Treasure In Clay Jars

When I was a new Christian in 1998, the Lord blessed me with the motivation and opportunity to study the Bible beginning first with the New Testament and then unto the Old Testament. As a still new Christian, I was up to the Book of Revelation when I came across a verse of scripture that really stunned me. Here speaking about the two supernaturally sent Witnesses that is to come to earth during the final seven years of the current world history the Bible states: Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them. Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city, which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified. For three and a half days men from every people, tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial. The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented...

Today I read a report on one of my favorite Christian websites www.barna.org on the topic of the percentage of “unchurched” people in America, based on a study done by the Barna Group. The web article documents parallel findings from a newly released book entitled “Jim and Casper Go to Church” by a Pastor (Jim Henderson) and an Atheist (Matt Casper). I have not read the book, but the Barna article indicates insights in the book were drawn from the co-author’s visits to several churches across the country including several of the well known ones that appear frequently on Christian TV networks. What caught my eye in this article however was the following excerpt: Many of the insights drawn from the experiences of "Jim and Casper" parallel the findings of Barna Group studies among the unchurched. Some of the critical discoveries were the relative indifference of most churched Christians to unchurched people; the overt emphasis upon a personal rather than communal faith journey;...

Previously, I wrote about the challenges faced by Navy Chaplain Lt. Gordon James Klingenschmitt in his attempt to pray "in Jesus Name" while in his military uniform. The post which appears below chronicled the pressure that the US Military felt was necessary to keep Jesus from being associated with its institution, while at the same time every President and most politicians end their speeches with "God Bless America". It would be a joke if it wasn't so sad. Well, today the Navy finally got to dismiss Mr. Klingenschmitt from it's service. In heaven, God is smiling (not at the Navy but at the Chaplain): Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroye...