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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:

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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.