Oprah Denies Jesus...why do Christians insist on following her?

Be in the world and not of it? Is that Biblical?

How does one apply "be in the world, not of it"? I think, without
sinning, we need to stay current with the changing of the world. I know of youth pastors who have read Twilight so they can better relate to their youth who were obsessed with it, or to stay current on fashion (when it does not become immodest). Becoming immersed in the world is not an option, but staying clear of it's trends isn't an option either. Just because the world changes all of its ways (usually for the worse) does not mean that we have to stay in ours.

The Bible clearly points out that we are to flee sinful things (such as Twilight) and focus on things that are pure. "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." – Philippians 4:8

To focus on vampires for educational purposes of any kind is plain evil. Why do we need to immerse ourselves in evil, in order to abhor and rebuke those entwined within it? Look at what the Bible says about those who eat or drink blood...."'Any Israelite or any alien living among them who eats any blood—I will set my face against that person who eats blood and will cut him off from his people. For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life. Therefore I say to the Israelites, "None of you may eat blood, nor may an alien living among you eat blood." Leviicus 17:10-12

I don't see where imitating the world is advised in Scripture. In fact, all I see is the direct opposite (see verses below). I'm also wondering where this "in the world but not of it" is coming from anyway?

"...the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one." 1 John 5:19

"When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there." Deut. 18:9

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15

"Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." 2 Corinthians 6:17

"Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. **If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own.** As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. " John 15:18-19

"They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified." John 17:16-20 [sanctify means to be made holy]

"Friendship with the world is enmity to God." James 4:4

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:1-2

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

"Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits.' Awake to righteousness, and do not sin...." 1 Corinthians 15:33-34

We need to be set apart for Jesus! Our focus should not be on the world and their ways, but solely on Jesus and HIS plan for our lives. We will be different from the world, and we will be hated for it. Why work so hard on conforming the outside to blend in, when our motives in this world should stand out and be so different?

Refined, Not Comfortable

My quote of the week (from a previous sermon from our pastor)...

"Comfortable living produces weak character."

Truly, being comfortable seems quite desirable. Just last week, I heard on Dobson the reminder that the Christian's life is full of adversity, not always comfort and prosperity as this world defines it. So, with that in mind, I would rather be refined by my Father and a woman of Godly character than comfortable.

Apply this quote as needed in your life this week!

Foolish Talk

Q. Is it okay for Christian boys to call each other names like "homo" or "retard"?

A. Name-calling terms, such as "retard" or "homo" aren't Biblically permissive to call another person. One is in regards to a sexually perverse lifestyle and the other is making fun of a birth defect.

Philippians 2:3 - "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself."

James 3:17-18 - "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

One could argue that these terms are being used figuratively, rather than literally. No matter how LITERAL you are being in such name-calling, it is still not Biblically permissible.

Also, as Proverbs 22:15 says, "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him." As parents, we are to be encouraging our children to become disciplined in the ways of Jesus, not in the ways of their peers and other foolish thinkers. Discipline in someone's life does not come naturally, when they come of age. Rather, it is something that is taught to someone and practiced until it becomes a part of who they are.

One more passage to consider is Ephesians 5:4 "...and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks."

All that name-calling is foolish talk and is not suitable for those who are to be being trained in how to be a godly young man. I love Ephesians 5! It instructs Believers on how we are to be as children of God. This is a beautiful passage after which to pattern one's life.

Consider your talk momentarily. Does your language represent Christ? Are you teaching your children to become disciplined in their speech?

Does Scripture REALLY say NO to birth control?

Conception is not a chance or a risk - babies are an intentional creation, every single one of them. Acknowledging this is a huge step towards surrender. It's not such a scary idea when we're not risking something. And once we surrender Lordship to Christ, and open up our grip on our own plans for life so that we may receive what He has for us, then there is no perceived "loss". Only gain. And we gain freedom from feeling torn between desiring babies but fearing it would be irresponsible to have more due to life circumstances; freedom from guilty feelings that come with knowing we're out of obedience with our Lord; freedom from financial fears, because our priorities and values become new and God's provision is perfect.

Read the rest of this wonderful post HERE!

For all who are wondering, I do not agree with the author in that there is no sin in using birth control. While sins are not always rebelious sins, they are always deviations from God's perfect plan for us. We, too, at one (thanhkfully short) period of time were ignorant of what God had to say about "filling the earth" and how God alone should be the One who decides when to create life (after all He is my Creator...who better to trust with big decisions like that than He). Since only God can see further down the road than I can, only HIS plan in creating life can be the perfect one. We can't both be right. ;)

Equip Your Children and Do It Anyway...

"[Our children have] learned to go on the offensive; to confront
evil; not to entertain it [evil], but to defeat it...We have got to provide outlets to serve the Lord and have impact in our nation." Rusty Thomas

The video below shows why we home educate and this is why we take our children out to these places of sin and destruction! We INCLUDE our children in the family vision! We do not separate the family-world and the ministry-world. Instead our children observe - for themselves, firsthand - the difference between good and evil; right and wrong; life and death! We must teach our children that all in life must be discerned as to whether or not something is right and good in the eyes of the Lord, and not what is acceptable and "normal" in the eyes of the world.

Equip your children! Do not TELL your children only what NOT to do, but train them up in righteousness and SHOW them what TO do!

Are you scared to step out like this and "come out from among them" [2 Corinthians 6:17]? DO IT ANYWAY! God will enable you and equip you, but FIRST you must step out in faith! Enjoy this great message from Rusty....

Good vs. Better

We are all given a choice between wrong and right; between what's good and what's BETTER! Those who base their decisions and "CHOICES" on their feelings, instead of God's Word are in for a big surprise when they stand before their Maker and account for why they rejected His plans for their lives!

Milk vs. Meat

VERSUS

In 1 Corinthians 3 Paul states of how he is feeding "Christian infants" with milk, rather than meat. Spiritual milk would be classified as basic biblical truths and spiritual meat would be something more theological or "deeper" in meaning. However, unlike many churches in America today, Paul is very careful to encourage these new believers to GROW in their knowledge, not continuing to consume the milk (basic and simplistic biblical teachings).

1 Cor. 3:10-15 "But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames."

Paul was careful to admonish the Corinthians to build upon their faith (grow in maturity).

2 Peter 3:18 says that we should grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. We are encouraged to GROW spiritually.

Hebrews 6:1 says, "Therefore, leaving the elementary message about the Messiah, let us go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, faith in God."

If a particular church is not actively encouraging and speaking to its fellowship to change and grow; if Christians justify such churches as being the "milk", then when will these believers grow into the maturity of Christ and leave to go to a church that is more "meaty"? At what point does this church move people on to pursue their own spiritual growth? I see no plan for that in the view of most seeker sensitive churches. I see only contentment to stay in that spiritually simplistic atmosphere for entertainment purposes.

I understand that we need to start somewhere as new believers, but the discipleship atmosphere that Jesus modeled with His disciples seems to be a great way to start! Bring them up to a higher level..."as iron sharpens iron" (Proverbs 27:17)!

In case anyone is wondering...no, I do not consider myself even close to reaching the pinnacle of spiritual knowledge and maturity. That can never be attained on this earth. Still, I will strive to get as close to it as possible by challenging myself by placing myself around Christians and under a pastor who encourages me to GROW in my salvation!

Below is what Matthew Henry had to share about this chapter of 1 Corinthians 3 and how Paul was chastening them for lacking in spiritual maturity.

Paul blames the Corinthians for their weakness and nonproficiency. Those who are sanctified are so only in part: there is still room for growth and increase both in grace and knowledge. Those who through divine grace are renewed to a spiritual life may yet in many things be defective. The apostle tells them he could not speak to them as unto spiritual men, but as unto carnal men, as to babes in Christ, v. 1. They were so far from forming their maxims and measures upon the ground of divine revelation, and entering into the spirit of the gospel, that is was but too evident they were much under the command of carnal and corrupt affections. They were still mere babes in Christ. They had received some of the first principles of Christianity, but had not grown up to maturity of understanding in them, or of faith and holiness; and yet it is plain, from several passages in this epistle, that the Corinthians were very proud of their wisdom and knowledge. Note, It is but too common for persons of very moderate knowledge and understanding to have a great measure of self-conceit.

The apostle assigns their little proficiency in the knowledge of Christianity as a reason why he had communicated no more of the deep things of it to them. They could not bear such food, they needed to be fed with milk, not with meat, v. 2. Note, It is the duty of a faithful minister of Christ to consult the capacities of his hearers and teach them as they can bear. And yet it is natural for babes to grow up to men; and babes in Christ should endeavour to grow in Stature, and become men in Christ. It is expected that their advances in knowledge should be in proportion to their means and opportunities, and their time of professing religion, that they may be able to bear discourses on the mysteries of our religion, and not always rest in plain things. It was a reproach to the Corinthians that they had so long sat under the ministry of Paul and had made no more improvement in Christian knowledge. Note, Christians are utterly to blame who do not endeavour to grow in grace and knowledge.

Others build wood, hay, and stubble, on this foundation; that is, though they adhere to the foundation, they depart from the mind of Christ in many particulars, substitute their own fancies and inventions in the room of his doctrines and institutions, and build upon the good foundation what will not abide the test when the day of trial shall come, and the fire must make it manifest, as wood, hay, and stubble, will not bear the trial by fire, but must be consumed in it. There is a time coming when a discovery will be made of what men have built on this foundation: Every man's work shall be made manifest, shall be laid open to view, to his own view and that of others. Some may, in the simplicity of their hearts, build wood and stubble on the good foundation, and know not, all the while, what they have been doing; but in the day of the Lord their own conduct shall appear to them in its proper light.

(from Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition, Electronic Database. Copyright © 1991 by Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.)

Ear-splitting Rejoicing in Church...is it appropriate?

I have listened to and commented on the numerous, and sometimes heated, discussions about a local church that removed a 12 year old boy with cerebral palsy from a Resurrection Sunday service because he gave an "amen" at an inopportune time. Bottom line...I wasn't there. However, if it happened like the article I read says it happened....how dare they remove someone (especially a handicapped person) from a service because of their vocal worship of their Lord!

During the Triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus' followers and disciples made many loud and apparently obnoxious "amens". The Pharisees told Jesus to rebuke His followers. But how did Jesus answer? "I tell you, if they were to keep silent, the stones would cry out!" If His followers had not rightly and properly celebrated aloud the Messiah's coming, the very rocks would have been given a voice by God.

The Hebrew transliteration of the term used to describe how the rocks would have cried out is: (krad'-zo); to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e. to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat). So, had the followers not given Jesus the CORRECT welcome He so deserved, the rocks would have shrieked, calling aloud in praise!

And when we look at how this very instance of crying out was predicted back in Zechariah we see this..."Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." [Zechariah 9:9] The transliteration for the word "shout" in the above passage actually means "to split the ears with sound", while "rejoice" literally meant "to spin around under the influence of great emotion".

Since Jesus and His Word show us that those who were present at his entry into Jerusalem were supposed to give him that kind of loud, "ear-splitting" exclamations upon His arrival, how should we then imitate in the same way when worshipping Him on a Resurrection Sunday (or any given Sunday), when we recall His gift to us through salvation? I just don't see why anyone could condemn this type of action, when it is so well grounded in Scripture!

Can we display true reverence (deep respect tinged with awe) while also being vocal with our praise and adoration? Apparently we can, because Jesus thought it was not only permissible, but also required.

Biblical Homeschooling - Is there an absence of God in your schooling?

Q. I really respect your blog and wanted to know what you think about this...I am just starting to homeschool my son and have been connecting online with other local moms. The question of whether we should form a co-op has come up. I felt led me to ask whether the co-op will be Christian and Bible-based. Of the responses I received, some said that they would really prefer it to be Christian based but didn't want to exclude people of other faiths...that we didn't need to have all subjects Bible-based, like sewing, art or cheese making (thought that last one was funny!).

And it's interesting that I had just read your posts about associating with those continuing in sin and the scripture about bad company breeds bad company. I was also just looking now at your Philosophy of Education post and reading about how you want to instill godly principles within your children.

I think my thoughts on this is that I'd rather it be Christian based. And yes, sewing is not Christian (as odd as that sounds), but its the whole approach and application that needs to be Christian based, focused and directed, and this is where the real teaching is. Also, wouldn't there be logistical issues when we are trying to decide whether school will be closed for Ramadan or celebrating birthdays (issue for Jehovah Witnesses..) etc.?

So anyhow. what are your thoughts and sorry for the ramble. - Erin

A. Well, before I could respond to Erin's question and comments, I read her wonderful blog post on the subject.

...on the need for exclusivity within a homeschooling co-op

It's well worth the read! I encourage all of you to take the verses she refers to in the post and file them in your long-term memory so that you can access them for when you face a similar situation.

Each parent instills a worldview in their children. Whether this process of instilling a worldview is purposeful or accidental on the part of the parents, a worldview is passed down to their children nonetheless.

Be careful which pair of worldview spectacles you choose to look through. Which pair of glasses do you regularly choose to look through from the pile that the world (and the devil) has to offer? Do you consider how the influences that surround you affect the way in which you see the world? If you surround yourself with sin (even in small amounts) or things that have an absence of God and His principles, then you are doing a variety of worldview-altering things.

First, you are telling yourself and others that God is boring or that His ways, commands, or instruction somehow waters down true wisdom and knowledge. Second, you are desensitizing yourself to sin by allowing God's principles to be pushed to the backburner and the world's principles to take presedence, which allows you to become more and more accepting of that which God hates. Lastly, your choice to engage the world in the ways that you do, pushing God into the shadows, demonstrates to your children that God is not the center of life, and that God is not interested in the "small" things that we enjoy or learn about in life. You are telling them that it is okay exclude God (which is what you are doing by allowing Him to remain absent) as long as we are doing something beneficial for acquiring "wisdom".

What is wisdom? Solomon, the most wise man that has ever or will ever live tells us in Proverbs 1:7 that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge..." Our knowledge or wisdom in life begins when we learn to fear or display reverence for God. The Bible says also, in Psalm 111:10, "The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all they that do his commandments."

So, what does God, Whom we fear, command? "This is the command...Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." [Deuteronomy 6:5-9] We are to teach our children to fear God, to love God with all our being and to TEACH this to our children...when? ALL THE TIME.

So, tell me...how can you separate this command from walking in the Truth of God's Word every minute of every day? You can't. We all need to search for God's truths in everything we do, learn about, and explore. There is no end to where God and His truth can be found! This is His world. All within it points to the Creator. If God is the supremecy of all human knowledge, why in the world would we want to look for knowledge anywhere else to begin with?

How to BIBLICALLY work with those in sexual sin...

Our family works with women living in sexual sin (at the abortion mills). We have hosted them in our home (and yes, ate with them), but when they choose to reject Christ and to *continue* to willfully live in sin...that's where we cannot yoke with them. That's where the *bond* MUST be broken, according to Scripture. Sound harsh? Look at the Scriptures below and see where Jesus' compassion alligns with His commands and warnings...

2 Corinthians 6:14-17 (NIV): Do not be yoked together [associate; befriend] with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship (associate) can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”

Matthew 10:14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.

Acts 13:51-52 So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

..... to shake the dust of any city of Israel from off one's clothes or feet was an emblematical action, signifying a renunciation of all further connection with them, and placing them on a level with the cities of the Heathen. (from Adam Clarke's Commentary)

Ephesians 5:11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them (reprehend severely; rebuke; convict).

James 4:4 You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred (hostility) toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy (hostile) of God.

[Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world] How strange it is that people professing Christianity can suppose that with a worldly spirit, worldly companions, and their lives governed by worldly maxims, they can be in the favour of God, or ever get to the kingdom of heaven! When the world gets into the church, the church becomes a painted sepulcher; its spiritual vitality being extinct. (from Adam Clarke's Commentary)

Regarding associations with perpetual sinners who call themselves believers....

1 Corinthians 5:9-13 "I have written you in my letter not to associate (keep company or be intimate) with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat (directly translated that we are to not eat, "not even in a continue negation"). What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel (remove) the wicked man from among you.'

It is vitally important to understand that we are not to judge those who are outside the church (non-professing Christians), but we are to remove those who practice homosexuality from our Church body (1 Corinthians 5:9-13). We cannot "police" the homosexuals (that's not our job), but we can remove them from our presence, as stated in the aforementioned verses.

Psalm 1:1 - Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.

Psalm 26:4-7 I have not sat with idolatrous mortals, Nor will I go in with hypocrites. I have hated the assembly of evildoers, And will not sit with the wicked. I will wash my hands in innocence; So I will go about Your altar, O LORD, That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, And tell of all Your wondrous works.

Proverb 29:27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

This is crucial........

1 Cor. 15:33 "Do not be deceived (led astray): ‘Bad company (companionship) corrupts good character (habits, customs).'"

There is no difficulty in this saying; he who frequents the company of bad or corrupt men will soon be as they are. He may be sound in the faith, and have the life and power of godliness, and at first frequent their company only for the sake of their pleasing conversation, or their literary accomplishments: and he may think his faith proof against their infidelity; but he will soon find, by means of their glozing speeches, his faith weakened; and when once he gets under the empire of doubt, unbelief will soon prevail; his bad company will corrupt his morals. (from Adam Clarke's Commentary)

When comments have been said to me about how Jesus hung out with and associate with unbelievers and those in sexual sin, I urge them to look at his friendships with them. My friend had an excellent response...

Jesus had dinner with "sinners", but they were not in His circle of "friends". There is a huge difference, IMHO. There is a distinction between interacting with homosexuals (or whichever other "sinner") and "yoking" yourself with them in a friendship that entails regular interaction. We are known by whom we associate with (sad, but true) and we are also influenced by whom we associate with. Do you want your kids hanging out with the kid who smokes and sneaks alcohol from their parents' cabinet? Or do you want your kids hanging out with the kid who - while they aren't perfect (because no one is) - does their best to make good choices? I know which one I want my kids hanging out with. I know that it has become politically correct to be "tolerant" of homosexuals (which is watering down the fact that according to the Bible, it is a sin, an abomination), and I AM "tolerant" of homosexuals (my SIL is a lesbian, and has been in a relationship with the same woman for over 10 years), but I am not going to befriend a homosexual. All of the examples (addiction to porn, lusting, having affairs) are done in secret. It isn't as though people engaging in those things show up at church with a sign around their neck saying "I'm a porn addict". Those examples are red herrings. If a man DID show up at church with a sign that said "I'm addicted to porn", I think that the article Lisa posted [HERE] would apply. But to answer your question about "how do we choose who is moral enough to keep company with", the answer is spelled out very clearly in several places in the Bible. I've already gotten long-winded, so I won't quote the scriptures or even post the references. Don't be deceived into thinking that you have to be "friends with" an immoral person in order to witness to them. You can be friendly, without being "friends". A former pastor of mine used to always say, if you're standing on a chair, it's much easier for someone to pull you off the chair, than it is for you to pull them up on it with you. - Kathy H.

Our family proclaims the truth to those we meet who are living in sexual sin. This can be done while still obeying the Scriptures. We encourage them, in love, to break free from sin (aborting their babies; continuing in sexual sin). We never know when someone will be called into eternity. There is no time to let those that we are supposed to love and care about feel comfortable in their sin. Jesus never made sinners feel comfortable to stay in their sin. He spoke the truth and yoked with those who sought forgiveness and repented from living in sin. When we meet young women at the abortion clinics, we meet their practical needs, present the Gospel, fulfill our promises to them and eventually move on if the Gospel has been rejected. We check in on them now and again and continue to minister to them. BUT...we never yoke together or befriend/hang out with, etc. Quite a difference there...

We *all* sin, but it's what we do to prevent that repetitive sin and Who we've accepted as covering for our sin that makes the difference.

The Word is very clear on this. I cannot debate feelings (we all feel differently about many things...what we prefer to eat, what style home is our favorite, what clothes we prefer to wear, etc.). If you want to show me IN SCRIPTURE where it refutes the Scriptures I listed, I'd love to see it. For me...I take Scripture as it is.

Associating with Homosexuals Regularly - Is it Biblical?

Reposted from 2008

If you believe that associating with homosexuals is just the same as associating with any other type of sinner, I am urging you to consider these verses and warnings about associating with the sexually immoral! The Bible is very clear on this. I have concluded that God would have us to present the truth to an unbeliever and try to persuade them, but if we remain in their presence after the Gospel has been rejected, we are taking the chance of being brought down by them and/or becoming desensitized toward that sin.

I am certainly not saying that we should isolate ourselves from the world. If we are spiritually mature *AND* trained appropriately in how to minister to people with particular sins we should mix with unbelievers in the world to minister to them and help them. But we should not be living or working with the same unbelievers for an extended period of time, if they refuse to repent and believe. It is good to mix with unbelievers to love and convert them (our family does this regularly). If you can share Jesus with them, then you can happily yoke together. We should revisit some people even if they don't believe at first, as conversion can take time.

Jesus did the right thing by loving and mixing with sinners and tax collectors for the purpose of converting them. But he did not yoke, work and live with the same people if they did not believe. Jesus and the Apostles moved on if people did not believe, and met other people, trying to convert them. **The fact of the matter is that Jesus did not CONTINUE to spend time with sinners (tax collectors, prostitutes, etc.) if they refused the TRUTH presented to them.**

The following passages refer to the sending forth of Jesus' disciples to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Obviously, Jesus was teaching his disciples that if some people will not listen to the message, their time could be better spent going to someone who will listen. **The Greek/Hebrew direct translation in parenthesis in order to better understand the words literally. **

2 Corinthians 6:14-17 (NIV): Do not be yoked together [associate; befriend] with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship (associate) can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”

Matthew 10:14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.

Acts 13:51-52 So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

..... to shake the dust of any city of Israel from off one's clothes or feet was an emblematical action, signifying a renunciation of all further connection with them, and placing them on a level with the cities of the Heathen. (from Adam Clarke's Commentary)

Ephesians 5:11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them (reprehend severely; rebuke; convict).

James 4:4 You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred (hostility) toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy (hostile) of God.

[Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world] How strange it is that people professing Christianity can suppose that with a worldly spirit, worldly companions, and their lives governed by worldly maxims, they can be in the favour of God, or ever get to the kingdom of heaven! When the world gets into the church, the church becomes a painted sepulcher; its spiritual vitality being extinct. (from Adam Clarke's Commentary)

Regarding associations with perpetual sinners who call themselves believers....

1 Corinthians 5:9-13 "I have written you in my letter not to associate (keep company or be intimate) with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat (directly translated that we are to not eat, "not even in a continue negation"). What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel (remove) the wicked man from among you.'

It is vitally important to understand that we are not to judge those who are outside the church (non-professing Christians), but we are to remove those who practice homosexuality from our Church body (1 Corinthians 5:9-13). We cannot "police" the homosexuals (that's not our job), but we can remove them from our presence, as stated in the aforementioned verses.

Psalm 1:1 - Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.

Psalm 26:4-7 I have not sat with idolatrous mortals, Nor will I go in with hypocrites. I have hated the assembly of evildoers, And will not sit with the wicked. I will wash my hands in innocence; So I will go about Your altar, O LORD, That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, And tell of all Your wondrous works.

Proverb 29:27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

This is crucial........

1 Cor. 15:33 "Do not be deceived (led astray): ‘Bad company (companionship) corrupts good character (habits, customs).'"

There is no difficulty in this saying; he who frequents the company of bad or corrupt men will soon be as they are. He may be sound in the faith, and have the life and power of godliness, and at first frequent their company only for the sake of their pleasing conversation, or their literary accomplishments: and he may think his faith proof against their infidelity; but he will soon find, by means of their glozing speeches, his faith weakened; and when once he gets under the empire of doubt, unbelief will soon prevail; his bad company will corrupt his morals. (from Adam Clarke's Commentary)

Now before everyone jumps in to say how wrong I am....please do not attempt to debate without Scriptural references that refute the verses I listed above. Sola Scriptura! May we strive to please Jesus in all we do!

Soul Surfer - Are We Abandoning God's Standards?

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2

As Christians, we are to be in the world, but not OF it. We are to be the light of the world; a city on a hill (Matthew 5:14-16). We are to bring LIGHT and truth to a dark and dying world. We are to be different! We are to look and dress differently, if modesty is at stake! We do not need to look strange, but we are certainly to be adequately covered. It is completely possible and correct to live a life for Christ and dress modestly.

If we choose to shrug off the complete lack of modesty that is displayed in the movie "Soul Surfer", we have chosen to tell our daughters that the lack of modesty portrayed in this "Christian" movie is nothing to be too concerned over. We have chosen to tell our sons that it's okay to look at near-naked women, as long as a "Christian" reference or two is made in one [subtle] way or another. Once we've made that statement to our children - whether verbally or through our accepting actions - we will sadly watch each subsequent generation sink lower and lower into a pit of sin and self-gratification. Each generation's values will become more and more relaxed. They will comfortably fit into the society's mold of tolerance, while freely accepting what society views as normal. They will incorrectly interpret and misapply the meaning of being "all things to all people" ( Corinthians 9:19-23), while leaving God's standards behind.

Bottom line, we should set a standard and live by those standards from one generation to the next. God's Word doesn't change and neither should our definition of decency and modesty.

Stacy McDonald, of Your Sacred Calling, wrote a wonderful and Biblically correct review of the movie "Soul Surfer". I hope you will read it before considering going to this movie. Above all, remember to hold all things to the Word and live according to it!

Charlotte Area HOMESCHOOL DAD'S GROUP!!!

My husband, Mark, has been leading a homeschool DAD'S group from the last few years in Matthews. Please encourage your husband's to at least give the group a try! I really think they'll enjoy it as much as my husband and other fathers have. Feel free to pass this around to other homeschool dads, too!

The Church needs men with a desire to see Christ honored in their families! Our homeschool dad's group meets weekly to give counsel to each other, support each other through prayer and accountability and encourage each other to be the spiritual leaders of our homes, disciple our wives and children and ultimately to see Jesus honored.

We'd love for more husbands and fathers to join us! We meet Thursday mornings at 6:30- 7:30am at Jonathan’s restaurant (next to Target in Matthews). Please e-mail me for more information.

Mark Metzger (mark.metzger@ingfp.com)

Devotions vs. Family Worship

Metzger Family Worship

Instead of using the term "devotions" (which can mean studies in addition to God’s Word that are based on the Bible, but written from human inspiration), we use the term “family worship”. Our church really encourages the men to lead their families in family worship, as they are, biblically speaking, the spiritual heads of their homes. However, we realize that many men come to Christ after their wives or come to the realization of the importance of family worship after their wives come to that conclusion. That said, the woman would need to pray to God about how to best teach her young ones God’s Word, in accordance to Deuteronomy 6:6-9.

A major misconception about family worship is that there are certain rules and regulations; time requirements and restraints. Not true. One family’s worship will look different from another family’s. There’s no biblical layout for Bible reading, except to seek Jesus.

For our family, Mark begins by leading our family in an opening prayer. This really calms everyone’s hearts and minds and prepares us (yes, even our little ones) for time with God. This year we are reading through the Old Testament, following a Scripture reading schedule. Many ask us about the content of what we’re reading in regards to the ages and understanding of some of our younger children. When first beginning this, we were surprised to see and hear just how much our little ones retained from church or family worship. It was very encouraging to see that God’s Word doesn’t ever return void...even to the least of these! We hold true to a few Scriptures regarding reading the Word straight from the Bible to our children.

"There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded which Joshua did not read before all the assembly of Israel with the women and the little ones and the strangers who were living among them. " (Joshua 8:35)

“Listen, O my people, to my instruction; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not conceal them from their children, but tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. For He established a testimony in Jacob And appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers that they should teach them to their children, that the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, that they may arise and tell them to their children, that they should put their confidence in God And not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments, and not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious eneration, a generation that did not prepare its heart and whose spirit was not faithful to God.” (Psalm 78:1-8, emphasis added)

Following the reading of the Scripture, we sing songs. This is a precious time, as is the Bible reading, because our tiniest ones LOVE to request praise songs. The children all get up and praise God! It is a precious thing to observe as parents who seeks to bring up their children in nurture and admonition of the Lord! After our singing, Mark closes us in prayer and the children head to bed.

Mark and I encourage all families to dig deep into the rich and “meaty” Word of God and to experience family worship for themselves. This is not a ritual or a requirement, but a privilege to approach the throne of God together as a family and to seek His Will for us when reading His Word. It is a precious time of growing together (at different stages) in our spiritual walks. It is a time of training our young ones to regularly seek God’s input on daily matters and to be able to refer to Scripture without forethought, as Scripture pertains to every area of life (2 Timothy 3:16-17)!

Here’s a great article on family worship!

How do you do it with "all those kids"?

"People ask me all the time how I do it with all "those"
kids. I do it by the grace of God. My mind isn't focused on this earth, it's focused in Heaven. That's where my "me" time is, that's where my peace is! That's where my vacations, riches and treasures lie. So when I get frustrated, I remember that my goals are Heavenly. This world is dying but I will live forever
doing God's will." - Anna Cross

Sometimes life as a wife, mother, homemaker and homeschooling mother can get overwhelming. When you add in a newborn, 8 sick children, 3 solid weeks of illness and then the hospitalization of your 2 week old for RSV and viral pneumonia, which then adds up to close to 4 weeks with 2 hours of sleep per night....you could really pull your hair out and want to throw in the proverbial towel. However, the focus must remain on the prize!

"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

Keep on going, mamas! Your job is IMPORTANT and your focus should be HEAVENLY!

Flagged Post in Rejection of Scripture....

Someone flagged my post about homosexual sin on Facebook because the did not agree. Seriously...if we call ourselves Christians, how can you throw out so much of the Bible and then "flag" someone because you don't want to face the truth of God's Word?

I'll continue the conversation (and end it) here....for background info, see the "flagged" post on my wall. Unfortunately (much to Satan's desires), I can't post this on Facebook, but I CAN post this on my blog. Below is my last comment for those who can see this via Facebook....

The bedroom is not the only place the sin takes place...by living out that unrighteousness in daily life (with two same-sex adults acting as though they are a married man and woman...which is very much against God's laws), they are accepting and promoting the sin that God abhors! The child will likely grow up, accepting the sin that took place in front of him while being raised in a home where homosexual marriage is considered right and normal (if you so feel to give into that sinful urge), and thus the sin becomes commonplace and acceptable...and Jesus becomes rejected (in most cases...not all...but most).

The root of the matter I see is this: Your interpretation and my interpretation is totally irrelevant. The only thing that is relevant is God's intention, which is clearly revealed in His Word. It seems to me that many who name the name of Christ are more interested in trying to get by with as much they can with out crossing some moral line, rather than seeking to honor God by pursuing holiness. If we are pursuing holiness, we will speak the truth in love. Jesus Himself loved the sinner and hated the sin.

If you followed our family's ministry at abortion clinics, you would see that when we encounter fornication, adultery and *much* other sin when talking to these girls seeking abortions. Even though we are there to win them for Christ (and to save babies doomed to die), we still speak the truth in love. You would probably be surprised at their reactions. Some, yes, react offensively, but some also see our sincerity and see our desire to encourage them toward salvation in Jesus and obedience to His Word. Coating the message in God’s love does make a difference, and brings repentance! All Believers were once sinners and have experienced the saving grace of Jesus. But had we not heard that truth, we would all still be sitting in our sin.

God's Word never promised that we will receive a positive reaction from those whose actions we are speaking out against. In fact we are told to expect quite the opposite. In fact, Jesus said in Matthew 10 that He did not come to bring peace, but a sword instead. We are to expect opposition if we are speaking the truth. Look at Jesus’ words...


“For I came to SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW; and A MAN'S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD. He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it. The Reward of Service: He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me."

Jesus' speaking the truth in love caused some of his disciples to "…walk no more with him" and even resulted in division among his Jewish friends (John 6: 66; 7: 43). Speaking the truth in love resulted in Stephen being murdered by a mad mob (Acts 7). I choose to follow God’s Word and speak the truth that He has clearly spoken about (for and against) in the Bible. Peace and acceptance from others on this earth is not promised, so speaking out against evil is not popular, but I choose God’s way...to speak the truth in love and accept the criticism and judgment that might follow.

Ephesians 4:25
“Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE OF YOU with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.”

Ephesians 4:14-15:
“As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ.”

Again, Heather, you and I differ on one main point. Accepting sin in the name of human feelings/beliefs vs. Pursuing the holiness that God has called us to live. Speaking out is not a sin, as long as it is done in love. – Lisa Metzger

Launching Your Arrows...how are you preparing your children?

"We don’t aim to hold on to our arrows all the way to the target. They’re not push-pins, they’re meant to fly. Our job is to shape and prepare the arrows so when they are released, they fly straight and true on their own. The time is coming when they will leave our quiver and depart on their life’s mission, as we have to prepare then – and ourselves – for that launch."~ Raising Real Men

• What are you doing to prepare YOUR arrows to hit that target?
• Do you have regular family worship?
• How are you discipling your children regularly?
• Are you obeying Deuteronomy 6:6-9 in instructing your children?
• Are you being consistant in enforcing boundaries and rules?
• Is your discipline consistent?
• Are you spending one-on-one time regularly with your children? (even monthly or bi-monthly, but where it's ON your calendar)
• Are you setting high expectations for your children? Do they know that you expect them to aim high? Or are you settling for the world's standards?
• Have you taught your children WHY you believe WHAT you believe? Do they know the Scriptures behind your beliefs and standards? This is real Biblical worldview education!

Time for Christians to Shred Their Bibles

Don't read into this any more than what it says, please (I know some would love to put words in my mouth). That being said, this is so true...we are becomming sheepish slaves of government; we are lambs being willingly led away to our own slaughter! Read the exerpt and then click the link to read the conclusion!



Many of us grew up in Sunday School and church. We have heard the great Bible stories over and over. We heard about the story of how Moses’ mother defied Pharaoh and hid her little baby boy in bulrushes. We heard the story of how Moses killed the Egyptian taskmaster defending a Hebrew slave and later became the great deliverer of God’s people. We heard the story of young David going out alone against the Philistines’ greatest warrior, Goliath. We heard the story of how Saul’s servants refused to carry out the king’s order to murder the priest Ahimelech. We know well the story of Daniel who defied his government’s order to refrain from praying. The names Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are very familiar to us. We heard our teachers and preachers extol their courage in defying the government’s order to bow to the image of their emperor. We remember that John the Baptist went to prison (and was eventually beheaded), not for preaching the Gospel, but for criticizing the king for his immoral behavior. We certainly recall the story of Simon Peter who bluntly told his civil magistrates, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” We know that the Apostle Paul wrote many of his epistles from inside government prisons. We certainly recall that before John penned the Revelation, he had been banished to an island-prison by his civil authorities.

I challenge Christians to objectively look at the great stories of Bible heroes (in both testaments) and observe how many times they are noted for either being martyred for defying a civil authority, or, perhaps, for being delivered from death for defying a civil authority. The stories of defiance to civil government (in one form or another) comprise a great percentage of all the stories contained in the Bible–perhaps even a majority of them.

So, how has it happened that a majority of today’s Christians, it seems, have become such sheepish slaves of government? How has it happened that, for the most part, the concept of courage in the face of government oppression has been totally lost to the average Christian, pastor, and church? For all intents and purposes, it is time for many Christians to shred their Bibles, because the lessons and principles of God’s Word have absolutely no influence over their attitudes and conduct. The Rest HERE....

Can Christians Be Called to Childlessness?

I have yet to be shown any Scripture that backs up the conviction that we are allowed to tell God "hands off my womb". I also can't find anything in Scripture that says that God called anyone to "help Him" prevent His very own creations. If God needs our help in preventing a blessing that [usually] naturally occurs, then He must really not be as powerful as He appears to be throughout His Word. Boy, are we all duped into thinking that He is capable of creating or preventing those creations as He sees fit (especially if He's gone to the trouble of informing us finite humans of His Will in that regard).

ANYWAY....HERE is a wonderful post about a Christians call to childlessness. It's a GREAT one that no one should miss.