the church.
Evangelist should invite others to come to Jesus and be with the church.
Elders should train those less mature to become more mature. Help them along.
Teachers should give good lessons of instruction.

Let us give everyone a chance to do what God has put in the church to be used by the church.