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By blobaugh, August 17, 2009 9:47 pm

For many years now I have watched reactions people have towards Christians and been completely dissatisfied. Christianity has given itself a bad name. It saddens me this has happened because it immediately turns people off when the idea people have about what a Christian is is nowhere near the reputation Christianity holds today. I recently read the book Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller and I would like to share a passage he wrote of an actual experience:

***
In a recent radio interview I was sternly asked by the host, who did not consider himself a Christian, to defend Christianity. I told him that I couldn't do it, and moreover, that I didn't want to defend the term. He asked me if I was a Christian, and I told him yes. "Then why don't you want to defend Christianity?" he asked, confused. I told him I no longer knew what the term meant. Of the hundreds of thousands of people listening to his show that day, some of them had terrible experiences with Christianity; they may have been yelled at by a teacher in a Christian school, abused by a minister, or browbeaten by a Christian parent. To them, the term Christianity meant something that no Christian I know would defend. By fortifying the term, I am only making them more and more angry. I won't do it. Stop ten people on the street and ask them what they think of when they hear the word Christianity, and they will give you ten different answers. How can I defend a term that means ten different things to ten different people? I told the radio show host that I would rather talk about Jesus and how I came to believe that Jesus exists and that he likes me. The host looked back at me with tears in his eyes. When we were done, he asked me if we could go get lunch together. He told me how much he didn't like Christianity but how he had always wanted to believe Jesus was the Son of God.
***

Jesus came to die for us because he LOVES us. Jesus did it for love. Unfortunately there are many people out there who call themselves Christians who do not love as Jesus loved.

If you think you are a Christian take a good look at your life. Are you exemplifying the characteristics of love, joy, peace, patients, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self control that the Bible exhorts you to, or are you acting with malice. If so you need to take a step back and reevaluate how to live your life. Stop pretending to be a Christian and giving them a bad name, or embrace the love of Jesus and let it shine through your life onto others around you.

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By blobaugh, April 22, 2009 9:22 pm

I just read a good article that was sent to me via a Calvinist email group I am subscribed to. I rather enjoyed it and I think you should read it as well. Click the title below to be taken to the author's website.

Porn and Paper Pastors

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By blobaugh, February 8, 2009 1:14 pm

Today was the last day of our fast. It has been a very good experience for both Jeff and I. Over the past week we both fell into the grace of God. It really was like taking a step over an edge without being able to see any footing further on. When we put our faith in God he is faithful to reward us. I do not have amazing words of insight for today, other than to encourage all of you to do a similar fast, you will learn so much about God and your relationship. It is tough, so definitely get a partner to do it along with you. Jeff has been an amazing guy to do this with because he is a solid guy who is truly seeking after the Lord as I am. This week, even though we went nowhere, has seemed like some of the best weeks I have had at camps or on mission trips. Go for it, dedicate and entire week rely wholly on God and devote it to him. You will see wonders in your life!

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By blobaugh, February 7, 2009 7:31 pm

Almost there! Less than 24 hours and I will be having some delicious bread! Since Jeff has researched all this and tried it before I am trusting him to know how to break this fast in the least painful way. Me, I'd go for a big juicy steak, but that probably wouldn't do me much good would it? Haven't been hungry at all today. Neither has Jeff. Both of us are feeling pretty well.

We hit another verse on law today. It requires me to back down from my freedom argument a bit. I still believe we are truly free, and I believe we can worship God as we choose. I believe that in the Spirit we will do what the Spirit wants, so therefore our worship will be pleasing to God. A good point was brought up. How do we test to know if something is God's will? Well first off, I do not think we need to worry about that. If we are really living in the Spirit I think we will just know, however there are guidelines in the Bible to help us ascertain God's will, and due to a specific verse I am forced to reintroduce law. It is not the same law however, it is a new law. The old law has been fulfilled and we are no longer under it. Paul said so many times in Galatians alone. This new law is in Christ, and I will attempt to show not only what it is, but how if we are living in Christ it really does not matter either because we will be doing those things without thinking about it. But first things first, verse 1.

Galatians 6 starts off with a clear command to believers, and also a warning. "Brothers, if someone is caught in sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently, but watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.(1)" As a Christian I am part of a global family. Families support and help each other. To some(myself included the first time I read it) this verse seems to allow us to be prideful in our own spirituality, like somehow we are more spiritual than another person. The campus chaplain, Gene Shandorf, used an interesting example to illustrate how he, a man who has studied God extensively and is currently employed to build relationships with God, is more spiritual then us. He took a piece of paper and dropped it on the floor. Then he stood on it. After standing on the paper he looked upwards at the ceiling and said, "I am more spiritual than you in about as much as this paper makes me closer to the Sun." I do not think that Paul here is saying that we need to somehow gauge how spiritual we are compared to others, I think he is saying that we who are of the same spiritual family should help our brothers and sisters when they have fallen. At the same time we are warned to watch ourselves so that we too do not fall. Well how would this happen? Let's take two recovering alcoholics for example. Both have been sober for a year, when one of them somehow get's sucked back in. The other person should help him get back out of it, but he is sensitive to the same issue so he must guard himself so that he does not pick up a bottle again too. Another verse that confirms to me that we cannot think ourselves more spiritual than others, "If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.(3)"

Paul further goes on to tell us that we should have pride in ourselves. Seems a bit odd don't you think? In Sunday school we are taught that pride is baaaad, what is wrong with Paul. Listen, "Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each should carry his own load.(4,5)" We need to have pride in ourselves because of ourselves, not arrogance because we think we are better than another.

Now let's get around to this nasty law issue that seems so easily to create conflict. In verse 12 Paul again shows us that the law is moot, but that is not what I am after this time. Point an eyeball or two at verse 2, "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Hmm...Didn't Paul just spend 5 chapters saying the law not longer is in effect? What does he now mean by this? Well...this is a different law, this is the law of Christ. We cannot fulfull the law given previously, only Jesus could. Now in him we are given a new law. So what is this law? What is the intent behind it? The original law was in place to show us how to get to heaven. Obviously we could not fulfill that law and make it into heaven ourselves. When Jesus came and fulfilled the law we clearly see that it all points to him, he is the way into heaven and God's presence for eternity. This new law is not how we get into heaven, rather it is about relationship. To get to heaven we need to love Jesus and have a relationship with him. He expects more than just a 'Hi, how's it going Jesus?' once a week at church. We are to have a living, breathing relationship with him that shows. The 'law' of Christ is really quite simple, love. Many will need more than that. Humans seem to need something, or someone, to tell them how to live, they do not know how to simply exist in relationship with Christ. Luckily Christ has provided us with what he expects in our relationship. This answer is not solely contained within the book of Galatians, so I probably will not hit on everything that Christ tells us but the list provided below should be enough to give you the general idea.

Galatians 5:14 The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Galatians 6:1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

Galatians 6:2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.

Matthew 5:3-10 (I have taken the rewards out and show only the qualities) Blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who are persecuted.

Mathew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Mark 12: 29 "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

Matthew 20:26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.

Matthew 16:24-25 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever looses his life for me will find it. (Note that life in this passage could also be translated from Greek as soul)

Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive me their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

If you are really living by the law of Christ it will be evident because you will see these things manifested in your life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

I do not have all the answers, but this week has taught me a lot about God's law and our role relative to it. I thank God that I have had this opportunity, and I would like to leave you with one final thought.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

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By blobaugh, February 6, 2009 7:57 pm

Warm crispy waffles smothered in peanut butter and doused in heavenly maple syrup. The smell is intoxicating. You pick up your knife and slice off a generous chunk. Syrup drips from the waffle as you spike it with your fork, and it makes it's way smoothly to your mouth. You bite down and an explosion of flavor fills your senses. That, my friends, is exactly what I am imagining right now.

On a slightly funnier, and possibly disgusting, note. Jeff and I have noticed that our sense of smell has become quite acute. Strangely enough, when my roommate made dinner last night I could smell all the individual ingredients. When Jeff and I are in the cafeteria hanging out with friends we have noticed that all the individual smells are quite easily distinguishable. Jeff even said he could smell people peeing while he took a shower! That makes me way more appreciative of my private bathroom.

Jeff noticed this first, but we have both gotten smaller. He has lost a lot more than me, you can almost see his ribs, but then again when we started this I had a gut. My gut has tapered off a bit, but what I really noticed today were my hands. I clasp my hands together a lot and they feel nowhere near as meaty as normal. I also noticed that my thumb and pinky reach around my arm again. Been a couple years since that has happened. It is kinda neat cause I have been wanting to slim my gut down, but at the same time it is kinda scary. If our bodies change this much in just one week what happened to Jesus when he fasted for 40 days? He musta been a scarecrow! I am definitely ready to start eating again. Less than 48 hours! We started this fast by breaking bread together, and we are going to end it by breaking bread together. Pretty powerful symbology for me.

Today we studied Galatians 5. There are a couple key points that I want to hit on that will clarify some of yesterdays post. Yesterday I said that when we are in Jesus the law no longer applies and we can worship however we want. This caused backlash by a few people. Chapter 5 explains better than I can what that freedom means. Let's see what it says shall we?

First I want to start with verse 1: "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." This verse kinda hits where Jeff and I were when we started this week, and it addresses something we both desire. Before this week we had many sexual thoughts throughout the day. Many of them coming unbidden, but sometimes purposeful. Neither of us like how we feel after the thoughts. It really feels like we have betrayed not only God, but the women around us as well. Ephesians 5:1-5 says, "...But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity...nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking..." Through this week and learning to rely on God more and more both Jeff and I have experienced an amazing phenomena, no more sexual thoughts! We are both praying fervently that after this week that will stick. At least if we begin having thoughts again we will be able to use this week as an anchor to look back at and say, "Hey! If I could go without food for a week then this thought thing should be a non issue!"

Again, let me list some verses from this chapter that show us that we are no longer under the law, but free to worship God as we choose. Then I will explain what that freedom really entails. Note that when Paul talks about circumcision he is talking about following the law.

2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the WHOLE law.

4. You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.

11. Brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished.

18. If you are led by the Spirit you are not under the law.

So what does the freedom we have in Christ really mean? I say that we can worship God however we choose, others say wait a sec, you still need to worship God according to the law. Does the Bible have anything to say about it? Verse 6 says, "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressed in love." So Jesus really does not place any value on the law here. What Jesus wants is for us to follow him in faith and dish out love. We are free, but how do we use it? "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.(13)" Obviously if we are following Jesus then we should not be sinning right? We should be serving in love. This is a pretty basic and fundamental truth of Christianity that is often over looked by all parties. Here is the part that shows what happens when we are in Christ. Through this scripture we realize that yes, we truly are free to worship God how we choose. "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.(16-18)" I can worship God however I want because I am living in Christ's Spirit and clearly if I am living in the Spirit I will be lead to worship in a way that is gratifying to God. Here is the point where some might argue that we are human and therefore imperfect and incapable of following the Spirit and worshiping correctly. We may be doing something from our sinful nature. But, "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.(24)" BAM! My sinful nature is dead and I am free to follow the Spirit and worship God!

Paul is even kind enough to share some things that are sin with us so we know what to stay away from. See Jesus can only lead us if we are truly following him. If we are not then we are doing it by ourselves and need to recognize what the dangers are. "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.(19-21)" Further he tells us, "Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.(26)"

Jesus loves us and has given us incredible freedom in himself. He has freed us from the laws(which we already learned were to lead us to him anyways) that had us bound up so much that we could never reach God. Since Jesus has taken care of the laws, we are now able to come face to face with God and have a personal relationship with him.

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By blobaugh, February 5, 2009 11:04 pm

I am so excited about today! Jeff and I studied over Galatians 3 and 4. Chapter 3 is my favorite chapter so far. It really shows off the freedom we have in Christ. Many of my non Christian friends think that Christians cannot have as much fun as non Christians because we have so many rules. IT IS NOT TRUE! We have FREEDOM in Christ! Jesus came to free us from the curse(as Paul describes it) of the law! Amazing. If we are truly living sold out for God, as I like to think I am, we will probably wind up doing many of the so called laws, but not out of a restriction from them. Because we love Jesus so much that we naturally do. And it feels good to follow the rules! How often do you hear people say that? But before I get too far off on this I should probably give an update on how I am doing.

Today has been great. I went to the cafeteria twice to study for my Calculus II test with some other people. It seems that my sense of smell is heightened, because I can make out almost every individual food right when I walk in the cafeteria, but it did not bother me. I sat in there and drank my water and felt great. As with the other days, I feel hunger, but it does not control anything. I do not really know how to describe it adequately. It is almost like when your car has less than half a tank of gas. You know it needs more gas, but it still continues to operate just fine. My mind is still plenty sharp, and I am expecting to do well on my test tomorrow. My focus is a bit off. I thought it was my eyes, but I realized it is my focus. Normally I am slightly paranoid and try to pay attention to everything going on around me, but I find it difficult to do so now. Not that it worries me too much, but it is a little annoying when I am walking around at night alone. What I do find interesting is that my stomach feels sorta flabby. If you have seen me lately you know that I have a bit of a gut now. Not a huge thing, but enough. It is still there now, but is feels like there is nothing underneath it, like it is just a flab of skin hanging on there. Maybe that is why I have not been crazy hungry, I've got reserves ;). But enough of me, more of God!

I have a feeling that this is going to get kinda long, so you may want to go get a cup of coffee or order a pizza or something.

Galatians 3. All about faith versus the law. Remember that previously we learned that Paul is an amazingly learned man. Paul knew more than most of the other religious Jewish leaders about the scriptures in his time. This knowledge of Paul lends an amazing amount of weight to his words. Anyone who denies a verse like Galatians 3:16 must be crazier than me not eating for a week.

I love how this chapter starts out: "You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?" Paul wastes no words, he does not beat around the bush, and he does not bother to be politically correct enough not to hurt peoples feelings. Instead he just comes right out with it. What he is trying to say here is that it is foolish to follow the law instead of the things he had told them. Why is that? Faith. We are justified by faith in Christ, not the law in humans, which is really what it is. When we Christians try to follow the law guess who is doing it. US. WE ARE. That is not how it is supposed to be at all. We are supposed to believe in God and follow him. He will lead us to where we need to go, and how to act. Listen to this, "Consider Abraham: "He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."(verse 6)". Paul is trying to illustrate here that Abraham did not have the law with him. Abraham had faith: "So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.(verse 9)" Some people try to say that God gave Abraham the law, but it is clearly Moses who received the law from God. Later on in the chapter we learn that God gave the law 430 years later! That means a lot of Christians today!

So what is the point? Here it is. The law was not made for use to be able to follow, verse 23 says the law held us prisoner. God knew what he was doing when he created the law. He knew that we could not follow it. The law is way to extreme for us. That is why he sent Jesus. Jesus followed not only the letter of the law, but the spirit of the law as well. The law was designed to show that it is impossible for us to get to God, and reveal to us Jesus Christ, the only one who could, so that we might be able to come to him.

This issue of whether or not Christians are under the law seems to have a lot of contention surrounding it. Let me share with you a few verses that should dispel any argument that we must live under the law.

2. Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law , or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After begining with the Spririt, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?

5. Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?

10. All who rely on observing the law are under a curse...

11. Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, "The righteous will live by faith" The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, "The man who does these things will live by them." Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law...

18. For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.

21 Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.

25. Now that faith(Jesus) has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.

That is a pretty large selection of verses in a chapter with only 29 verses. This whole chapter is all about Paul making a case that we are not bound by the law. "What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed(Jesus) who the promise referred had come.(19)" God gave us the law because there was so much sin in the world. When we have a relationship with God we will naturally do what he wants,  but many in the world rejected relationship with him. God had to tell us exactly what he wanted from us. Now check this out, "Before this faith(Jesus) came, we were held prisoner by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed.(23)" Living by the law causes us to be restricted. It is hard to love or serve anyone who has such strict laws. But Paul goes on and gets to my favorite part, which also happens to tell us exactly what the law was for. You would think that he could have just said that, but people are thick skulled and needed it pounded home a bit. "So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.(24,25)" Holy crap! That excites me to the core! Instead of being restricted all over the place I am now free to love God and worship him however I feel.

Many people that argue in favor of the law have told me that we should still do what is contained in the law. Now I do not disagree that the law is good, but there is no possible way that we can do everything contained within the law. Luckily Christ freed us from that burden. And here is my firm belief from reading and observation. If we, as Christians, strive for an ever deeper, more personal relationship with Jesus Christ we will eventually wind up doing what his heart is, which is the law! Cool isn't it? If you do not understand that let me use the marriage analogy. When two people get married they know very little of each other, but over time as they grow in their relationship they learn more and more. Their love for the other person causes them to desire the desires of the other's heart. That person in essence becomes their law. That is exactly the same as with Jesus. As we pursue a deeper relationship with him we will begin to desire the things of his heart.

There is so much more here, and I have not even touched on chapter 4 yet, but it is midnight here, and I have a test at 8am and all my roommates are in bet already.. I am going to hit the sack, but please leave me comments on this. If I have time before the post for tomorrow I will post more about the amazing things in these two chapters, but really, I challenge you to read them for yourself. Do not just take my word for anything I say, but examine the scriptures and determine the truth of my words for yourself.

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By blobaugh, February 4, 2009 9:24 pm

Jeff and I were unable to meet for our Bible study today, and though I am eager to share Galatians 3 with you all I have decided that I am going to wait until tomorrow. Jeff may have some view point that I have not thought about and I would hate for you to miss the goodness. So instead I will just update you on my day.

This is the third day. One would think that by the third day they would be absolutely famished. I feel great though. I have not had any problems with hunger really. I even sat in the cafeteria with a friend for an hour and a half today without any problems. It has to be a God thing, cause I should be driven out of my mind being near food now. I am, however, looking forward to eating again. Not because I am hungry, but because it is comfortable. It is a little uncomfortable to not eat. Not terribly, but I feel empty and that is really a weird sensation. Jeff was feeling a bit off today. He was lightheaded for a while, and he says he is feeling a bit weak as well. We decided that we should drink a glass of juice today to get a bit of nutrients. Boy, never has a drink of anything tasted better! I thought it might be hard after that, but it hasn't been. I think Jeff will probably be drinking some juice for the rest of the time, but I am still going to try water only. In future fasts there will definitely be juice though! Water is just so ugh, but it helps me remember that I am not doing this for my own comfort, but rather to channel my physical discomfort into something for God. And let me tell you, it has been a pretty incredible experience!

Tonight my roommate, Nick, spoke at Timeout. Timeout is a Wednesday night churchy type thing that several students seeking a deeper relationship with God put on. Though I live with him I have not heard his complete testimony, I knew pieces of it, but tonight he told all of us. All I can say is wow! That kid has been through a lot. He was a social outcast because he looks Mexican most of the time he was growing up. He has been in a gang, and even joined the mafia at one point. You name it and he has done it. Something happened on one of the runs and another member of the mob got caught by the police. Everyone else scattered. He had no contact for quite a while and that gave him time to think a bit. The mafia eventually called him back but he felt different and eventually wound up crying out to God for help. Miraculously the mafia let him go, all his addictions ceased, and he, once a highschool dropout, while be graduating this year! God truly is amazing and can pull of some amazing stunts.

Sorry for the lack of Biblage tonight. Jeff and I are doing chapters 3 and 4 tomorrow so read up and be prepared.

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By blobaugh, February 3, 2009 9:55 pm

Today has been interesting. There is hunger, but it is small and on the bottom of the stack. What bothered me more today was drinking water. Any of you that have known me for any length of time will know that I hate water. I don't drink it often of my own volition. Last summer I went on a water only liquid kick for a while. It was an attempt to see if I could be healthier. I felt pretty good while drinking water only, even felt slightly nauseous at the thought of drinking soda again. I remember the first time I had a soda, I did not finish it. So today sucked because I only had water. Next time I am definitely doing juice instead ;). But back to the hunger. I have a good analogy for how I feel. I am not sure why I am spending so much time on this, other than I find it highly humorous in my own head. Here we go, laugh and point fingers if you must.

Over Christmas break I read the entire Twilight trilogy. I can hear you snickering! The movie intrigued me, and most of the junior highers I work with were reading them too. If you do not know what Twilight is, it is a vampire story, but not normal vampires, these vampires are 'vegetarian'. They drink the blood of animals only, in stark contrast to the rest of their kind. One of the vampires falls in love with a human female and the reader learns a lot about how these vampires work. Vampires are always thirsty for human blood, but these vampires have mastered control over their thirst in a way that enables them to be around and interact with humans. Thing is, the thirst is always there. Whenever they are around humans they must recognize their thirst and put it in the proper place. I am feeling the same way with my hunger. It is there, and I recognize it, but when I am around food I control it enough that it does not bother me.

Ok, all the silliness aside, today has been wonderful. Jeff had fun dreding his hair, but had to sit through the baking of cookies to get it done, and it did not help when I texted him that I was craving pretzels either! We read over Galatians 2 today. Chapter 2 is much easier to get something out of than chapter 1. There is actually something going on. I will try to sum up what Jeff and I talked about this evening here.

I like Paul. I like Paul more today than I did yesterday. Why is that? Yesterday I learned how awesome Paul is. In chapter one, verse 14 I found that Paul was incredibly smart. Top of his class. I bet that he was on the deans list and the most sought after tutor. Not to mention the teachers pet. He probably could get an A in class simply by signing up he was so smart! Then later on I saw that Paul went and started preaching and teaching immediately after he became a Christian. I don't know about you guys, but I have been a Christian for many years now, and I grew up in a Christian home, but I often balk at the thought of preaching, even for those close to me. So that is in chapter one, now we know that Paul is an amazing brainiac that jumps in feet first with his convictions. He couldn't get anymore awesome could he? Yep, he can, and he does. In chapter 2, verse 2 I see Paul, back at Jerusalem, with a revelation. Now remember how awesome Paul is. Don't you think that with this new revelation he would be out there spreading it around? He had people everywhere eating out of his hand. Holding on to every word like it was a life raft and they were drowning in the rapids. But he didn't go around spouting his mouth. Instead he went to the leaders of Jerusalem to make sure his message was not in vain. Let me tell you. This shows some pretty awesome humility on Pauls part. On of the most respected men of his time, and in the Bible period, and he defers to the wisdom of the leaders. Always has Moses been my favorite person because of his great humility, but Paul shows he has great humility too. I continually beseech God that I might have the humility of Moses, and it helps me with every new example that I see.

Next, in verse 6, we see that Paul has no regard for those who 'seem' important. I just thought that was so cool the first time I read it. Jeff and I talked about this verse for quite a while. It is so common in our society, and in our churches, to automatically listen, agree with, and do what those around us who seem to be leaders want. Need an example? The whole reason I am at NNU! A piece of paper. I have struggled for years with this idea. My major is computer science, and I am good at it. Already, before NNU, I excel at computer stuff far beyond what most bachelor degree holders do. I do not say this egotistically, I, and others around me, have simply seen it, yet the person with the degree nine out of ten times gets the job over me. Why is that? That person 'seems' to be better because they have a degree. Doesn't sound quite right does it? Let me introduce another example that will have the church people shocked, especially those in the group I will talk about. Most churches have some form of leadership by the people in them. In my church, and many others, it is called the Board. Board members are elected because they 'seem' to be wiser, or more in tune with God, or , or , or. Are they? I doubt it. I have seen people on church boards that I know are not pillars in the church. I also have seen many cases where these supposed pillars have caused severe rifts in the church. But what usually happens? The Board is looked at as the highly spiritual group, the ones in charge, connected to God. They 'seem' like they are leaders, but in reality they offer nothing of substance that in any way furthers the mission of the church. Paul saw these people, and while I am sure he was respectful to them, he also knew that nothing they had to say would make any difference in his relationship with God, nor would it help him teach others.

Confrontation is good! Huh? Most people avoid confrontation, however when Peter was doing something contrary to the will of God Paul did not hesitate to call him on the carpet for it(verse 11). What could Peter, one of the most respected founders of the church, possibly do wrong? Sadly he did what I am all to guilty of doing myself. He lived and acted his life how he felt God wanted, but when people came around that might possibly judge him in a bad way he began to pull back away from the life that God had given him. This seems to be a strange curse on all humans. Whether for religious reasons or not, we tend to have double standards when someone comes around that may not approve totally of what we are doing. We pull back and limit ourselves in ways that cause us grief. God did not intend us to be limited in our relationship with him, rather he wants us to become more all the time.

Here is some craziness for you. The law in the Bible shouldn't be followed! I can hear thousands of Christians turning in their graves right now. It is the truth though. Paul, one of the most learned men when it came to the scriptures said it himself. Check out verses 16 and 21. Pretty intense stuff. Many Christians today argue that we should still live by the law. Well...that is impossible. If we try to live by the law we will never make it into heaven. I do not want to jump ahead too much, but later in Galatians Paul tells us that if we believe that one law must be followed then we must follow them all. Great, that means I am not going to heaven at all. The cool thing is that verse 16 also tells us that we are justified in Jesus! At this point you all should be rejoicing because you do not have to met all the requirements of the law. And check out verses 17 and 18. Just because we are following Jesus does not mean that we no longer sin, nor does it mean that sin is ok. Following Jesus means that you begin to recognize what your sins are. Jesus gives you a changed heart and mind! You will realize more than ever when you are in Christ that you were and are a horrible law breaker. This should lead you to scream out praises to God that he sent his Son to pay the penalties for you that HE might become your justification. Laws only break down and kill. Jesus builds up and gives life!

I am totally stoked about this fast still. I have been learning so much by giving up so little. God truly is amazing. I would love to hear your comments below, both good and bad.

Comments (3)

By blobaugh, February 2, 2009 6:54 pm

As I went through this first day of my fast I noticed a few things. The most suprising of which is how selfish I am when it comes to my body. Sure a human needs food to sustain life indefinitely, but having the restriction really showed me how much I simply give my body what it wants. America is a very food oriented, we have candies and cakes, big meals and snack foods, foods to sit with, and foods on the go. There is alway food during mealtimes, and usually ten or twenty times in between. Today I noticed much more just how much food we constantly have around us, and I am sure I will only discover more as the week goes on.

Though I was hungry, the hunger did not drive me to food. Instead when I felt hungry I would pray. Through the prayers God allowed me to step outside of my hunger and see just how much I eat to satisfy me. Even during times when I am not hungry. This lead my thoughts down a path totally apart from food. What else in life do I do for my own selfish satisfaction? As the week goes on I hope to be able to more fully answer this question and begin to extricate myself from by own selfishness and turn instead to seeing others fulfilled.

Today our study was over Galatians 1. At first it was difficult for me to glean any meaning from the first chapter, as it is an introduction. Jeff brought up a good point. Verses 6 and 7 say "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ." If you look around at society today there are so many things demanding your attention. So many groups are claiming to have 'the way'. This includes non religious groups as well, they via for your attention and belief just as hard. Taking a look into the Christian side of things one would think it would be better. Nope, Christianity has been swayed and influenced by society so much that in many places it is hard to distinguish between it and what is around it. I think this is probably part of what Paul was talking about. So how do we fix it? Jesus. Jesus came to repair creation. Jesus allows us to have a relationship with God. God is the only unspoiled fixed point on the map. Collectively we Christians need to move deeper into a relationship with Christ and uncover the gospel as God intended it.

I encourage all my readers to pick up their Bible and read Galatians along with me. Please feel free to leave comments too. Even those of you who think I am totally off base. I would love to hear your insight, as many times kernels of truth are to be found.

God Bless

Comments (5)

By blobaugh, January 30, 2009 6:25 am

My buddy here at NNU, Jeff Nicol and I have been toying with the idea of doing a fast. For those of you not familiar with what this is, fasting is a sometimes silly Christian tradition where one abstains from food for a given period of time and instead uses the hunger, and fills the time, with another activity designed to bring you closer to God.

In the past I have participated in group fasting for events like the 30 Hour Famine, during the 30 hours of which I learned about the great needs in areas of the world, and how the Bible directs Christians to respond to it.

This time it will be a little different. Jeff and I have formed a strange, but strong, bond in my time here at NNU. The idea for the fast originally came from Jeff. Him and I were sitting in the cafeteria talking about ideas to help further our relationships with God. This is the part that will scare you. Jeff wants to do a week long fast. A whole week! My previous max is 30 hours. Jeff has tried it on his own twice, but only lasted 2 days each time. This time when he tries it there is going to be support and purpose. We are going to be getting together probably during normal meal times and studying the book of Galatians. There are 6 chapters in Galatians so I figured it would be a good book to use, plus I read it last week and am intrigued by it's contents. This fast is going to be hard, and I am not sure if I will be able to make it the full week, but I am going to try. My desire through this time is to definitely come closer to both God and Jeff.

Right now the plan is to start Monday February 2nd, and break our fast Sunday February 8th. If you support our actions, I ask you to please be in prayer for us as we attempt this fast. Pray for protection over our bodies, and growth and understanding of God and his word.