I've Moved!

I've moved! http://caffeinatedhighs.blogspot.com

Come on over =)

Rusty

Forever will be you and me

It’s funny to me that I find myself time and time again identifying with certain songs. I don’t listen to the radio often (except talk radio) so you wouldn’t think I’d be exposed to new material, but somehow I’m continuously introduced to music. Usually the songs that get me are romantic songs like Melee’s “Built to Last” or Teddy Geiger’s stuff. I’ll catch a phrase, and then before I know it I’m completely drawn into the song, relating to the passions and emotions of the artist.

“Check Yes Juliet” by We the Kings is the latest of these phenomenon. What I can gather is that a young couple is struggling to stay together because the girl’s parents are trying to break them up. Rather than focusing on the issue of whether parents have ultimate authority over dating relationships for young adult couples, I would like to focus on the strong romantic feelings this boy and girl have for one another.

In this particular tale, because of the effort made by the girl’s parents, the girl is second-guessing her feelings for the one she loves. The situation has gotten to the point where the girl is locked in her room, all in an attempt to not allow her to see her boyfriend. Unexpectantly, the boy shows up outside her window and says this to her:

“They can change the locks,
don’t let them change your mind.
Lace up your shoes, here’s how we do:

Run baby run! Don’t ever look back
They’ll tear us apart if you give them the chance
Don’t sell your heart
Don’t say we’re not meant to be
Run baby run
Forever will be you and me.”

What I especially enjoyed was when the boy tells his girl: “Don’t sell your heart. Don’t say we’re not meant to be.” There are people who refuse to see true love, even though it is right before their eyes. They allow their doubts to override what they feel, and if it persists, it will destroy the love that they have. The guy saying this to the girl knows how the girl must be feeling and says just the right thing. He makes an appeal to her to not let her doubts (or her parents’ doubts) override the love that she knows to be true. What is truly wonderful about these words is that there is belief in the love that he has for the girl. It is completely romantic, and how can that be bad?

“Forever will be you and me.” There is not a doubt in this guy’s mind that he wants to spend the rest of his life with this girl. That is the kind of love that lasts. That is the kind of love worth fighting for. I hope to be that kind of guy, to find that kind of love, and to do whatever it takes to hold onto it.

Thanks for reading,
Rusty

Should Christians be hateful towards homosexuals?

Should Christians be hateful towards homosexuals? The answer to this provocative question is: no. Should we swing to the opposite end of the spectrum by accepting the homosexual lifestyle as good and valid? I believe the faithful Christian can do neither of these things. But if so, how should Christians respond to the gay community? This issue has become very dear to my heart because I have family, friends and coworkers that are actively living a homosexual lifestyle. It is my conviction that how the Church chooses to respond to the issue of homosexuality will either bring glory or shame to Christ’s reputation.

This past Sunday my pastor began his sermon by pointing out that fifty years ago there were some behaviors that were considered socially unacceptable and even disgusting. One such behavior was homosexuality. It was considered taboo, and was something people whispered about. Consider the stark contrast we face today with gay pride parades made up of thousands upon thousands of people boldly demanding their sinful behavior not just be accepted but approved by all.

The gay and lesbian community, as well as that of the political Left, argue their case for same-sex marriage as though they are being denied civil liberties. I have to ask those making this argument: do you believe the founding fathers of this nation believed that marriage can be defined any which way? Of course my question becomes irrelevant to the one who doesn’t believe we need to have a consistent basis by which we interpret the Constitution. Instead today, the U.S. Constitution is a “living document” that can mean whatever the audience wants it to mean. This danger was well known by our nation’s founders, and it was their hope that this aspect of the Enlightenment mentality which led to the events in France would not be replicated on American soil. In more subtle ways we have experienced the same tragedies of France, although this was greatly slowed by our strong Puritan and Evangelical influence.

Americans, like the rest of Western Culture, have openly embraced the Enlightenment philosophies which led us toward Post-Modernism (which is really just a form of Modernism repackaged). It is time that we recognized the sad state of our culture so we can better respond to our neighbors. We are not becoming less Christian. No, our society is unashamedly anti-Christian.

I have memories from my childhood that seem so very different from today. I grew up in the 1980’s and 1990’s, but even then I vividly remember teachers in the public schools I attended advising us to pray during our official “moments of silence” set aside at the beginning of each day. Could you even imagine something like this happening today??? This would be considered an outrage today followed immediately by a-historical cries of “Separation of Church and State! Separation of Church and State!” My point in this blog is not to defend the idea that we should begin fighting for prayer in our schools (though this would certainly be a good thing), but rather that we should turn our attention to an even greater issue: the godlessness of our society.

The rampant homosexuality in our society is one evidence of how godless America has become. One of my elders, James, has pointed out many times that we are not waiting for the wrath of God to come upon America … we are presently experiencing God’s wrath. The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 1, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (1:18, NASB). Did you catch when the text describes God’s wrath being revealed against ungodliness? The Apostle uses the present tense, which means that the wrath of God is presently being revealed against sin. In fact, Paul’s argument later in the text is that homosexual behavior is an expression of God’s wrath. Verse 24 begins, “Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity…;” verse 25, “For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie;” and verse 26, “For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions…”

When men utterly abandon true religion, we are not waiting for God’s wrath; this is an expression of God’s wrath.

Having said all that, I still firmly believe that we are to love all kinds of men, including gays and lesbians. But my motivation for loving homosexuals is not primarily for them. My foremost reason is to bring honor and glory to my God so that I might further increase His reputation and fame. Jesus put it this way, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, NASB). If we consider that we are to love even our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48) then surely this includes the homosexual community. By loving homosexuals we are in agreement with God’s non-redemptive love that He has for all of His creation - expressed by God as He gives blessings to the righteous and the wicked - but our good works directly bring glory to God the Father. This should be our primary goal.

The very idea of loving gays and lesbians is not commonly disputed among Christians. What is, however, are the ways we should love them. In my experience, most who call themselves Christians believe that our love should be limited to simply expressing a kind attitude towards them, and hopefully maybe someday they will ask why the Christians are so different. This has only been asked of me twice … maybe three times in my entire life.

The goal of these Christians may be to have a positive influence towards homosexuals for the gospel of Jesus Christ. The problem with this self-limiting perspective is that the only way the Holy Spirit has chosen to reveal Himself to sinners is by the proclamation of the gospel. It saddens me that I feel I need to mention that a true proclamation of the gospel includes words … “How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:14, NASB).

Christians ought to preach the full gospel to the homosexual community. This is the only solution to the wages of their sinful behavior and lifestyle. We cannot fall into the trap so many have given into - the belief that it is better to preach a gospel expressing only the love of God. While it is true that God the Father loves His people so much so that He sent God the Son to die as a substitute to completely atone for their sins, this message of unending love is meaningless if we do not first clearly explain the depths of man’s sinfulness. I would even suggest that when talking with homosexuals we raise the issue of homosexuality. There are two reasons for this: (1) Homosexuality is their defining characteristic, much like those who faithfully practice a non-Christian religion; and (2) because Jesus told us to consider the cost before coming to him in faith. Christ is calling every man under the Law of God to repentance, “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:30-31, NASB).

The good news about Jesus Christ is a message of repentance from sin to Christ. Any proclamation that is lacking a serious discussion of sin and repentance is not a gospel proclamation.

Our attitude towards gays and lesbians should be one of sympathy because we share an important quality with them: sinfulness. All men are born with the guilt of Adam’s sin imputed to them, and all the days of our life we accumulate personal sins and guilt. Even though not all sins are of the same degree, all sin leads to physical and spiritual death - whether it be lying, stealing or homosexual acts. What’s more, many Christians today were formerly practicing the gay lifestyle, “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11, NASB).

Why am I making such a deal about homosexuality??? Here is why: “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, NASB). A person must sacrifice the entirety of their lives to God by turning from their sin - the essence of true repentance - to faith in Christ … which is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. I don’t believe that what Paul meant here in 1 Corinthians 6 is that if you commit one of these sins, like slander, that you prove yourself to be an unbeliever. Rather, the sins being discussed here are a defining mark in one’s life. This is the reason we must be faithful to boldly and clearly proclaim the gospel of repentance to homosexuals.

God, in His wisdom has decided to use the foolishness of preaching (1 Corinthians 1:18) to save sinners. It is our greatest honor to be messengers for our Lord to all men, including the homosexual community. The message they need to hear is one full of God’s perfect ability to save those to the uttermost through the gospel of repentance unto life. As Alpha and Omega Ministries regularly teaches: it is our job to preach the whole gospel, not to edit it.

And that’s a wrap =). Thanks if you stuck with me through that.

Because of Christ’s perfect ability to save sinners,
Rusty

James White's take on the election

Many of you know that Dr. James White is one of my elders at church, as well as President of Alpha and Omega Ministries - a ministry I am a part of. Yesterday he offered some thoughts on the election. Also, for more information about Obama's heretical theology, please listen to Dr. White's webcast, The Dividing Line, on the subject.

Rusty

"When you spread the wealth around it's good for everybody"

Obama was out campaigning when he was approached by a plumber named Joe, now affectionately called "Joe the Plumber." This conversation is invaluable because it points out the glaring difference between a free-market society and the Socialism espoused by Barack Obama. In a nutshell, Joe asked the Democratic candidate if he would raise taxes on his small business making about $250,000 per year. Obama's answer was essentially yes, and spent five minutes or so trying to explain to Joe why this would be a good thing for him and the economy.

Here are my three favorite moments during this exchange...


-----------------------------------------------
Obama: "Now look, nobody likes high taxes..."
Joe: "No, not at all."
Obama: "Of course not."
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Obama: "I just want you to be clear – it’s not that I want to punish your success – I just want to make sure that everybody who is behind you – that they’ve got a chance at success too."
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Obama: "I think when you spread the wealth around, it’s good for everybody."
-----------------------------------------------


Nobody likes high taxes, but that is precisely what Barack Obama wants to give those Americans living out the American Dream. He says he doesn't want to punish successful Americans - the ones creating jobs - but that he only wants to make sure everyone earning a lesser amount of money has a chance at success too. Umm ... don't all Americans have an equal chance at success?

Michael Medved made an excellent point today on his program when he said that the government does not create prosperity or wealth. Individuals and businesses do that, and the less government we have in our lives the more prosperous our nation becomes.

Obama wants to "spread the wealth around." This is classic Socialism folks. This is disgusting, absolutely disgusting. Not only is it unfair, but the long-term effects of this kind of economy are devastating because it removes the incentive to succeed. If under Obama's plan people are taxed more who earn $250,000 then incentive to earn more than $250,000 goes away! Plain ol' common sense.

Socialism is an irresponsible and immature attempt at a quick-fix, failing to recognize the need for incentive to drive economic growth.

Oy vey,
Rusty

How should a Christian vote?

How should a Christian vote? Republican or Democrat? Conservative or Liberal? Right of Left? Moderate? How about Independent?

“Liberal” and “Democrat” are almost synonymous terms, whereas “Republicans” may or may not be “Conservative.” In fact, more and more Republicans are embracing liberal ideas about morality and economics. Independents could be anything and everything under the sun; how to define them is entirely up to you. Moderates claim to share both conservative and liberal ideas, but more often than not they tend to side with a more liberal perspective on things.

*Breathes a sigh of relief*

Now that I’ve spent some time explaining the relationship between these common political terms, I will get to the point straight away. I believe that a Christian should vote for individuals who will uphold Biblical morality. It really is that simple, if you will allow me to explain. Morality is greater than fiscal concerns, even though issues pertaining to our money (ie taxes, redistribution of wealth, social programs) are important.

To make my position even plainer, let’s say for the sake of argument that my two choices for President of the United States were (1) a Republican who supported a woman’s choice to have an abortion and (2) a Socialist who was pro-life, I would vote for the Socialist every day of the week and twice on Sunday. Please do not misunderstand me to mean that abortion is the only issue I consider during an election, but it is by far the most important from among the great host of issues. Therefore, this example should only be taken to mean that moral issues outweigh economic ones.

Next, I want to take a few moments to discuss the arguments of a loud minority within the Christian Church who, for reasons beyond me, despise those of us who vote Republican. I will proudly declare that I am a registered Republican for one reason, and one reason only: that I might vote in the Republican primaries. Being a registered Republican does not mean I agree with them on every point, especially as they have continued to inch more towards the Left. I am far more conservative than the Republican Party – on almost every issue. Regarding the Emerging Church Movement, it does boggle my mind why they, or any Christian group, would want to support a Democrat or any liberal politician.

They might screech in response, “Jesus is not a Republican! So who are you to tell me who I can or cannot vote for?!” It is true that Jesus is not a registered Republican, then again Jesus does not dwell on earth or vote in elections. However, were Jesus living amongst us today, he would certainly vote Republican over against Democrat. How do I know this? Because the Republican Party represents the lesser of two evils.

Did you notice my presupposition inherent in the last argument? I believe that Christians living in democracies are urged by God to participate in government to the best of their ability. In the Bible, a number of Christians are recorded for us as having held political office in the Roman government. Furthermore, the Bible requires of us that we submit to the governing authorities (Romans 13) because it is an authority established by God. And in a democratic society, the people are the government. It is our duty as Christians to honor God by being good citizens, which includes the responsibility to vote in national and local elections.

What about those who profess Christ yet vote for ungodly men who support evils such as abortion, and homosexual super-rights? First of all, if they are truly converted, the Holy Spirit will not allow them to persevere in the sin of voting for ungodly men. The truly converted who have not yet had their mindset corrected by the Holy Spirit and go on to vote for ungodly men are sinning. Another option is that this behavior proves these professors to be false professors (though it is impossible for us to know with perfect certainty because we can only judge men based on their outward behavior (James 2)).

If one wants to honor God, they will vote for the candidate who will do a better job of upholding Biblical morality. On November 4th, might God’s people choose the candidate that will better uphold God’s standards over against that of the world’s. Personally, I’m not a fan of John McCain, but he represents God’s viewpoints much moreso than Obama.

As a nation, we certainly deserve Barack Obama as President. But it is my constant prayer that the Lord of heaven and earth does not give us the candidate we deserve. Might our God be merciful to us for His name’s sake – that His people might continue to live in peace and prosperity. And if it be His will, might He also grant spiritual renewal and revival to America. We desperately need it.

Thanks for reading,
Rusty

Have you ever felt this?

I recently purchased Celtic Thunder's DVD and I am already a huge fan. Their performance is outstanding and I will be getting a copy of all their music. As I was watching the DVD, I saw their version of "A Bird Without Wings," and I knew exactly how the author felt. Let me encourage you to read over the entirety of the song, or even better ... read the words as you watch it on youtube (isn't technology wonderful?). Here are the lyrics:

Like a bird without wings
That longs to be flying,
Like a motherless child
Left lonely and crying.
Like a song without words,
Like a world without music,
I wouldn’t know what to do
I’d be lost without you
Watchin’ over me.

I get so lonely, when you’re away
I count every moment, I wait every day,
Until you’re home again
And hug me so tight
That’s when I know
Everything is alright.

Like a bird without wings
That longs to be flying,
Like a motherless child
Left lonely and crying.
Like a song without words
Like a world without music,
I wouldn’t know what to do
I’d be lost without you
Watchin’ over me.

You’re my guardian angel
My light and my guide
Your hand on my shoulder
And you by my side.
You make everything beautiful,
You make me complete.
Everything in my world
I lay at your feet.

Like a church with no steeple,
Where a bell never rings.
In a town without people,
Where no voice in the choir ever sings.
If a boat on the ocean
Would be lost with no sail,
Then without your devotion
Surely all that I dreamed of would fail.

Like a song without words
Like a world without music,
I wouldn’t know what to do
I’d be lost without you
Watchin’ over me

I wouldn’t know what to do
I’d be lost without you
Watchin’ over me

In answer to the above question, yes, I have definitely felt this. It is the most wonderful feeling in the entire world, second only to those special times when the Holy Spirit allows you to be close to Him. The author brings out the irony of "a bird without wings that longs to be flying" or "a song without words." These things should not be. In the same way, I think the author recognizes how lost he would be without his true love. 

"I get so lonely, when you’re away; I count every moment, I wait every day, Until you’re home again And hug me so tight; That’s when I know Everything is alright." Have you ever counted every moment you were apart from your one love? I know I have =). How sweet it is when she returns and suddenly everything is okay once more. 

And again, "You make everything beautiful, You make me complete. Everything in my world I lay at your feet." God is too good to His creatures to allow such bliss to exist in this fallen world. I know full well that this is not the greatest blessing that we, as Christians, receive from the Father's hand. More than salvific grace, the Lord of heaven and earth allows the blessing of such passionate love to come about in this life. 

I pray that God would continue to allow this blessing to exist in the universe, and I even pray this for myself. 

Thanks,

Rusty

"Hello. I'm from the government, and I'm here to help you"

A lot of talk has been about the possible government bailout that will, theoretically, sustain and stimulate the economy to remain on level ground. From the beginning I’ve had mixed feelings about it. Quite honestly, I am still uncertain about whether I would be for or against such government intervention. This bailout may work; it may not. And yet, folks seem to only focus on the possibility that it may work. Well, the fact that it may not work needs to be given serious attention, if not more attention. Because if the government spends $700 (or more) billion that it does not have and the economy doesn’t resurface, then what do we do? Should the government shell out a trillion dollars?

The thing is this: I don’t have all the answers to these questions. But liberals better start asking themselves these tough questions because the reality is this bailout might do nothing but bring our economy into further debt.

One of my favorite quotes by Ronald Reagan is of him telling a story of a man who one day showed up on his doorstep and said, “Hello, I’m from the government, and I’m here to help you…” Reagan’s good-humored response was that nothing frightened him more than to hear that the government was going to try and help. The obvious moral of the story is that, generally speaking, whatever the government gets involved in it messes up. For example, more regulation = a slower economy. More taxes = lower standard of living. Need proof? Take a look at Europe.

One of the great lies in American history is that social programs during The Great Depression brought about positive results – although our government would want us to believe nothing more. Our time is no different. We don’t need the government to unnaturally interfere. Capitalism and a free-market system have withstood the test of time against all odds. Socialism only lowers the standard of living and weakens a nation.

What should we do? I’m not one to say for sure. I did appreciate Hugh Hewitt on his radio show the other day ask a financial expert: “Do we have smart people in Washington handling this issue?” The response was that we have incredibly intelligent and capable folks working hard at making this decision. That is a good thing.

Ultimately, my trust is in the Lord, and I pray for wisdom for those who have the burden of making this momentous decision.

Thanks,
Rusty

Waiting Patiently for the Lord

The Holy Spirit recently blessed me while I was reading through Psalm 41. The psalmist is experiencing intense difficulties that brought him to the point of despair:

“12For evils beyond number have surrounded me; My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see; They are more numerous than the hairs of my head, And my heart has failed me.” (NASB).

Have you ever felt like that? I have been in the place where evils have surrounded me; where my heart aches and I can no longer make sense of my circumstances.

But this psalm doesn’t begin here at verse 12. He doesn’t start by expressing his worry. Quite the contrary, he describes how he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord was faithful to hear him (vs 1). As Christians, this is precisely what we’re supposed to do when we encounter difficulty. Whether we need to make an important decision or face difficult circumstances, we are first to pray to our God. The glorious thing about these encounters with God is that He cares for us in the midst of these times. The Maker of heaven and earth condescends far to hear us! What comfort and joy this brings the regenerated heart! To have the knowledge from the holy Scriptures that our Creator desires to hear us is overwhelming, for He “inclines” Himself to us.

When we place this truth in its proper perspective we are able to be truly grateful for such a communion with God. The Bible informs us that all men are guilty from the moment of our conception. Not only that, but we daily offend God by breaking His Law. Even after experiencing salvation we continue to disregard His righteous standard and live as though there were no God! Because of our many sins it is a wonder that God’s patience does not run out toward us.

Of course we know that God’s wrath was appeased because of the finished work of Jesus Christ on behalf of His elect people. Praise be to our triune Lord of majesty for such a perfect work of salvation!

David continues throughout the psalm, expressing thankfulness to God for the ways He has provided deliverance. “He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm” (verse 2, NASB).

One of my prayers of late has been to ask God for wisdom in my life, which we know He grants liberally (James 1:5). Faithfully, in the same sitting, the Holy Spirit again ministered to me as I continued my study time in Proverbs:

“⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. ⁷ Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. ⁸ It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:5-8, NASB).

If you are a faithful Christian, I imagine you are well acquainted with these words. I grew up hearing them. The danger with being overly familiar with the words of Scripture is that we do not allow them to impact us as we ought. We zone out because we have become so accustomed to this admonition from the Lord.

As I read over these words, the Holy Spirit answered my prayer asking for wisdom. Rather than leaning on my own wisdom – as though my thoughts and feelings were somehow more intelligent than God’s – I should lean on the Rock of ages.

Once I acknowledge Him, then He will make my paths straight. Have I done that? Have I acknowledged Him in all my ways, or just some? Do I consider myself wise? Do I fear the Lord’s anger and turn from evil? The answer to each of these questions will bring about specific consequences. When I trust in the Lord with all of my heart and lean on Him, He will heal me and refresh me. When I do not trust in the Lord or look to Him for wisdom to make decisions, He will not heal me and refresh me. The text could not be clearer.

The promise that God offers to His saints is marvelous, isn’t it? God, the sovereign Ruler of the Universe, wants His creatures to rely on Him and His strength. It is the nature of sinful men to trust in themselves, to rely on their feelings and emotions, and their way of thinking. We are not like the world in this regard. No, we filter our thoughts, ideas and feelings through the filter of God’s holy Word. I confess that this is something I must work hard to improve on, because I have no choice. I am a slave of righteousness now, and I want nothing but to always please my King, the Lord of Glory.

I hope this was an encouragement to you,

Case

World War III, or the next Cold War?

I was a little tyke during the Cold War, and by the looks of it I will have a chance to understand what it is like living during a second one. Russia’s aggression towards Georgia is unbelievably barbaric. First, a couple things: Russia invaded Georgia while claiming to support Georgian rebels seeking independence. My best bud, Scott, compared this little rebellion to the L.A. Riots not too long ago. Obviously it doesn’t fit perfectly, but I still think this is an excellent comparison! From the first moment of Russia’s unwarranted invasion of Georgian territory, Georgia has repeatedly refused to accept a Russian presence there. The Georgian President, an ally with the West, met with 9 presidential leaders from other nations who were formerly part of the Soviet Union. This meeting was quite unusual because it is difficult to acquire that many presidential figures in one meeting place. I’m sure they all know that unless a firm response from western nations is given Russia may not stop with Georgia.

Experts have pointed out that the kind of invasion performed by Russia’s military would have taken months to plan, which means that the Russian government was waiting for the right opportunity to invade and potentially reacquire Georgia.

What is Russia thinking? Some political analysts have speculated that Russia has no intention of reorganizing into the Soviet Union, but would like to expand the Russian empire.

Also, I’ve heard other speculations that Russia’s current president, Medvedev (try saying that 10 times fast), is only a figurehead and that Putin is the real power behind the curtain (no pun intended). If you know more on this, please let me know.

Just last week the United States finalized a deal to install a missile defense system in Poland. The Polish Prime Minister commented on the deal, “‘It is no good when assistance comes to dead people. Poland wants to be in alliances where assistance comes in the very first hours of – knock on wood – any possible conflict," Tusk said.” LOL! This is one of the single greatest statements I have ever heard.

What was Russia’s response to this deal? Moscow had this to say, “Poland, by deploying (the system) is exposing itself to a strike – 100 percent.” So let me get this straight … if Poland doesn’t have a missile defense system they are open to attack. If Poland installs a missile defense system they are open to attack. What a lose-lose situation for Poland!

It has been a sad thing to turn on the news recently because I know that there will be some difficult things to read about. If Russia keeps up this behavior we will either enter into World War III, or the next Cold War.
Rusty

Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed

Tonight my dad, Scott and I saw “Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed.” It far exceeded my expectations. From the trailer I posted in the previous entry I knew that Ben Stein would present an entertaining flick, and would at least document how modern academia seeks to suppress any discussion about alternatives to the modern Evolutionary Theory. But the film is so much more.

For the first thirty minutes or so the movie gives an accurate sense of the great lengths modern academia refuses to hear any mention of a theory that conflicts with the Evolutionary Theory. It is true that Stein does not try to defend the various forms of Creationism. Instead, he reveals his bias towards the Intelligent Design Theory which argues that the complexity of life receives its complexity from some form of intelligence. But the thrust of his movie was to bring the issues to the table so they might be discussed, analyzed and debated. I could not agree more with his motivations.

“Expelled” had a great impact on me because I survived the public school system. Anyone who has dared to ask questions that challenge the Evolutionary Theory know precisely what I mean. I have been shut down by teachers in high school, then professors in college. What is amazing to me is that Macro-Evolution is taught without addressing the glaring holes scattered throughout the theory.

Because I’m not a fan of giving away spoilers I won’t reveal too much more. But I will say that my favorite part of the film involves Richard Dawkins looking rather foolish within his own reasoning *grin*

I believe this to be an important movie because it has the potential to open up the door to many conversations about why so many reasonable and thinking people do not endorse the Evolutionary Theory. Why is it that two intelligent scientists examine the same evidence and come to different conclusions - one turns out to be an Evolutionist while another believes intelligence is behind life? The reason is because there is a fundamental difference in the worldviews between these two individuals. This is something else that “Expelled” covered, and boy was I pleasantly surprised! Presuppositions and worldviews are the key to this entire dialogue.

This movie isn’t perfect. But please see this movie. You have my recommendation.

Rusty

Intriguing!

http://www.expelledthemovie.com/playgroundvideo3.swf

My dad sent this to me today. It looks awesome.

April 18th.

and verily, much w00tage did thus fill the land,
Rusty

Russia Living in the Cold War

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,345514,00.html

Good news. NATO has endorsed Bush’s plan to install a missile defense system in Europe. What has struck me as odd from the beginning of these discussions has been Russia’s response.

“Russia charges the intent of the system would be to weaken its nuclear deterrent capabilities and upset the balance of power in Europe. Bush has repeatedly denied that, saying the facilities are designed to protect Europe against a potential missile attack — or even just nuclear blackmail — by Iran. The dispute has become heated at times, with confrontational, Cold War-style rhetoric from Moscow.”

From some bizarre reasoning Russia has been led to believe that the United States means her harm. Quite frankly, I do not understand this at all. Are we really to believe that the true reason President Bush wants to put a missile defense system in Europe is to weaken Russia’s military ability against the USA and her allies? Could it be that Iran and other Islamic nations might pose a threat? How about North Korea? These are realistic concerns that we cannot pretend do not exist.

Putin has repeatedly charged the U.S. of trying to tip the balance of power in her favor, to which our President has rightly responded that Russia is a friend and not an enemy. This allowed Bush to remove the issues of balance of power from the discussion of our relationship with Russia. We have even invited Russia to be a part of the cooperate effort that will oversee the production and the continued management of this defense network. Unfortunately, Russia’s response has been to seemingly ignore our efforts of extending the hand of peace and friendship by retaliating with hostile words and mild threats. This is not how peace is made. But to President Bush’s credit, he has done nothing but return Putin’s rash comments with calm, well formulated ones.

I will say that, while I am not happy with everything George Bush has done, he has handled this situation wisely, so much so that I am proud to call him my President.

Rusty

The Great Shepherd

Let me be the first to wish you a Happy Friday, as it is now officially Friday. After a near-perfect evening spent at Bucks how could I possibly be expected to go to bed on time? Exactly, I can’t.

As I was walking towards the best Starbucks ever, a longtime friend from GCC recognized me and ended up chilling with me inside for a little bit. He has been a missionary in Turkey for a few years and will be heading back in February. Earlier in the day I was reading in Acts and was reminded of the newly converted Apostle Paul 9:22, “But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ” (NASB). Here is my friend and brother in the faith, faithfully preaching the gospel in a hostile land filled with turmoil. Yet he is doing the Lord’s work, and I was excited for him! In the few moments we had together I asked how I might pray for him. He wanted me to pray for their pastor’s wife who is ill. He also mentioned that their church is experiencing regular persecution – including a failed attempt to burn down the church building – thanks be to God! As he left, I was left thinking about the marvelous kingdom of God scattered throughout the nations, and how thankful I am to be part of it.

Eventually, I made my way to one of my regular tables and began journaling, thinking, reading and praying. Very shortly thereafter, I was joined by my good buddy, James. We sat and chatted for a little bit, and encouraged one another. Once he joined up with his girl, I was left to continue on where I left off.

I read through a few chapters in Ezekiel, and though I don’t have much time to spend on Ezekiel 33:11-17, I will say that it is abundantly rich in truth. A man who trusts in his righteous deeds when he sins will be found guilty. But a wicked man who turns from his sin toward righteousness will not have his sins remembered. Indeed, the gospel is proclaimed throughout the Scriptures!

What my mind was really wrapped around was Ezekiel 34:11-16,

“11 For thus says the Lord GOD, "Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. 12 "As a shepherd cares for his herd in the day when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day. 13 "I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries and bring them to their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the streams, and in all the inhabited places of the land. 14 "I will feed them in a good pasture, and their grazing ground will be on the mountain heights of Israel There they will lie down on good grazing ground and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 "I will feed My flock and I will lead them to rest," declares the Lord GOD. 16 "I will seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bind up the broken and strengthen the sick; but the fat and the strong I will destroy I will feed them with judgment” (NASB).

Up to this point in our text, the Lord is rebuking the shepherds of Israel who are not shepherding the people of God, but are letting them go astray. God’s harshness towards these failing shepherds plus His earnest desire to search and restore His people blew me away. God, Himself will search for His sheep and seek them out, even when scattered He will care for the sheep. He will deliver them from where they have been scattered! I think of my own life and how often I have strayed, even having the blessing of faithful pastors. Yet the Lord has never given up on me. He has always gathered me back to where I should be.

Verse 15 is of particular comfort to me: “I will feed My flock and I will lead them to rest.” As Christians we have been given ultimate rest in Christ: “For we who have believed enter that rest…” (Hebrews 4:3a, NASB). We rest from our own works and rest in the work of a perfect Savior who has delivered us from the consequences and power of sin.

Last night at church I had the privilege of teaching our junior high class. My plan was to get through Romans 8, but we ended up going over vs 26-31 which was a challenge in and of itself. One of the things I emphasized was how marvelous it is that God chose any among the vast number of sinners to demonstrate His saving grace! He intervened in our lives and allowed us to enter His rest. We were working, but He caused us to trust in Jesus Christ to save us. My hope was to leave my class with a glimpse of God’s infinite mercy towards ungodly sinners.

Truly our God is a God of mercy.

The Lord spoke to me tonight through His living Word. It is incredible how the inspired Word of God is used by the Holy Spirit in our day and in our culture to encourage and build up the people of God. God continues to prove His wisdom to me.

Dba dba dba dba dba, that’s all folks!

Rusty