Treasure In Clay Jars

I was listening the other day to a Christian commentator whom I have listened to infrequently for the last year or two. This gentleman who shall remain nameless in this post, generally provides sound biblical principles, delivers his remarks with apparent humility and comes across as an earnest representative for the furthering of Jesus Christ. I preface my remarks in this way, because I do think such a description is a necessary part of presenting God’s Word in a matter that is consistent with biblical direction: But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (1 Peter 3:16-18 NIV) I must say then that it was with dismay when I heard this same commentator “attack” fellow Christians who happen to differ philo...

I’m am one of several thousand people who recently saw the ABC News Nightline debate between Christian evangelists Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort and two avowed Atheists (who shall remain nameless on this blog). Please click here to view the debate. I really commend both Kirk and Ray based on their revelation that they both came from backgrounds that has a vested interest in the denial of Jesus as God's Messiah. Kirk was himself an Atheist and Ray is Jewish. During the debate, both Kirk and Ray presented their cases with humility, earnestness and respect for everyone present including their Atheist counterparts. As one might expect, you could not say the same for the Atheist presenters. Say what you will about their positions on God, their demeanor and countenance was decidedly arrogant, sarcastic and lacking in a similar respect for their colleagues on the stage. If a person had come into the auditorium or tuned into the broadcast and knew nothing about the subject matter, it is hi...

The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom ; So says the Bible in the first chapter of the Wisdom Book of Proverbs. As with many things in the Bible, it is simplistically stated, in other words, placed on the easily reached ledge of human understanding so that the “common man” may reach it and understand. But there too is the rub: from the beginning of time right through to the current day, the societal elites would rather move the wisdom ledge up a few notches so that they become the gatekeepers of “knowledge and wisdom”. Into this battle steps the endearing simplicity of God’s scripture. God is saying, “Fear Me”. Fear Me as an ant should fear a giant human being as they co-exist in the nature of life. Not because the human being has any natural predisposition to destroy the ant but because he has the capacity to do so. It is the Fear of the Lord that spurs Christians to live in awe of Him. God is an awesome being. Just stop for a minute and consider the natural world. You know,...

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...

Recently I wrote about the controversy spawned by airliner British Airways over its decision to force an employee to discontinue wearing a cross around her neck because they felt that it was offensive to others. The ridiculous decision created a firestorm of protests from all around the world, and in a predictably financially motivated reversal, British Airways has now relented on the policy, and “…have decided to allow some flexibility for individuals to wear a symbol of faith on a chain.” So states airline Chairman Willie Walsh. However listen to this additional statement on the part of the Chairman: "Our uniform is one of the most powerful symbols of our company and heritage. Our staff wear it with pride and our customers recognize and value it. "This modification will enable staff to wear symbols of faith openly without detracting from the uniform." So, it seems Mr. Walsh is making things perfectly clear where British Airways stands. In the pecking order of important...