CDs Only
1. "Jonah Pt 1"– by Chuck Missler
2. "Jonah Pt 2" – by Chuck Missler
3. "Compassion In JESUS Name" – by Wess Stafford
4. "When Your Roof Leaks" – by John Seaborn
5. "The Mount Of Transfiguration" - Richard Bennett
6. "Watching The Storms In Life" - by Dr. Howard Clark
Request your CDs from our friends @ firefightersforchrist@cox.net
Also, I have some Bibles that have been sitting on my shelf. I would love to give them to anyone who promises to read them. You just need to cover the cost of shipping, if possible.
1. Giant print KJV black leather- like new condition
2. Large print Open Bible NKJV hardcover- used condition
3. Black leather NIV- used condition
4. Paperback NLT The Book- brand new condition
E mail me @ info@refugeministries.cc if you are interested in one of the Bibles.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Bait and Switch
Trading the Vibrant Life of Jesus for a Ritualistic Religion Called Christianity.
I saw the sign a year ago in Georgia: Live Free for Three Months. It was a developer's marketing strategy for a declining housing market. When I saw it, however, I wasn't thinking about houses. I thought about Christianity and how we invite people to live free in Christ and then soon after saddle them with all the obligations of being a "good Christian". We generally don't even let them have three months.
When the early believers were first called Christians, we don't know if it was a complement or a mockery. We do know that they didn't invent the term for themselves. The culture called them "little christs" because they had found so much identity in following Jesus. Whatever spawned the term, those early believers adopted it for themselves and for 2,000 years it has been the dominant identifier for those who claim to follow Christ. But that might be changing.
Recent surveys show even believers are becoming uncomfortable with the term. At least in the United States it is increasingly used not for people who reflect the passion of Jesus in a broken world, but for adherents of a religion that has been built on a distortion of the life and teaching of Jesus, not necessarily it's reality. The results can be confusing.
"Are you a Christian?" I used to love it when someone on a plane asked me that question. "Absolutely," I'd answer, proud to be on the side of all that's good and right in the world. But over the last fifteen years, answering that question has become far more difficult. Much of what has been done in recent years in the name of Christianity embarrasses me and disfigures the God I love. Some of it even horrifies me.
So now when I'm asked the question today, I hedge a bit. "It depends on what you mean by 'Christian'," I often respond. If they are asking whether or not I am a faithful adherent of the religion called Christianity, I have to confess that I'm not. I'm not even trying to be. But if they are asking me if I am a passionate follower of Jesus, the answer would be an enthusiastic yes.
In a few short years those realities have diverged significantly. Perhaps there has not been a time since the Middle Ages, where what it means to be a good Christian and what it means to thrive in a relationship with God, couldn't be more at odds. You can do everything required of a 'good Christian' in our day and still miss out on what it means to know him and be involved in a meaningful relationship with him that transforms you to love as he loved.
How many people endure repetitive rituals certain that doing so endears them to God? How many embrace a slate of ethical rules or doctrinal propositions thinking that doing so ensures God's blessings? Jesus offered us a vibrant life of relationship with his Father, and we ended up creating a religion that often disarms that very Gospel of its glory.
"These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men." (Mark 7:6-7) These words are as true for us today as when Jesus voiced them to the religious captives in his. His warnings in Matthew 23 about the pitfalls of religion, are more applicable in our day than they were in his. When is the last time you heard a sermon from that text? Read it. You'll know why.
Something Is Broken
For the last few months I've done numerous radio interviews for people concerned about what's being called the collapse of Christianity. Newsweek did a cover article in April about the collapse of Christianity's influence in America and that fewer people identify themselves as Christian or are a committed part of a local congregation.
There's a lot of handwringing going on about those statistics, most of them blaming the culture. But the problems in religion itself have never been greater. Conservative Christianity aligned itself with a political agenda and a party that turned out to be as corrupt as it blamed the other party for being. More and more believers I know are embarrassed at the anger and arrogance of many so-called leaders who speak to the press on behalf of Christianity. So it's no wonder to me that last year 4000 churches closed in America, 1700 pastors left the ministry each month and another 1300 pastors were terminated by their church, many without cause, and over 3500 people per day left their church last year.
Clearly we have a problem that cannot be blamed on the secularization of our culture. The kingdom is no longer a pearl of great price, and knowing Jesus is no longer the fruit of our religious activities. And people who are beginning to see that, are often marginalized as rebellious or unsubmitted for simply wanting what Jesus promised them.
Many people giving up on local institutions are not doing so because they've rejected Jesus, but finding that the culture of Christianity is actually diminishing their faith not enhancing it. In an email I got the other day, from a frustrated pastor trying to help people follow Jesus, and is just coming to realize that his own job may be at odds with his greatest passion. "Church has become a hindrance to building relationships and loving others."
He's not alone. Many of us came to faith enamored by the life and teachings of Jesus. We were promised a relationship with God but were handed a religion of doctrines we had to believe, rituals we had to observe, obligations we had to meet and a standard of morality to adopt. While most of those were true enough, many found that their attempts to follow them did not produce either the life of Jesus it promised, nor the reality of true, caring communities of faith.
We have traded the simple power of the Gospel for a religion based on human effort. We were invited to relationship and ended up with a host of irrelevant dogma and burdensome obligations. Fortunately people from all over the world are waking up to a fresh hunger to shed the dictates of religion and embrace the wonder and power of a love-filled relationship with the living God.
Was Christianity Ever Meant to Be a Religion?
I guess all of this begs the question, did Jesus intend to start a religion called Christianity, or did we do this to ourselves? I suspect the latter. I am wholeheartedly convinced that he came to end all religions, not by lashing out against them, but by filling up in the human spirit what religion promises to fill but never can. Religion seeks to manipulate human effort to earn God's approval, when such approval can never be earned.
Abraham, a Jewish man, lead the tour portion of a trip to Israel I was on fifteen years ago. Some of those on the tour had been rude to his faith as they tried to "help" him embrace Jesus as the Messiah. On the last morning, I found him alone by the bus and had the chance to ask him if he'd been offended by some of the remarks.
He smiled. He told me he'd been guiding tours for 30 years and someone is always trying to convert him to their faith--Christians, Reformed Jews, Muslims and Mormons. Then he asked me, "Do you know why it makes no difference to me?"
I shook my head. He led me out to the street and pointed at a building, "Do you see that synagogue with the star of David? That's our building. The one over there with the cross on it is yours. Further down, do you see the dome? That's theirs. On the surface they may look different, but underneath they are all basically the same. You would think that if one of us was serving the Living God, it would look differently."
I still remember how much his words impacted me. Religion is the same all over the world. It is a prescribed set of doctrine, rules, rituals, and ethics. It celebrates sacred space, exalts holy-men as gurus and tries to muscle its way into the culture. For 2000 years many have practiced Christianity as a religion, essentially no different than the others, except in who it claims to follow. But if one of us was serving a Living God, wouldn't it look very different?
When we cram the life of God into a box, we rob it of its life and power and only distinguish it from other religions by claiming a more truthful doctrine. Could that be why Jesus didn't teach his disciples how to gain a following or build institutions. He didn't teach them how to meet on Sunday mornings at 10:00 with a worship band and a leader to lecture the others. He didn't give them a prescribed set of behaviors that people were suppose to follow as the means to serve God.
No, he invited them into his Father's house, and a reality of relationship with his Father that would transform them and opened the way for them to share that love with others. That you can't put into a religion and trying to only chokes out any hope of relationship. Putting creed and doctrine above a growing friendship with him supplants the reality he offered us, no matter how correct our doctrine or moral our ethics.
Don't get me wrong. Truth is vital, as is righteousness, but without love they are also empty. Learning to live as a beloved child is far more transforming than the greatest principle you can follow. The life of Christian community isn't found by sharing religion together, but by embracing a journey of growing relationship with him that transforms us by his grace and power.
Losing Your Religion
What does this mean for us? Should we stop calling ourselves Christian or judge those who do? Should we come up with a new term to franchise so we could separate the ones who live it relationally from the ones who are caught up in religion? If we did, we'd only be making the same mistakes that have diminished our life in Jesus over the centuries.
The truth is that Christianity as a religion is a dangerous disfigurement of the God of the Bible. But not all who call themselves Christians live religiously. Given all the excesses and failures of Christianity, I am delightfully grateful that the Gospel of Jesus is still relatively intact inside its doctrine. Unfortunately it only lets new believers live free for so long before burdening them with religious obligations.
And I meet many believers and leaders who have a profound faith and are seeking healthy ways to communicate that journey with others. I rejoice in that, as I do the amount of compassionate aid that such groups share with the world in need. But too many people miss out on the life Jesus offered them by practicing it as a religion instead of growing to know him.
Ultimately the transformation from practicing religion to living inside a relationship with God is not an institutional battle; it is a personal one. We could tear apart all of our religious institutions today and nothing would change. I've been in many a house church filled with people who see the institutional church as the problem and are oblivious to the fact that they've just moved their religion into a home, where close fellowship only makes it more oppressive.
When God is a distant concept to you instead of a real presence.
When you find yourself following another man, woman, or a set of principles instead of following Jesus.
When fear of eternity, not measuring up, or falling into error drives your actions.
When you find yourself in empty rituals that do not connect you in a real way to him.
When you are burdened by the expectations of others and feel guilty when you can't do enough.
When you look at others who struggle with contempt instead of compassion.
When the approval of others means more to you than remaining in the reality of his love.
When you hesitate to be honest about your doubts or struggles because others will judge you.
When you think of holiness as an unachievable duty, rather than aglorious invitation.
When you think righteousness depends on your efforts instead of his grace working in you.
When following him is more about obligation than affection.
When correcting someone's doctrine is more important than loving them.
When God seems more present on Sunday morning, than he does on Monday.
If you have only known Christianity to be a set of doctrines, rules and rituals, I have great news. Jesus came and died to open up access between you and his Father. Religion supplants that, distracting us with discipline, commitment and hard work that never yields the fruit it promises. If you've been worn out by religion, don't think you're alone. Others are just pretending, afraid they are the only ones, too. Life is only found in him.
Switching Back
There's something about our flesh that craves the illusion of safety that religion affords. Anyone of us can find our heart easily turned toward following rules instead of engaging him. When we recognize that happening, we can simply turn our hearts back to him and choose to move away from the religious traps and connect once again with God as our Father.
Living the Gospel means we live in his love. We come to know the Father's love for us and then sharing that love with him, and with others he puts in our path. (John 13:34-35). No other motive will suffice; no other is necessary. This is where the journey begins and this is the only place it can continue.
Returning to our first love isn't as difficult as we like to make it. For me it just means finding a quiet place and talking to God. When you find yourself caught in religion, tell him you're tired of chasing a religion that isn't working and you want to know him as he really is. Then, wake up each day with a similar prayer on your heart. Watch how he makes himself known to you in the simple reality of living each day. Follow the nudges he puts on your heart instead of the obligations and rituals. Find others who are on this journey and find ways to share the reality of a growing relationship and help guard our hearts about following into empty religious practices.
If you've been steeped in religion for a long time, you'll find yourself going through a very disorienting time. One woman I met called it a Pharisectomy, which is simply having your inner Pharisee removed. You might feel guilty, lonely, lost, or fearful in the process. Your former religious friends may feel threatened that you're no longer doing the things they do. But in time you'll find yourself sliding into the reality of relationship with him that is as increasingly real, transformative and engaging.
Among It, Not of It
So let's not go to war with religion, railing against its failures fighting against its dictates. Instead let's do what Jesus did--let's live beyond it. Let's find a reality of freedom and authenticity in him that can walk alongside anyone with patience and gentleness. Religion is what people crave when they haven't found life in him. Taking their religion away won't fix that. The only thing that will is helping them see a reality of relationship with God that makes all our religious activity unnecessary and unattractive. Jesus could be in religious settings and not be captured by them. He could care about a Pharisee as much as a prostitute.
Live among religion if he asks you to, loving toward those mired in it but you never have to be of it. The Gospel opens the door for us to re-engage the transcendent God, to know him as our Abba and to walk with him through the twists and turns of life, sharing his affection with others.
Live in the reality of that relationship and you'll find it quite naturally finding expression through you as you love and treat others the same way God treats you. People who refuse to live to fear, conform to ritual or put doctrine above love will find themselves having ample opportunity to help others on this journey as well. A dear friend wrote me recently who was feeling a bit swamped by all the people seeking out his help these days, "You didn't say anything about being safe is like hanging up a "counseling available" shingle."
We live in a great day. The emptiness of tradition is being seen for what it is and people are hungering for the reality of relationship. Live there each day and there's no telling where that will take you or who you'll end up walking alongside as Jesus becomes your life.
Then you can live free, not just for a few days or even three months. He came to set you free
eternally!
by Wayne Jacobsen
I saw the sign a year ago in Georgia: Live Free for Three Months. It was a developer's marketing strategy for a declining housing market. When I saw it, however, I wasn't thinking about houses. I thought about Christianity and how we invite people to live free in Christ and then soon after saddle them with all the obligations of being a "good Christian". We generally don't even let them have three months.
When the early believers were first called Christians, we don't know if it was a complement or a mockery. We do know that they didn't invent the term for themselves. The culture called them "little christs" because they had found so much identity in following Jesus. Whatever spawned the term, those early believers adopted it for themselves and for 2,000 years it has been the dominant identifier for those who claim to follow Christ. But that might be changing.
Recent surveys show even believers are becoming uncomfortable with the term. At least in the United States it is increasingly used not for people who reflect the passion of Jesus in a broken world, but for adherents of a religion that has been built on a distortion of the life and teaching of Jesus, not necessarily it's reality. The results can be confusing.
"Are you a Christian?" I used to love it when someone on a plane asked me that question. "Absolutely," I'd answer, proud to be on the side of all that's good and right in the world. But over the last fifteen years, answering that question has become far more difficult. Much of what has been done in recent years in the name of Christianity embarrasses me and disfigures the God I love. Some of it even horrifies me.
So now when I'm asked the question today, I hedge a bit. "It depends on what you mean by 'Christian'," I often respond. If they are asking whether or not I am a faithful adherent of the religion called Christianity, I have to confess that I'm not. I'm not even trying to be. But if they are asking me if I am a passionate follower of Jesus, the answer would be an enthusiastic yes.
In a few short years those realities have diverged significantly. Perhaps there has not been a time since the Middle Ages, where what it means to be a good Christian and what it means to thrive in a relationship with God, couldn't be more at odds. You can do everything required of a 'good Christian' in our day and still miss out on what it means to know him and be involved in a meaningful relationship with him that transforms you to love as he loved.
How many people endure repetitive rituals certain that doing so endears them to God? How many embrace a slate of ethical rules or doctrinal propositions thinking that doing so ensures God's blessings? Jesus offered us a vibrant life of relationship with his Father, and we ended up creating a religion that often disarms that very Gospel of its glory.
"These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men." (Mark 7:6-7) These words are as true for us today as when Jesus voiced them to the religious captives in his. His warnings in Matthew 23 about the pitfalls of religion, are more applicable in our day than they were in his. When is the last time you heard a sermon from that text? Read it. You'll know why.
Something Is Broken
For the last few months I've done numerous radio interviews for people concerned about what's being called the collapse of Christianity. Newsweek did a cover article in April about the collapse of Christianity's influence in America and that fewer people identify themselves as Christian or are a committed part of a local congregation.
There's a lot of handwringing going on about those statistics, most of them blaming the culture. But the problems in religion itself have never been greater. Conservative Christianity aligned itself with a political agenda and a party that turned out to be as corrupt as it blamed the other party for being. More and more believers I know are embarrassed at the anger and arrogance of many so-called leaders who speak to the press on behalf of Christianity. So it's no wonder to me that last year 4000 churches closed in America, 1700 pastors left the ministry each month and another 1300 pastors were terminated by their church, many without cause, and over 3500 people per day left their church last year.
Clearly we have a problem that cannot be blamed on the secularization of our culture. The kingdom is no longer a pearl of great price, and knowing Jesus is no longer the fruit of our religious activities. And people who are beginning to see that, are often marginalized as rebellious or unsubmitted for simply wanting what Jesus promised them.
Many people giving up on local institutions are not doing so because they've rejected Jesus, but finding that the culture of Christianity is actually diminishing their faith not enhancing it. In an email I got the other day, from a frustrated pastor trying to help people follow Jesus, and is just coming to realize that his own job may be at odds with his greatest passion. "Church has become a hindrance to building relationships and loving others."
He's not alone. Many of us came to faith enamored by the life and teachings of Jesus. We were promised a relationship with God but were handed a religion of doctrines we had to believe, rituals we had to observe, obligations we had to meet and a standard of morality to adopt. While most of those were true enough, many found that their attempts to follow them did not produce either the life of Jesus it promised, nor the reality of true, caring communities of faith.
We have traded the simple power of the Gospel for a religion based on human effort. We were invited to relationship and ended up with a host of irrelevant dogma and burdensome obligations. Fortunately people from all over the world are waking up to a fresh hunger to shed the dictates of religion and embrace the wonder and power of a love-filled relationship with the living God.
Was Christianity Ever Meant to Be a Religion?
I guess all of this begs the question, did Jesus intend to start a religion called Christianity, or did we do this to ourselves? I suspect the latter. I am wholeheartedly convinced that he came to end all religions, not by lashing out against them, but by filling up in the human spirit what religion promises to fill but never can. Religion seeks to manipulate human effort to earn God's approval, when such approval can never be earned.
Abraham, a Jewish man, lead the tour portion of a trip to Israel I was on fifteen years ago. Some of those on the tour had been rude to his faith as they tried to "help" him embrace Jesus as the Messiah. On the last morning, I found him alone by the bus and had the chance to ask him if he'd been offended by some of the remarks.
He smiled. He told me he'd been guiding tours for 30 years and someone is always trying to convert him to their faith--Christians, Reformed Jews, Muslims and Mormons. Then he asked me, "Do you know why it makes no difference to me?"
I shook my head. He led me out to the street and pointed at a building, "Do you see that synagogue with the star of David? That's our building. The one over there with the cross on it is yours. Further down, do you see the dome? That's theirs. On the surface they may look different, but underneath they are all basically the same. You would think that if one of us was serving the Living God, it would look differently."
I still remember how much his words impacted me. Religion is the same all over the world. It is a prescribed set of doctrine, rules, rituals, and ethics. It celebrates sacred space, exalts holy-men as gurus and tries to muscle its way into the culture. For 2000 years many have practiced Christianity as a religion, essentially no different than the others, except in who it claims to follow. But if one of us was serving a Living God, wouldn't it look very different?
When we cram the life of God into a box, we rob it of its life and power and only distinguish it from other religions by claiming a more truthful doctrine. Could that be why Jesus didn't teach his disciples how to gain a following or build institutions. He didn't teach them how to meet on Sunday mornings at 10:00 with a worship band and a leader to lecture the others. He didn't give them a prescribed set of behaviors that people were suppose to follow as the means to serve God.
No, he invited them into his Father's house, and a reality of relationship with his Father that would transform them and opened the way for them to share that love with others. That you can't put into a religion and trying to only chokes out any hope of relationship. Putting creed and doctrine above a growing friendship with him supplants the reality he offered us, no matter how correct our doctrine or moral our ethics.
Don't get me wrong. Truth is vital, as is righteousness, but without love they are also empty. Learning to live as a beloved child is far more transforming than the greatest principle you can follow. The life of Christian community isn't found by sharing religion together, but by embracing a journey of growing relationship with him that transforms us by his grace and power.
Losing Your Religion
What does this mean for us? Should we stop calling ourselves Christian or judge those who do? Should we come up with a new term to franchise so we could separate the ones who live it relationally from the ones who are caught up in religion? If we did, we'd only be making the same mistakes that have diminished our life in Jesus over the centuries.
The truth is that Christianity as a religion is a dangerous disfigurement of the God of the Bible. But not all who call themselves Christians live religiously. Given all the excesses and failures of Christianity, I am delightfully grateful that the Gospel of Jesus is still relatively intact inside its doctrine. Unfortunately it only lets new believers live free for so long before burdening them with religious obligations.
And I meet many believers and leaders who have a profound faith and are seeking healthy ways to communicate that journey with others. I rejoice in that, as I do the amount of compassionate aid that such groups share with the world in need. But too many people miss out on the life Jesus offered them by practicing it as a religion instead of growing to know him.
Ultimately the transformation from practicing religion to living inside a relationship with God is not an institutional battle; it is a personal one. We could tear apart all of our religious institutions today and nothing would change. I've been in many a house church filled with people who see the institutional church as the problem and are oblivious to the fact that they've just moved their religion into a home, where close fellowship only makes it more oppressive.
When God is a distant concept to you instead of a real presence.
When you find yourself following another man, woman, or a set of principles instead of following Jesus.
When fear of eternity, not measuring up, or falling into error drives your actions.
When you find yourself in empty rituals that do not connect you in a real way to him.
When you are burdened by the expectations of others and feel guilty when you can't do enough.
When you look at others who struggle with contempt instead of compassion.
When the approval of others means more to you than remaining in the reality of his love.
When you hesitate to be honest about your doubts or struggles because others will judge you.
When you think of holiness as an unachievable duty, rather than aglorious invitation.
When you think righteousness depends on your efforts instead of his grace working in you.
When following him is more about obligation than affection.
When correcting someone's doctrine is more important than loving them.
When God seems more present on Sunday morning, than he does on Monday.
If you have only known Christianity to be a set of doctrines, rules and rituals, I have great news. Jesus came and died to open up access between you and his Father. Religion supplants that, distracting us with discipline, commitment and hard work that never yields the fruit it promises. If you've been worn out by religion, don't think you're alone. Others are just pretending, afraid they are the only ones, too. Life is only found in him.
Switching Back
There's something about our flesh that craves the illusion of safety that religion affords. Anyone of us can find our heart easily turned toward following rules instead of engaging him. When we recognize that happening, we can simply turn our hearts back to him and choose to move away from the religious traps and connect once again with God as our Father.
Living the Gospel means we live in his love. We come to know the Father's love for us and then sharing that love with him, and with others he puts in our path. (John 13:34-35). No other motive will suffice; no other is necessary. This is where the journey begins and this is the only place it can continue.
Returning to our first love isn't as difficult as we like to make it. For me it just means finding a quiet place and talking to God. When you find yourself caught in religion, tell him you're tired of chasing a religion that isn't working and you want to know him as he really is. Then, wake up each day with a similar prayer on your heart. Watch how he makes himself known to you in the simple reality of living each day. Follow the nudges he puts on your heart instead of the obligations and rituals. Find others who are on this journey and find ways to share the reality of a growing relationship and help guard our hearts about following into empty religious practices.
If you've been steeped in religion for a long time, you'll find yourself going through a very disorienting time. One woman I met called it a Pharisectomy, which is simply having your inner Pharisee removed. You might feel guilty, lonely, lost, or fearful in the process. Your former religious friends may feel threatened that you're no longer doing the things they do. But in time you'll find yourself sliding into the reality of relationship with him that is as increasingly real, transformative and engaging.
Among It, Not of It
So let's not go to war with religion, railing against its failures fighting against its dictates. Instead let's do what Jesus did--let's live beyond it. Let's find a reality of freedom and authenticity in him that can walk alongside anyone with patience and gentleness. Religion is what people crave when they haven't found life in him. Taking their religion away won't fix that. The only thing that will is helping them see a reality of relationship with God that makes all our religious activity unnecessary and unattractive. Jesus could be in religious settings and not be captured by them. He could care about a Pharisee as much as a prostitute.
Live among religion if he asks you to, loving toward those mired in it but you never have to be of it. The Gospel opens the door for us to re-engage the transcendent God, to know him as our Abba and to walk with him through the twists and turns of life, sharing his affection with others.
Live in the reality of that relationship and you'll find it quite naturally finding expression through you as you love and treat others the same way God treats you. People who refuse to live to fear, conform to ritual or put doctrine above love will find themselves having ample opportunity to help others on this journey as well. A dear friend wrote me recently who was feeling a bit swamped by all the people seeking out his help these days, "You didn't say anything about being safe is like hanging up a "counseling available" shingle."
We live in a great day. The emptiness of tradition is being seen for what it is and people are hungering for the reality of relationship. Live there each day and there's no telling where that will take you or who you'll end up walking alongside as Jesus becomes your life.
Then you can live free, not just for a few days or even three months. He came to set you free
eternally!
by Wayne Jacobsen
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
My Trip to the Netherlands
Several years ago, my wife and I were asked to come speak at a church by Pastor Edward Kwapong. We were to be 'special' guests on Easter for his congregation. I accepted his invitation without hesitation and made plans to travel, which my wife and I love to do with a passion!
The pastor shared that his congregation was mostly comprised of refugees from Africa, as the Netherlands is a port of receptivity for refugees. This sounded intriguing, as I was eager to meet pastor and his congregation.
As my wife and I arrived in the Netherlands, we were asked if we would be interested in going to a refugee camp the following day (this would be the Saturday before Easter). We stated that we would be interested, as pastor was going to share and minister to those that lived there.
I have to admit, as we traveled to the refugee camp, I was expecting to experience a down trodden group as they struggled with fleeing their country and living in what used to be a prisoner of war camp. However, as I met the refugees, they were extremely friendly and full of joy! We only had a few moments to greet and meet one another before we had church. We met in a room that I do not want to know how it was used during the war, because it was being filled with the glory of God. The refugees sang praises to the Lord in such a manner that I had never been apart of previously. We did not have musical instruments and was led by a young man who sang completely from his heart. I was literally crying due to the purity of heart that the refugees expressed in their love, adoration and worship toward their God. These individuals were living in a camp well below the level of my lifestyle. Yet their hearts were not concerned with things of this world.
My wife and I entered the church the following morning expecting anything. I learned a lesson the previous day and my eyes were open that this was not my typical church experience. This was a life changing experience. The congregation showed up by walking, riding bikes or however they could make it, they made it. Many came from far away enduring the freezing rain. I heard no one complain or make a negative remark about the weather or anything else for that matter!
The service was marvelous, as the congregation dressed in their finest tribal dress/apparal to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection. Worship was literally heavenly as we sang and loved God in worship. I was then asked to minister, but I honestly felt that I had been ministered to by this wonferful congregation and pastor. We ended the service with the pastor arranging a African dance celebrating Christ. I stood in amazement as I saw men and woman dancing joyfully before the Lord. The pastor saw that I was observing and 'pulled me in' the dance. It was awesome.
Asd I flew home from the Netherlands, I thought about how the refugees lived simple lives and loved God and others. I think often of their love, passion and freedom in Christ.
The pastor shared that his congregation was mostly comprised of refugees from Africa, as the Netherlands is a port of receptivity for refugees. This sounded intriguing, as I was eager to meet pastor and his congregation.
As my wife and I arrived in the Netherlands, we were asked if we would be interested in going to a refugee camp the following day (this would be the Saturday before Easter). We stated that we would be interested, as pastor was going to share and minister to those that lived there.
I have to admit, as we traveled to the refugee camp, I was expecting to experience a down trodden group as they struggled with fleeing their country and living in what used to be a prisoner of war camp. However, as I met the refugees, they were extremely friendly and full of joy! We only had a few moments to greet and meet one another before we had church. We met in a room that I do not want to know how it was used during the war, because it was being filled with the glory of God. The refugees sang praises to the Lord in such a manner that I had never been apart of previously. We did not have musical instruments and was led by a young man who sang completely from his heart. I was literally crying due to the purity of heart that the refugees expressed in their love, adoration and worship toward their God. These individuals were living in a camp well below the level of my lifestyle. Yet their hearts were not concerned with things of this world.
My wife and I entered the church the following morning expecting anything. I learned a lesson the previous day and my eyes were open that this was not my typical church experience. This was a life changing experience. The congregation showed up by walking, riding bikes or however they could make it, they made it. Many came from far away enduring the freezing rain. I heard no one complain or make a negative remark about the weather or anything else for that matter!
The service was marvelous, as the congregation dressed in their finest tribal dress/apparal to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection. Worship was literally heavenly as we sang and loved God in worship. I was then asked to minister, but I honestly felt that I had been ministered to by this wonferful congregation and pastor. We ended the service with the pastor arranging a African dance celebrating Christ. I stood in amazement as I saw men and woman dancing joyfully before the Lord. The pastor saw that I was observing and 'pulled me in' the dance. It was awesome.
Asd I flew home from the Netherlands, I thought about how the refugees lived simple lives and loved God and others. I think often of their love, passion and freedom in Christ.
Strength
Recently, I have been finding out how incredibly weak I am. I have a real sense of trying to fool myself into believing that I am capable of doing things that I am not. Try imaging me with hammer in hand setting out to build a horse stall. Not possible. I am not that person. I hire people to do such tasks, because I have to.
"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness". 2 Cor 12:9. I have a difficult time with that Scripture. I like to see myself as strong and capable. But, the Lord has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. 1 Cor 1:27 I guess that it really boils down to depending on the Lord for everything.
Weak and dependent on God. That is where the Lord would have me. And, that is where I choose to stay. Anywhere else is my own pride. And I really would rather see His strength instead of living a life fooling myself that I am strong.
"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness". 2 Cor 12:9. I have a difficult time with that Scripture. I like to see myself as strong and capable. But, the Lord has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. 1 Cor 1:27 I guess that it really boils down to depending on the Lord for everything.
Weak and dependent on God. That is where the Lord would have me. And, that is where I choose to stay. Anywhere else is my own pride. And I really would rather see His strength instead of living a life fooling myself that I am strong.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Free
If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:36
Drowning in Freedom – If Yeshua sets you free, what are you free to do? The cultural understanding of freedom would incline you to answer, “Well, I am free to live the life I want. I’m free to choose, free to pursue happiness, free to make what I want of my life.” Ah, yes, that would certainly be a Greek understanding of eleutheros (free). But it isn’t what Yeshua would say. His view of freedom is inextricably tied to one thing and one thing only – to serve God. He is free to be God’s slave.
In spite of the appeal of the Greek idea of freedom, the actual human experience of such individual license is not freedom at all. If you take a careful look around, you discover that we are drowning in freedom. For one man to be completely free, all other men must be imprisoned. No man is absolutely free to do whatever he wishes unless he first imprisons all those who would also choose their own liberty. But every man can be free to choose slavery. The difference between those who embrace the Messiah’s view of freedom and those who do not comes down to this: those who do not follow in the footsteps of the Messiah are not really free at all. They are already slaves to their own desire for independence. They were never able to make a real choice since they were born slaves to the need for community restraint of freedom. But once the Messiah opens the prison door, we are empowered to “become” the sons of God. How? By actually choosing to be slaves to Him.
The progenitor of our seductive slavery is Havvah (Eve). Consider the appeal of the serpent. “Your eyes will be opened and you will become like elohim – gods.” The Hebrew word is plural. You will not become God, but you will become like gods. How? By making self-determination the ruling principle of your life. Havvah thought that she could become a better person if she could just determine for herself what she needed from life. So, she chose to listen to her inner voice rather than to the external advice of God. In that instant, she became a slave, stripped of relationship with her God. We experience exactly the same “original” sin when we make the pursuit of independence the operating principle of life. What did Yeshua say? “The one who seeks to save his life shall lose it."
There is no Greek idea of freedom in the Bible. None. Man is not free. Not before he sees his pitiful condition and not after he repents. Freedom is not an inalienable right. Man was created to be bound by covenant relationship to his Creator. There is choice, but the choice is not freedom. Choosing to serve the God who is compassionate, holy, just and good is choosing to put away the mythology of freedom. That’s very difficult to do, especially in a society that venerates “freedom” as the most important thing in life. Havvah would certainly provide a different kind of advice today. She learned the hard way. Apparently, we do too.
God’s way is much simpler. Just do what He says. There is no great anxiety worrying about the pro’s and con’s of choice. There is no numbing confusion about sorting through all the possibilities. God’s way is a straight path. Stop-Wait-Listen-Act. I don’t know why we get so muddled. Maybe we’re trying too hard to be free. Maybe we think slavery is a bad thing. Maybe we’re really not so anxious to follow in the footsteps of Yeshua, a slave to the Father.
by Skip Moen
Drowning in Freedom – If Yeshua sets you free, what are you free to do? The cultural understanding of freedom would incline you to answer, “Well, I am free to live the life I want. I’m free to choose, free to pursue happiness, free to make what I want of my life.” Ah, yes, that would certainly be a Greek understanding of eleutheros (free). But it isn’t what Yeshua would say. His view of freedom is inextricably tied to one thing and one thing only – to serve God. He is free to be God’s slave.
In spite of the appeal of the Greek idea of freedom, the actual human experience of such individual license is not freedom at all. If you take a careful look around, you discover that we are drowning in freedom. For one man to be completely free, all other men must be imprisoned. No man is absolutely free to do whatever he wishes unless he first imprisons all those who would also choose their own liberty. But every man can be free to choose slavery. The difference between those who embrace the Messiah’s view of freedom and those who do not comes down to this: those who do not follow in the footsteps of the Messiah are not really free at all. They are already slaves to their own desire for independence. They were never able to make a real choice since they were born slaves to the need for community restraint of freedom. But once the Messiah opens the prison door, we are empowered to “become” the sons of God. How? By actually choosing to be slaves to Him.
The progenitor of our seductive slavery is Havvah (Eve). Consider the appeal of the serpent. “Your eyes will be opened and you will become like elohim – gods.” The Hebrew word is plural. You will not become God, but you will become like gods. How? By making self-determination the ruling principle of your life. Havvah thought that she could become a better person if she could just determine for herself what she needed from life. So, she chose to listen to her inner voice rather than to the external advice of God. In that instant, she became a slave, stripped of relationship with her God. We experience exactly the same “original” sin when we make the pursuit of independence the operating principle of life. What did Yeshua say? “The one who seeks to save his life shall lose it."
There is no Greek idea of freedom in the Bible. None. Man is not free. Not before he sees his pitiful condition and not after he repents. Freedom is not an inalienable right. Man was created to be bound by covenant relationship to his Creator. There is choice, but the choice is not freedom. Choosing to serve the God who is compassionate, holy, just and good is choosing to put away the mythology of freedom. That’s very difficult to do, especially in a society that venerates “freedom” as the most important thing in life. Havvah would certainly provide a different kind of advice today. She learned the hard way. Apparently, we do too.
God’s way is much simpler. Just do what He says. There is no great anxiety worrying about the pro’s and con’s of choice. There is no numbing confusion about sorting through all the possibilities. God’s way is a straight path. Stop-Wait-Listen-Act. I don’t know why we get so muddled. Maybe we’re trying too hard to be free. Maybe we think slavery is a bad thing. Maybe we’re really not so anxious to follow in the footsteps of Yeshua, a slave to the Father.
by Skip Moen
Monday, August 10, 2009
Released from Shame
I grew up known as the town drunk's kid. My house was the house that the police frequented. We lived in small towns whenever we moved, which was often. Everyone knew our 'business' and I wanted someone to come and take me away from all of it. I did not smile and I kept my head down. I was ashamed of who I was and my family. I felt the judgement of being less than others. I attempted to live a 'normal life as much as I was able. I joined the sport leagues; baseball, football and basketball. But, my family did not come to my games. I was alone.
By my middle school years, I was depressed due to my anger and 'unresolved issues'. I constantly wondered why someone would not do something about the way I was living. Again, everyone knew our business, but there was no one intervening or helping. I walked around in life among adults who knew what was going on in our family; alcoholism, domestic violence etc but they just turned their heads? I don't know, but I had to find an escape.
My high school years led me to become exactly like what had been set before me; alcoholism and violence. I turned to drinking thinking that this would alleviate the pain of my shame. The drinking did nothing for me. I turned to drugs and, obviously the occult had become a real avenue of interest.
My upbringing really did a number on me; how I saw myself and how I saw others. I lived under their judgement, beit real or imagined, of not measuring up. I was actually told by my dad that I would never amount to anything. I constantly felt bad about myself. I spent alot of time, energy and effort attempting to measure up, attempting to live a 'normal life' and fitting in.
When I became a Christian in 1981, I exchanged the judgement that I had been living under for the judgement of God. I had to learn how God saw me and from that perspective I learned how to view others. I did not need to measure up to anything or anyone. I no longer needed to feel bad about myself. I fit in; I know Whom I belong to.
Someone did come along and do something about the way I was living. Someone intervened on my behalf and took me away from it all. Jesus Christ interrupted my life, which was ruins, with His Grace. He took away the shame of who I was.
recommended reading http://www.amazon.com/Released-Shame-Recovery-Children-Dysfunctional/dp/0830816011/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1249928253&sr=1-2
By my middle school years, I was depressed due to my anger and 'unresolved issues'. I constantly wondered why someone would not do something about the way I was living. Again, everyone knew our business, but there was no one intervening or helping. I walked around in life among adults who knew what was going on in our family; alcoholism, domestic violence etc but they just turned their heads? I don't know, but I had to find an escape.
My high school years led me to become exactly like what had been set before me; alcoholism and violence. I turned to drinking thinking that this would alleviate the pain of my shame. The drinking did nothing for me. I turned to drugs and, obviously the occult had become a real avenue of interest.
My upbringing really did a number on me; how I saw myself and how I saw others. I lived under their judgement, beit real or imagined, of not measuring up. I was actually told by my dad that I would never amount to anything. I constantly felt bad about myself. I spent alot of time, energy and effort attempting to measure up, attempting to live a 'normal life' and fitting in.
When I became a Christian in 1981, I exchanged the judgement that I had been living under for the judgement of God. I had to learn how God saw me and from that perspective I learned how to view others. I did not need to measure up to anything or anyone. I no longer needed to feel bad about myself. I fit in; I know Whom I belong to.
Someone did come along and do something about the way I was living. Someone intervened on my behalf and took me away from it all. Jesus Christ interrupted my life, which was ruins, with His Grace. He took away the shame of who I was.
recommended reading http://www.amazon.com/Released-Shame-Recovery-Children-Dysfunctional/dp/0830816011/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1249928253&sr=1-2
Far Above
Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and hath put all things under his feet …
Ephesians 1:21-22
Principality, power, might, and dominion are all words that describe various categories of demonic entities and angelic beings. Jesus has power over them all, and the same power that caused Him to be resurrected is in you. Whatever you're struggling with, whatever I'm wrestling through is infinitesimal compared to what it took to raise Christ into heaven. Therefore, if I'm in bondage, it's not because I need more power but because I've failed to utilized the power already in me.
We say, 'I'm addicted.'
God says, 'You're free.'
We say, 'I'm wounded.'
God says, 'You're as whole as you need to be.'
We say, 'I need counseling. I need drugs. I need a program.'
God says, 'You have Me.'
How does this work out practically? All things are under Jesus' feet. What things? Dominions, powers, addictions, problems, pornography, profanity, gossip, depression, meanness, temper, sadness, laziness - whatever it is you can't get over.
'But my problem is so overwhelming,' you say.
It couldn't be any more overwhelming than the waves threatening to drown the disciples. Yet even the waves which rolled over their heads were under Jesus' feet and provided the very foundation He walked upon to reach them (Matthew 14:25).
Nothing is over Jesus' head. All things are under His feet. Jesus is in absolute control of every situation, be it financial, physical, relational, vocational, or parental. Whatever might seem to be rolling your way, ready to sink your boat, and wipe you out is already under His feet - and might be the very path He chooses upon which to walk to you.
by Jon Courson
Ephesians 1:21-22
Principality, power, might, and dominion are all words that describe various categories of demonic entities and angelic beings. Jesus has power over them all, and the same power that caused Him to be resurrected is in you. Whatever you're struggling with, whatever I'm wrestling through is infinitesimal compared to what it took to raise Christ into heaven. Therefore, if I'm in bondage, it's not because I need more power but because I've failed to utilized the power already in me.
We say, 'I'm addicted.'
God says, 'You're free.'
We say, 'I'm wounded.'
God says, 'You're as whole as you need to be.'
We say, 'I need counseling. I need drugs. I need a program.'
God says, 'You have Me.'
How does this work out practically? All things are under Jesus' feet. What things? Dominions, powers, addictions, problems, pornography, profanity, gossip, depression, meanness, temper, sadness, laziness - whatever it is you can't get over.
'But my problem is so overwhelming,' you say.
It couldn't be any more overwhelming than the waves threatening to drown the disciples. Yet even the waves which rolled over their heads were under Jesus' feet and provided the very foundation He walked upon to reach them (Matthew 14:25).
Nothing is over Jesus' head. All things are under His feet. Jesus is in absolute control of every situation, be it financial, physical, relational, vocational, or parental. Whatever might seem to be rolling your way, ready to sink your boat, and wipe you out is already under His feet - and might be the very path He chooses upon which to walk to you.
by Jon Courson
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Imitate me, as I imitate Christ
I walked in as service was just beginning. The church was Faith Fellowship, a small congregation in Muncie, Indiana. I was in need of help. I had been a satanist for the past 4 years and had attempted suicide twice, not to mention that I was demon possessed.
As I walked in, I felt very uncomfortable. But I knew what I had to do. The people of the church were a bit uneased by my appearance. I was frail and wore sunglasses. This was an evening service. I took my seat in the back row of pews. I attempted to listen as Larry Delaney, the pastor taught. However, it was very uncomfortable as what was inside of me did not want me to be there.
After the service, I lingered, hoping that someone would initiate conversation. Harry Richardson did just that. He approached me and we began to talk. I shared very little about myself, but he was very open and seemed genuinely interested in me. I met his wife, Jo and they asked if I would like to come to their house for dinner later that week. I said yes.
I was picked up at my house by the Richardsons and driven to their home. That gesture allowed me to see that this couple was willing to assist me. As we arrived at their home, I realized that these folks were of a 'higher class' than I had been around. Harry had been Ball State University's Librarian and Jo had been an Arts professor. They lived in a beautiful home and had 'nice things'. However, they were very humble individuals and made me feel at home.
Dinner was a bit awkward, as I was feeling them out as to what I should reveal about myself and my life. After dinner, we went into their living room and I opened up. I told them that I had been a satanist but was looking to get out. Jo immediately reached out her hand and said "You need prayer". Indeed I did and this was the help that I was seeking.
She and Harry prayed for me and cast out the demons that had been tormenting me for years. I smiled so much after they came out that my face hurt. I was literally set free and prayed again to totally give my life to Jesus Christ. I was now a Christian.
Harry and Jo became like my parents. They poured out their lives for me. Endless hours of counsel, prayer and unconditional love was my experience all because I was asked to come to dinner. Meeting Harry and Jo saved my life. God used them in an awesome way.
I want to be like or imitate Harry and Jo. They were available for God to use them. They cared. They were humble servants.
As I walked in, I felt very uncomfortable. But I knew what I had to do. The people of the church were a bit uneased by my appearance. I was frail and wore sunglasses. This was an evening service. I took my seat in the back row of pews. I attempted to listen as Larry Delaney, the pastor taught. However, it was very uncomfortable as what was inside of me did not want me to be there.
After the service, I lingered, hoping that someone would initiate conversation. Harry Richardson did just that. He approached me and we began to talk. I shared very little about myself, but he was very open and seemed genuinely interested in me. I met his wife, Jo and they asked if I would like to come to their house for dinner later that week. I said yes.
I was picked up at my house by the Richardsons and driven to their home. That gesture allowed me to see that this couple was willing to assist me. As we arrived at their home, I realized that these folks were of a 'higher class' than I had been around. Harry had been Ball State University's Librarian and Jo had been an Arts professor. They lived in a beautiful home and had 'nice things'. However, they were very humble individuals and made me feel at home.
Dinner was a bit awkward, as I was feeling them out as to what I should reveal about myself and my life. After dinner, we went into their living room and I opened up. I told them that I had been a satanist but was looking to get out. Jo immediately reached out her hand and said "You need prayer". Indeed I did and this was the help that I was seeking.
She and Harry prayed for me and cast out the demons that had been tormenting me for years. I smiled so much after they came out that my face hurt. I was literally set free and prayed again to totally give my life to Jesus Christ. I was now a Christian.
Harry and Jo became like my parents. They poured out their lives for me. Endless hours of counsel, prayer and unconditional love was my experience all because I was asked to come to dinner. Meeting Harry and Jo saved my life. God used them in an awesome way.
I want to be like or imitate Harry and Jo. They were available for God to use them. They cared. They were humble servants.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Book Review: The Kingdom of the Occult by Walter Martin
This is the standard pertaining to the information that the Christian must know about the occult. Walter Martin has compiled the information which was edited and published by his daughter, Jill Rische and Kurt Van Gordon. I am so thankful that this book has been published!
I became a Christian in the '80's amidst the 'satanic panic'. The devil is everywhere, so Geraldo Rivera would have us believe. And, the publishing houses had a heyday putting out books about 'babies being concieved in hell' and an individual who used to be a doctor telling a ficticious story (though sold as the truth), not to mention the once famous Christian comedian, who posed as a satanic High Priest. The sad thing is, that the church took what they were saying and believed it.
I came out of satanism and I thought that many Christians were simply making satan and his minions out to be way more powerful than they actually are. This was exactly what satan wanted. Christians believing a lie, or the ficticious work of 'authors' and publishing houses. No one checked out their stories to see if they were telling the truth. Lots of misinformation about satan, demons, the occult and spiritual warfare was the result.
This book clears it all up. Literally. This book reflects the depth that Dr. Martin gave us in his work The Kingdom the Cults, which is a classic on the subject. He tackles the topic(s) and lists resources in order for the reader to offer help for those in the occult. A must read!
I became a Christian in the '80's amidst the 'satanic panic'. The devil is everywhere, so Geraldo Rivera would have us believe. And, the publishing houses had a heyday putting out books about 'babies being concieved in hell' and an individual who used to be a doctor telling a ficticious story (though sold as the truth), not to mention the once famous Christian comedian, who posed as a satanic High Priest. The sad thing is, that the church took what they were saying and believed it.
I came out of satanism and I thought that many Christians were simply making satan and his minions out to be way more powerful than they actually are. This was exactly what satan wanted. Christians believing a lie, or the ficticious work of 'authors' and publishing houses. No one checked out their stories to see if they were telling the truth. Lots of misinformation about satan, demons, the occult and spiritual warfare was the result.
This book clears it all up. Literally. This book reflects the depth that Dr. Martin gave us in his work The Kingdom the Cults, which is a classic on the subject. He tackles the topic(s) and lists resources in order for the reader to offer help for those in the occult. A must read!
Book Review: Demon by Tosca Lee
My initial reaction when I was given a copy of Demon a memoir by Tosca Lee was; “Oh no, Interview with a Vampire goes Sunday school!” Over the years, Jeff and I have seen many meager attempts at literary genius by Christians trying to either imitate the world or show that they are cool too. Books, music, clothing; as Christians it seems to be our goal to impress the world with out understanding that because we lack the spirit of the world that we will fail at every attempt. Unless of course we let God do the creating through us. That it seems is what Tosca Lee has done.
Yes, it is an interview and with a demon, this time instead of a vampire and the ending is somewhat similar. In Interview with a Vampire the interviewer know as “the boy,” is seduced by the obvious power of the vampire life begs to become a vampire too. In Demon, the subject: Clay, in this case, in the beginning is somewhat sympathetic to the demons plight. As the interview continues, he becomes more and more repulsed until he realized that he has to make a choice; to either become a Christian or be dammed along with the demon he is interviewing. His choice I will let you find out for yourself.
This book differs in that it paints a well-researched picture of the fallen legion of angels and their hatred of humanity. It also gives a very good image of a loving God and the lengths He will go to save us.
Demon is fiction and so in reading it there are several things to keep in mind. First, I have yet to meet a human, even people who actually worship the Devil, who would repeatedly survive conversations with a demon and remain anything close to normal. Second, in my opinion, the overall picture that no matter what the Devil throws at us, God is ultimately in control was not painted clearly enough. No matter what, God is in charge.
I think Demon is a great read. Especially for those who have been into the supernatural books making the rounds of late. It is not another vampire novel nor is it another book about witches going to school. It is a realistic look at what might have happened between God and Lucifer. I think it actually turn some heads, and maybe help to change a heart or two. That after all is what we as Christians should be about.
by Liz Harshbarger
Yes, it is an interview and with a demon, this time instead of a vampire and the ending is somewhat similar. In Interview with a Vampire the interviewer know as “the boy,” is seduced by the obvious power of the vampire life begs to become a vampire too. In Demon, the subject: Clay, in this case, in the beginning is somewhat sympathetic to the demons plight. As the interview continues, he becomes more and more repulsed until he realized that he has to make a choice; to either become a Christian or be dammed along with the demon he is interviewing. His choice I will let you find out for yourself.
This book differs in that it paints a well-researched picture of the fallen legion of angels and their hatred of humanity. It also gives a very good image of a loving God and the lengths He will go to save us.
Demon is fiction and so in reading it there are several things to keep in mind. First, I have yet to meet a human, even people who actually worship the Devil, who would repeatedly survive conversations with a demon and remain anything close to normal. Second, in my opinion, the overall picture that no matter what the Devil throws at us, God is ultimately in control was not painted clearly enough. No matter what, God is in charge.
I think Demon is a great read. Especially for those who have been into the supernatural books making the rounds of late. It is not another vampire novel nor is it another book about witches going to school. It is a realistic look at what might have happened between God and Lucifer. I think it actually turn some heads, and maybe help to change a heart or two. That after all is what we as Christians should be about.
by Liz Harshbarger
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
