Isaiah 10:3-5 (KJV)
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Today's verse
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: and the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
Friday, October 28, 2011
The mathematics of the post-Christian Church
David Barnhart has an interesting post at his blog that shows the membership of the ELCA since its beginnings in 1987. With the exception of 1990 and 1991 the denomination has lost members every year.
Overall, the ELCA has experienced a 19.2% decline in its membership from 1987 (5,288,048) to 2010 (4,274,855). By far the steepest decline was from 2009 to 2010 (5.9%, or 268,182 members). It will be interesting to see what the figures for 2011 will be like.
Supporters of the ELCA might argue that most denominations have been losing members during that period of time. That may be so, but as I recall one of the major selling points of the ELCA's 2009 decision to reject the clear teachings of the Gospel was that the new emphasis on "diversity" and "tolerance" would bring in the unchurched. That does not seem to be happening. The mathematics of post-Christian churches appears to be subtraction (driving away faithful Christians) and division (bringing conflict and chaos among those who remain).
By far the most interesting aspect - to me, anyway - of the ELCA's decline is the fact that it is slow and steady. Had the ELCA lost 19.2% (one in five) of its members in 2009-10 instead of the actual 5.9% it might have caused quite a stir among those left behind. A major loss like that would have captured the attention of even the most laid-back of laypersons. It might even (horror of horrors!) have caused people to dare to ask questions of the ELCA's leadership.
It is a situation familiar to every driver. If one of your tires blows out, you are forced to stop the car and deal with the problem. But if you have a slow leak, you can be tempted to put off facing the situation and drive on. The second scenario is the one the ELCA appears to be locked into.
The question of what the ELCA will look like a decade from now also fascinates me. I seriously doubt that the ELCA will one day go completely out of business, so the question is: will it be absorbed into another denomination (such as the Episcopal Church USA) or become a small rump of what it once was? To me the latter seems most likely. But only God knows, and He will make it known to us in good time.
Overall, the ELCA has experienced a 19.2% decline in its membership from 1987 (5,288,048) to 2010 (4,274,855). By far the steepest decline was from 2009 to 2010 (5.9%, or 268,182 members). It will be interesting to see what the figures for 2011 will be like.
Supporters of the ELCA might argue that most denominations have been losing members during that period of time. That may be so, but as I recall one of the major selling points of the ELCA's 2009 decision to reject the clear teachings of the Gospel was that the new emphasis on "diversity" and "tolerance" would bring in the unchurched. That does not seem to be happening. The mathematics of post-Christian churches appears to be subtraction (driving away faithful Christians) and division (bringing conflict and chaos among those who remain).
By far the most interesting aspect - to me, anyway - of the ELCA's decline is the fact that it is slow and steady. Had the ELCA lost 19.2% (one in five) of its members in 2009-10 instead of the actual 5.9% it might have caused quite a stir among those left behind. A major loss like that would have captured the attention of even the most laid-back of laypersons. It might even (horror of horrors!) have caused people to dare to ask questions of the ELCA's leadership.
It is a situation familiar to every driver. If one of your tires blows out, you are forced to stop the car and deal with the problem. But if you have a slow leak, you can be tempted to put off facing the situation and drive on. The second scenario is the one the ELCA appears to be locked into.
The question of what the ELCA will look like a decade from now also fascinates me. I seriously doubt that the ELCA will one day go completely out of business, so the question is: will it be absorbed into another denomination (such as the Episcopal Church USA) or become a small rump of what it once was? To me the latter seems most likely. But only God knows, and He will make it known to us in good time.
Today's verse
Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.
Psalm 89:15 (KJV)
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Today's verse
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.
Proverbs 10:2 (KJV)
Today's verse
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
John 15:10 (KJV)
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Today's verse
Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.
Psalm 35:19 (KJV)
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Update on Asia Bibi
Asia Bibi is "weak and frail, but is high in spirit", according to her husband. She and her family continue to pray for her freedom.
Key quote from the article:
“We are praying and fasting for our mother so that she can be with us,” said Alishba Bibi, one of Asia’s children. “Each time I meet her, I can’t hold my tears. My mother tries to hold my hand through the gaps in the grilled window and says, ‘Have faith in the Lord. He will bring me home one day’. Every time I hear these words, I cry to the Lord to bring my mother back so that we can be with her again”.
For those who do not know who she is, here is the story about Asia Bibi's unjust imprisonment and death sentence for "blasphemy" against the Prophet Muhammad.
Please continue to pray for Asia Bibi and her family.
Today's verse
Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
Psalm 112:1 (KJV)
Monday, October 24, 2011
Today's verse
Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
Psalm 40:4 (KJV)
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Today's verse
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Psalm 100:1-2 (KJV)
Friday, October 21, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Today's verse
Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death: That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.
Psalm 9:13-14 (KJV)
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Update on Asia Bibi
A powerful story about Asia Bibi's plight.
For those who do not know who she is, here is the story about Asia Bibi's unjust imprisonment and death sentence for "blasphemy" against the Prophet Muhammad.
Please continue to pray for Asia Bibi and her family.
Today's verse
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Matthew 5:13 (KJV)
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Snoopy come home!
Apollo 11 landed men on the moon in 1969. What is now known to only a few is the fact that Apollo 10 made a dress-rehearsal that involved an approach of less that 10 miles to the moon's surface.
Once the moon part of the mission was completed, Thomas P. Stafford, Eugene A. Cernan, and John W. Young fired the spent LM (Lunar Module) ascent stage into solar orbit.
Now a team of scientists are looking for Snoopy (the name of the LM). The group is being led by Nick Howes.
Key quote:
Read the whole thing.
Once the moon part of the mission was completed, Thomas P. Stafford, Eugene A. Cernan, and John W. Young fired the spent LM (Lunar Module) ascent stage into solar orbit.
Now a team of scientists are looking for Snoopy (the name of the LM). The group is being led by Nick Howes.
Key quote:
"We're expecting a search arc up to 135 million kilometers in size which is a huge amount of space to look at," Howes continues. "We're aware of the scale and magnitude of this challenge but to have the twin Faulkes scopes assist the hunt, along with schools, plus the fact that we'll doubtless turn up many new finds such as comets and asteroids makes this a great science project too."
If the team find a potential suspect, they will turn to detailed spectral analysis to see if the hidden messages in the reflected light can confirm if they have succeeded in finding Snoopy.
Read the whole thing.
Today's verse
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:7 (KJV)
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Today's verse
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8-10 (KJV)
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Today's verse
And as [Jesus] passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him. And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Mark 2:14-17 (KJV)
Friday, September 16, 2011
The cult of global warming
Dr. Ivar Giaever, a winner of the Nobel Prize for physics, has resigned from the American Physical Society because of its position on global warming. In particular, Dr. Giaever was upset by the APS's rigid stance and unwillingness to consider all evidence except that which supported its position.
Key quote:
Ironically, Dr. Giaever supported Barack Obama in 2008. I doubt that will protect him from the attacks from global warming cultists that are certain to follow. Thou shalt not blaspheme "settled science"!
Key quote:
"In the APS it is ok to discuss whether the mass of the proton changes over time and how a multi-universe behaves, but the evidence of global warming is incontrovertible? The claim (how can you measure the average temperature of the whole earth for a whole year?) is that the temperature has changed from ~288.0 to ~288.8 degree Kelvin in about 150 years, which (if true) means to me is that the temperature has been amazingly stable, and both human health and happiness have definitely improved in this 'warming' period."
Ironically, Dr. Giaever supported Barack Obama in 2008. I doubt that will protect him from the attacks from global warming cultists that are certain to follow. Thou shalt not blaspheme "settled science"!
Today's verse
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: so shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
Proverbs 3:3-4 (KJV)
Sunday, September 11, 2011
9/11
For me, 9/11 began on 9/12.
I was living in Moshi, Tanzania at the time. I did not hear about the terrorist attacks until almost a full day after they had happened. One headline in a Tanzanian newspaper read TANZIA MERIKANI, which translates as "Obituary for America".
There will be many words written and spoken today. Sadly, some of those writers will ignore the uncomfortable facts about Islamic extremism that provoked the terrorist attacks in the first place.
But one story caught my eye, and seems to best sum up what this day is really about.
Lt. Heather “Lucky” Penney was a rookie F16 pilot at Andrews Air Force Base. Her mission was to bring down Flight 93.
Without weapons.
To accomplish this, she was being asked to ram her F16 into the hijacked airplane before it could kill more innocent people. In short: a suicide mission.
Key quote:
Penney was willing to sacrifice her life to save others. She represents the best about America - something some editorial writers prefer to forget.
She never had to make the sacrifice. The equally brave passengers of Flight 93 fought the Muslim terrorists - and lost their lives in the process.
Today we remember those who lost their lives at the hands of murderous fanatics. We honor those who gave their lives for their fellow Americans - and those like Penney who were willing to make the sacrifice as well.
I was living in Moshi, Tanzania at the time. I did not hear about the terrorist attacks until almost a full day after they had happened. One headline in a Tanzanian newspaper read TANZIA MERIKANI, which translates as "Obituary for America".
There will be many words written and spoken today. Sadly, some of those writers will ignore the uncomfortable facts about Islamic extremism that provoked the terrorist attacks in the first place.
But one story caught my eye, and seems to best sum up what this day is really about.
Lt. Heather “Lucky” Penney was a rookie F16 pilot at Andrews Air Force Base. Her mission was to bring down Flight 93.
Without weapons.
To accomplish this, she was being asked to ram her F16 into the hijacked airplane before it could kill more innocent people. In short: a suicide mission.
Key quote:
A third plane hit the Pentagon, and almost at once came word that a fourth plane could be on the way, maybe more. The jets would be armed within an hour, but somebody had to fly now, weapons or no weapons.
"Lucky, you’re coming with me,” barked Col. Marc Sasseville.
They were gearing up in the pre-flight life-support area when Sasseville, struggling into his flight suit, met her eye.
“I’m going to go for the cockpit,” Sasseville said.
She replied without hesitating.
“I’ll take the tail.”
It was a plan. And a pact.
Penney was willing to sacrifice her life to save others. She represents the best about America - something some editorial writers prefer to forget.
She never had to make the sacrifice. The equally brave passengers of Flight 93 fought the Muslim terrorists - and lost their lives in the process.
Today we remember those who lost their lives at the hands of murderous fanatics. We honor those who gave their lives for their fellow Americans - and those like Penney who were willing to make the sacrifice as well.
Today's verse
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13 (KJV)
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Dream schools in Somalia
In the city of Kismayu English and science studies have been banned from the school curriculum by the group Al Shabaab. Instead, schools will be required to teach Arabic and Islamic Studies.
Key quote:
Sounds like a school system that both al Qaeda and multiculturalists can love!
Key quote:
"Parents have to make sure they teach their children the principles of Islamic jihad," said [Al Shabaab], which wants to impose its version of sharia law on all of Somalia.
Sounds like a school system that both al Qaeda and multiculturalists can love!
Ferry disaster in Zanzibar
A ferry has capsized off the island of Zanzibar, killing 163. Passengers accuse officials of overloading the ferry.
Please pray for the victims of this disaster.
Please pray for the victims of this disaster.
Today's verse
The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.
Psalm 16:5 (KJV)
Friday, September 09, 2011
Haters vs. "haters"
My hometown newspaper - the Eagle - has been publishing a series of editorials this week. The opinion pieces, which are written by non-journalists, are billed by the Eagle as a remembrance of the horrific events of September 11, 2001.
Up until today, however, the editorials have largely avoided 9/11 and the uncomfortable issues that day raises. Not a word (so far) about the heroes who saved lives pulling victims from the World Trade Center, or who fought back against the Islamic terrorists in a hijacked plane over Pennsylvania, or who died on the battlefields in Afghanistan and Iraq. For the most part, the authors of the editorials have contented themselves with promoting pet political causes that have nothing to do with the worst terrorist attack in American history. The Eagle may as well have used the space to peddle Twin Towers Cola or Flight 93 designer jeans. It would have been just as disgusting as what they did publish, but at least it would have been honest.
Today's editorial (written by Karan Watson and Nancy Watson) was about the suicide of one of their friends. The authors seemed to be blaming anyone and everyone who was a "hater" for their friend's death.
To anyone acquainted with modern multiculturalism, the Watson's definition of "hater" was all too familiar. Those who do not wholeheartedly endorse the Watson's view of "tolerance" are somehow guilty of murdering their friend. The Eagle is not exactly known for thought-provoking journalism and rational debate, but even by its own already low standards today's editorial was more than a bit over the top.
One problem I have discovered in arguing with multiculturalists is that many of them see disagreement as not just wrong, but a criminal act that indicates you are not quite a human being. You are a "hater" if you disagree with the homosexual lifestyle, affirmative action, abortion on demand, or any other position they hold as sacred. It was not hyperbole or journalistic license that led the Watsons to accuse those they disagree with of slaughtering their friend. They really mean it.
Perhaps it is time to remind the Eagle that the world is a bit more than what they encounter in the pampered, privileged bubble they live in. Unlike the Watson's fictitious "haters", real haters are killing innocent victims every day all over the world. China, Cuba, and North Korea routinely imprison, torture and murder people with rarely a peep of protest from the journalists at Eagle. Hitler's rise to power led to an orgy of blood-letting and a world war. The Soviet Union and the Communist Bloc came terrifyingly close to world domination while strangling the life and soul out of its subjects. The United States threw off the evils of slavery only after fighting a vicious civil war, and nearly a hundred years later almost did so again in order to get rid of lingering racial discrimination. Throughout history Jews have been a favorite target for bloodthirsty maniacs. And just try being a homosexual (or a Christian) in places like Iran, Indonesia, Pakistan, and others the Eagle would prefer to forget.
Perhaps it is time to remember who the real haters are.
Up until today, however, the editorials have largely avoided 9/11 and the uncomfortable issues that day raises. Not a word (so far) about the heroes who saved lives pulling victims from the World Trade Center, or who fought back against the Islamic terrorists in a hijacked plane over Pennsylvania, or who died on the battlefields in Afghanistan and Iraq. For the most part, the authors of the editorials have contented themselves with promoting pet political causes that have nothing to do with the worst terrorist attack in American history. The Eagle may as well have used the space to peddle Twin Towers Cola or Flight 93 designer jeans. It would have been just as disgusting as what they did publish, but at least it would have been honest.
Today's editorial (written by Karan Watson and Nancy Watson) was about the suicide of one of their friends. The authors seemed to be blaming anyone and everyone who was a "hater" for their friend's death.
To anyone acquainted with modern multiculturalism, the Watson's definition of "hater" was all too familiar. Those who do not wholeheartedly endorse the Watson's view of "tolerance" are somehow guilty of murdering their friend. The Eagle is not exactly known for thought-provoking journalism and rational debate, but even by its own already low standards today's editorial was more than a bit over the top.
One problem I have discovered in arguing with multiculturalists is that many of them see disagreement as not just wrong, but a criminal act that indicates you are not quite a human being. You are a "hater" if you disagree with the homosexual lifestyle, affirmative action, abortion on demand, or any other position they hold as sacred. It was not hyperbole or journalistic license that led the Watsons to accuse those they disagree with of slaughtering their friend. They really mean it.
Perhaps it is time to remind the Eagle that the world is a bit more than what they encounter in the pampered, privileged bubble they live in. Unlike the Watson's fictitious "haters", real haters are killing innocent victims every day all over the world. China, Cuba, and North Korea routinely imprison, torture and murder people with rarely a peep of protest from the journalists at Eagle. Hitler's rise to power led to an orgy of blood-letting and a world war. The Soviet Union and the Communist Bloc came terrifyingly close to world domination while strangling the life and soul out of its subjects. The United States threw off the evils of slavery only after fighting a vicious civil war, and nearly a hundred years later almost did so again in order to get rid of lingering racial discrimination. Throughout history Jews have been a favorite target for bloodthirsty maniacs. And just try being a homosexual (or a Christian) in places like Iran, Indonesia, Pakistan, and others the Eagle would prefer to forget.
Perhaps it is time to remember who the real haters are.
Update on Asia Bibi
Asia Bibi will be the subject of a new book. The book will be written in collaboration with French journalist and author Anne Isabelle Tollet.
For those who do not know who she is, here is the story about Asia Bibi's unjust imprisonment and death sentence for "blasphemy" against the Prophet Muhammad.
Please continue to pray for Asia Bibi and her family.
Today's verse
Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Today's verse
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
1 Peter 4:12-13 (NKJV)
Saturday, September 03, 2011
Update on Asia Bibi
At GetReligion.org, there is a good article about the sometimes misleading coverage in the West over the plight of Asia Bibi and other victims of radical Islam.
For those who do not know who she is, here is the story about Asia Bibi's unjust imprisonment and death sentence for "blasphemy" against the Prophet Muhammad.
Please continue to pray for Asia Bibi and her family.
Today's verse
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake
II Corinthians 4:5 (KJV)
Monday, August 29, 2011
Today's verse
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:28 (KJV)
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Update on Asia Bibi
Shahbaz Taseer, the son of the murdered Governor of Punjab Salmaan Taseer, has been kidnapped. Shehrbano Taseer, Salman Taseer's daughter, has already left Pakistan due to death threats.
For those who do not know who she is, here is the story about Asia Bibi's unjust imprisonment and death sentence for "blasphemy" against the Prophet Muhammad.
Please continue to pray for Asia Bibi and her family, and for the family of Salmaan Taseer.
Today's verse
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Matthew 10:34 (KJV)
Friday, August 26, 2011
Zanzibar and Ramadan
Tourists to Zanzibar (an island that is part of the United Republic of Tanzania) have been advised that "it would be to their benefit if they refrain from eating and drinking in public during Ramadhan".
I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, I was often embarrassed by the poor behavior some Western tourists showed when they were in Tanzania. Many young European women dressed (and acted) like they were on their way to a pole-dancing contest. The overt sexual behavior that has decimated Western culture is not yet fully established in Tanzania, and many Tanzanians want to keep it that way. It would be nice if some Westerners would stop viewing Tanzanians as backwards, sexually-repressed morons who need to have their consciousnesses raised - even if it against their will.
On the other hand, I know from experience that this advisory against eating and drinking in public has less to do with respect for local customs than with the safely of Western tourists. While In Tanzania (I lived and worked on the mainland) I never had anyone warn me against public eating and drinking during Ramadan. But the islands are different - the population is 99% Muslim, and the guarantees of religious freedom are not always available to non-Muslims. Church buildings have been attacked in Zanzibar, and Christians live under a constant threat of oppression. My wife knows of cases where non-Muslims living in the islands have been dragged from restaurants - and even their homes - and beaten for eating during Ramadan.
In my opinion, this warning to tourists is the result of the growing influence of radical Muslims who have no interest in religious pluralism or tolerance. To the best of my knowledge, no Western tourists have ever been attacked for public eating and drinking. But given the fact that the islands seem well on their way to becoming a de facto Islamist state, that situation may not last.
I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, I was often embarrassed by the poor behavior some Western tourists showed when they were in Tanzania. Many young European women dressed (and acted) like they were on their way to a pole-dancing contest. The overt sexual behavior that has decimated Western culture is not yet fully established in Tanzania, and many Tanzanians want to keep it that way. It would be nice if some Westerners would stop viewing Tanzanians as backwards, sexually-repressed morons who need to have their consciousnesses raised - even if it against their will.
On the other hand, I know from experience that this advisory against eating and drinking in public has less to do with respect for local customs than with the safely of Western tourists. While In Tanzania (I lived and worked on the mainland) I never had anyone warn me against public eating and drinking during Ramadan. But the islands are different - the population is 99% Muslim, and the guarantees of religious freedom are not always available to non-Muslims. Church buildings have been attacked in Zanzibar, and Christians live under a constant threat of oppression. My wife knows of cases where non-Muslims living in the islands have been dragged from restaurants - and even their homes - and beaten for eating during Ramadan.
In my opinion, this warning to tourists is the result of the growing influence of radical Muslims who have no interest in religious pluralism or tolerance. To the best of my knowledge, no Western tourists have ever been attacked for public eating and drinking. But given the fact that the islands seem well on their way to becoming a de facto Islamist state, that situation may not last.
Today's verse
The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired [Jesus] that he would shew them a sign from heaven. He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.
Matthew 16:1-4 (KJV)
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