Government Fails to Stop Prayer

I chuckled at thsi story. Isn't it prohibited for the US Government to prohibit freedom of religion? They succeed often, but not this time. The graduating students stood up and prayed The Lord's Prayer and the crowd gave them a standing ovation. Earlier in the day, a federal judge had banned prayers from the ceremony … Continue reading Government Fails to Stop Prayer

If I Had a Nickel for Every Time…

Do you think the words, "In God We Trust" will be eliminated from US Currency in our lifetime? In Dallas, they're already done it. The cover of the Keller ISD school's annual depicts the 2005 Liberty Nickel – complete with the face of Thomas Jefferson – but the words "In God We Trust" are missing. … Continue reading If I Had a Nickel for Every Time…

Boycotting and Protesting "The Da Vinci Code"

The protests are getting louder. Christians aren't yet rioting in the street a la the Muslim cartoon jihad, but if they were, would mainstream media be more sympathetic to Christians? Meanwhile, controversy is raging worldwide. Legislators in the Philippines have petitioned for the film to be banned from that country; hundreds of protesters took to … Continue reading Boycotting and Protesting "The Da Vinci Code"

Outsourcing Prayer Lines

I stumbled across this disturbing piece yesterday while reading the news. Major television ministries are outsourcing their prayer lines to India! The more I read, the more hot under the collar I got. DES MOINES — Last month, Lori Danes, 43, called the prayer line of a major television ministry and requested prayer for her … Continue reading Outsourcing Prayer Lines

The Da Vinci Code is Anti-Christian

North American Mission Board (NAMB) commissioned Zogby to poll the effects of that piece of blasphemous anti-Christian trash, The Da Vinci Code. Among the key findings - The more familiar a person was with the book, the more likely they would consider the claims of The Da Vinci Code to be true. The more familiar … Continue reading The Da Vinci Code is Anti-Christian

Boycotting "Da Vinci Code"

Am I boycotting the "Da Vinci Code" movie? Or am I just refusing to go see it? The nuance is hard to discern. Christians Plan Boycott of 'Da Vinci Code' by Robert B. Bluey Posted May 04, 2006 Christian activists are planning a boycott of the soon-to-be-released Da Vinci Code movie, which one influential pro-family … Continue reading Boycotting "Da Vinci Code"

One Another and Each Other

I came across this collection of "One Another and Each Other" verses as listed in the bible. I didn't know where to put it, so I'm putting it here. 😛 One Anothers and Each Others Bible Verses (NIV) Accept one another Romans 15:7 Administer true justice to one another Zechariah 7:9 Admonish one another Colossians … Continue reading One Another and Each Other

Yes, Jesus loves me….

Jesus loves me this I know, For the Bible tells me so. But the Dems all grind an axe Shut God up with higher tax. Yes Jesus Loves MEEEE. Yes Jesus Loves MEEEE Yes Jesus Loves MEEEE. The Bible tells me so. Mr. Dean can go pound sand. He and his little angry band. Makes … Continue reading Yes, Jesus loves me….

Scientists Fail to Manipulate God

Scrappleface does an admirable job of summarizing a recent news story on prayer. March 31, 2006 Prayer Study: Humans Fail to Manipulate God by Scott Ott (2006-03-31) — A team of scientists today ended a 10-year study on the so-called “power of prayer” by concluding that God cannot be manipulated by humans, not even by … Continue reading Scientists Fail to Manipulate God

Liberty Legal Institute

A recent comment indicates that some people are under the impression... well, I'll let the comment speak for itself: Characterizing the court battles of religious symbols in public as “prohibiting the free expression of Christianity” is highly disingenuous, however. The court battles have been about government sponsorship of such expressions, not about individual expression of … Continue reading Liberty Legal Institute

Tolerance, San Francisco Style

Evangelical teens rally in S.F. More than 25,000 evangelical Christian youth landed Friday in San Francisco for a two-day rally at AT&T Park against "the virtue terrorism" of popular culture, and they were greeted by an official city condemnation and a clutch of protesters who said their event amounted to a "fascist mega-pep rally." "Battle … Continue reading Tolerance, San Francisco Style

Kenya Mission, Day 6

January 1, 2006 Today's Swahili phrase: Jambo, which means "Howdy" in Texan. We used this word more than any other, I think, and it was so easy to pronounce. I meant to write these faster and closer together, but the work load skyrocketed on me the last couple of weeks. Several of you have encouraged … Continue reading Kenya Mission, Day 6

Death to Afghan Christians

While the newly freed Afghanistan says they respct freedom of religion as long as that religion is Islam. Abdul Rahman converted to Christianity 16 years ago and is in jail facing the death penalty because of it. Michelle Malkin has full details here and here, including petition drives and embassy contacts to write to encourage … Continue reading Death to Afghan Christians

Sola Scriptura

I confess the first time I'd ever heard this term was about a year ago in an email with Sean. As I was raised Catholic, accepted Christ while attending a lesser-known evangelistic church and have since joined a Baptist church, I lean toward the "bible is sufficient" philosophy. I am open, however, to additional teachings, … Continue reading Sola Scriptura

Spotlight: Jennifer Sands

When I read an encouraging story about someone who has overcome tremendous struggles by leaning on Christ, I want to shine a spotlight. Here's Jennifer Sands in the Agape Press: Author and 9/11 Widow's Second Book Shares Ongoing Faith Journey By Allie Martin March 15, 2006 (AgapePress) - A woman whose husband was killed in … Continue reading Spotlight: Jennifer Sands

The Meaning of Christianity

The Houston Chronicle ran an article on Sunday, of all things, about an atheist who does not believe in God but belives Christians are good. He's joined his local church and claims to be a Christian, all the while denying the existance of God. I myself think this of a corruption of Christianity from the … Continue reading The Meaning of Christianity

Kenya Mission, Day 5

December 31, 2005 Today's Swahili phrase: Mungu aku bariki, meaning "God bless you." Woke up this morning and fixed a group breakfast. Staying in a compound with very considerate Christians is a blessing - every helped with breakfast preparation and cleanup almost to the point where were were tripping over each other. We were almost … Continue reading Kenya Mission, Day 5

Coming Out of Denial and Discovering Our Sin

21st Century Reformation has a beautiful article on Sanctification, what it is and what it isn't. Go read the article, reflect on it, then come back. Or stay there, that's ok. 😛 Just before Part 1, the author writes about the problems with a "therapeutic approach" to Christianity, that somehow one's expression of love is … Continue reading Coming Out of Denial and Discovering Our Sin

Cartoons of Blasphemy

The decision to publish (or not publish) the Dreaded Cartoons of Blasphemy that have the Islam "Religion of Peace" so riled up isn't such a clear cut decision. Let's look at the options: Let's say you're a Boston Globe and you happily publish pictures of the Virgin Mary covered with dung. Publishing the Muslim cartoons … Continue reading Cartoons of Blasphemy

Colossians 3:15-17

Today's Daily Manna verse is beautiful reminder of the joy of Christian living. In Colossians 3:15-17, Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another … Continue reading Colossians 3:15-17

Kenya Mission, Day 4

December 30, 2005 Goodness, can it be Friday already?  We left Houston Tuesday afternoon and we're still not at our final destination.  It's like Africa is on the other side of the world or something.  😛 We woke up in the Methodist Guest House in Nairobi, and in the light we could see how quaint … Continue reading Kenya Mission, Day 4

Question On Sin

Ok, two newsletters in the last two days are prompting me to ask a question. I know there are some very knowledgeable Christians here, even an occasional pastor, that can answer this question. I've always been taught that part of growing closer to God is acknowledging that I am a sinner. And by golly, hard … Continue reading Question On Sin

Kenya Mission, Day 2 & 3

December 28, 2005 We arrived in London at Heathrow Airport after the overnight, overseas flight, about as refreshed as, well, people that had been on an overnight, overseas flight. Simple little trip over to Gatwick; our flight to Nairobi doesn't leave until tomorrow so we have an afternoon here. I learned something about London. It … Continue reading Kenya Mission, Day 2 & 3

Presbyterian Church Membership Losses

The Presbyterian Church USA has lost over 2 million members since 1967. They project to lose another 85,000 members this year, accelerating the loss from 65,000 last year. Why? Albert Mohler suggests it is because of the embrace of theological liberalism. As these researchers demonstrated, the embrace of what they called "lay liberalism" led massive … Continue reading Presbyterian Church Membership Losses

Kenya Mission, Day 1

December 27, 2005 I've been remiss in my blogging duties; oddly, I actually crossed "blog about Kenya" off my todo list accidentally, and it wasn't until a friend email yesterday that I realized I had not written about this trip. Let me preface this whole adventure by saying that I thank God for the opportunity … Continue reading Kenya Mission, Day 1

Democrats Misplay "God Card"

I wrote last July that I fully expected the liberal Democrat party to try and claim Christianity for themselves under the name of "progressive Christianity." A prime example is in USAToday recently that tries to show that "playing the God card" isn't working for George Bush and the Republicans. Even if, as the author admits, … Continue reading Democrats Misplay "God Card"

The Left Hand of God

I was going to comment on the Talk2Action.org's latest post, but after reading their "Terms of Use" that says their goal is to "combat the abuses of the religious right," I decided my viewpoint would not be welcome there. So I'll post here. Note to Talk2Action authors, if you read here: Chasingthewind enforces a similar … Continue reading The Left Hand of God

Cartoon Violence Continues

I'm amazed at the violence from the Muslim world. I don't think they're convincing me they're not a violent religion. I certainly understand their anger. When Christians get upset, we write letters. Storming an embassy looking for infidels to kill? I don't recall Christians doing that. But for goodness sake, they're cartoons. There is hypocrasy … Continue reading Cartoon Violence Continues

Offending the Religious

NBC aired "The Book of Daniel" against the objections of Christian conservatives. Poorly written, appealing to few people, too controversial for advertisers, the "Book of Daniel" was dropped. European newspapers have published cartoons depicting Mohamed with a bomb for a turban. Muslims rioted, kidnapped Europeans, burned effigies. Both freedom of speech examples. Both examples of … Continue reading Offending the Religious

Cruci-Fixin's

I suppose NBC didn't get their fill of offending Christians with the cancelled "Book of Daniel." Their next insult comes from an upcoming "Will and Grace" show on April 13. Britney Spears will play a host on a Christian cooking show called "Cruci-fixin's". Britney will be the "conservative Christian" on a talk show with a … Continue reading Cruci-Fixin's

"Book of Daniel" Cancelled

Good riddance to bad rubbish. Axed because of low ratings, high criticism, and advertisers withdrawing ads. When the people most upset about the cancellation are gays and lesbians, then there's little mystery why conservative Christians were offended. I have an idea: why not produce a Christian series that portrays Christians in a positive light? Say, … Continue reading "Book of Daniel" Cancelled

A Sword Will Pierce Your Heart

Amy Wellborn reminds us all of the dark side of Christmas. A must read. Here's a snippet: The really traditional Christian remembrance of the Nativity is not about sweetness. It is about awe, fear, and trembling, and it is shot through with hints of suffering to come. Mary, with a scandalous pregnancy. Joseph, courageous enough … Continue reading A Sword Will Pierce Your Heart

Separation of Church and State

Here's an early Christmas present; thanks to CADRE Comments for the tip. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Mercer County's right to display in a court house the Ten Commandments along with the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence, the Magna Carta, and the National Motto ("In God We Trust"). American Civil Liberties Union … Continue reading Separation of Church and State

Banning Christmas

An administrator, Patricia Sonntag, at California State University, has banned Christmas. "Time has come to recognize that religious discrimination, as well as ethnic insensitivity to certain holidays, is forbidden," Patricia Sonntag, director of the Office of Services to Students with Disabilities, stated in the directive she e-mailed to members of her staff on Dec. 9. … Continue reading Banning Christmas

Still Boycotting Winter Holiday

I'm still boycotting the neopagan Winter Holiday, whatever that is. For this next year, I'm taking it one step further. Listen up schools, businesses, and retail stores: Christmas is a federal holiday, an official United States holiday. If you can't acknowledge that it's Christmas, I want nothing to do with you. I will assume that … Continue reading Still Boycotting Winter Holiday

A Non-Christian Narna

People that hate Christians should not go see "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." The Guardian Unlimited, England's ultra liberal rag, says "Narnia represents everything that is most hateful about religion." Exceprts: The Christian radio station Premier is urging churches to hold services on the theme of The Gospel According to Narnia. Even the … Continue reading A Non-Christian Narna

More on Narnia

More Narnia links, I'll update this list today if I run into more later today. Narnia, by the way, is the land from "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" in case you've been living under a rock. 😛 Are you a lion or a witch? I'm not upset with being linked to Lucy. Aslan … Continue reading More on Narnia

Narnia Symbolism

My beautiful wife and I joined Sean and his family for the Narnia movie this weekend. Even though I have not (yet) read the book, the movie was positively delightful. Chock full of good wholesome family values. But what about those Christian values the secularists have been condemning in the news? One opinion said the … Continue reading Narnia Symbolism

More "Christmas," Less "Holiday"

As some of you know, I'm boycotting "Winter Holiday" again this year. I'm not even sure what that holiday is, but I'm pretty sure it's some sort of pagan / atheist thing. Whatever it is, I want none of it. For me, it's Christmas. And for many, it's Christmas. Why is so terrible to acknowledge … Continue reading More "Christmas," Less "Holiday"

Hallelujah!

The politically correct Handel's Messiah, right here in my hometown: Both an awe-inspiring holiday tradition and a memorable religious experience, Handel's Messiah returns this holiday season. Guest conductor Christopher Seaman leads Houston’s premier performance of Handel’s choral masterwork, which includes the timeless Hallelujah Chorus. Would it be so bad to actually say that the music's … Continue reading Hallelujah!

Wishing the ACLU a Merry Christmas

Kevin McCullough at Crosswalk is organizing a Christmas Card campaign to cheer up those folks at the ACLU: Go get as "Christmas" a Christmas card as you can find... something that says.. "Joy To The World", "For Unto Us A Child Is Born", but at least "Merry Christmas", put some of your own thoughts into … Continue reading Wishing the ACLU a Merry Christmas

Tithing

Rather than pontificating, I'm simply going to question today. How much should one tithe? As I see it, there are two answers to this question. Old Testament: Ten Percent. New Testament: Cheerful Giving. So what do you do if you're cheerfully giving five percent, but ten percent would make you grumpy? On one hand, most … Continue reading Tithing

Oh Christmas Tree

Some time in the 1990s, the annual spruce placed on the Washington Capitol grounds started being called the "Holiday Tree" instead of "Christmas Tree." Nobody seems to know why it was changed, but it was at about the same time Bill Clinton was in the same city and struggling to keep his pants up. Coincidence? … Continue reading Oh Christmas Tree

Inviting the Illegal Aliens

At Sand in the Gears, Tony first opined that enforcing immigration laws is not a Christian thing to do. After taking some heat for that statement, he addressed their comments and challenged Christians to rethink their position on illegal immigration. On his latter post I took the position that although I agreed with his sentiment, … Continue reading Inviting the Illegal Aliens

When the Holy Spirit Moves You

During a study last night, we studied how to tell the Holy Spirit is moving in a Christian's life. When the bible doesn't give us a specific answer to a question in life - what college do I choose, when to have a baby, what career should I begin - listening to the Holy Spirit … Continue reading When the Holy Spirit Moves You

Intelligent Design in Public Schools

Andrew Coulson at the Cato Institute has a question - why are we fighting over Intelligent Deisgn vs Evolution? Does it matter to one parent if another parent teaches their child about God? Supporters of the theory of human origins known as "intelligent design" want it taught alongside the theory of evolution. Opponents will do … Continue reading Intelligent Design in Public Schools

The Christian Threat

Jay over at Wizbang was challenged by a reader who asserted that he couldn't condemn the links between Islam and terrorism because Christians are pretty hideous, too. Aside from the fact that even if Christianity was bad, that doesn't mean you shouldn't condemn terrorist links anyway, Jay challenged him to find some examples of Christian … Continue reading The Christian Threat

Spiritual Gifts

I was reading a post from Messy Christian who expressed frustration with a call of evangelism. That's understandable, especially if evangelism is not your "spiritual gift." While all Christians are called to spread the gospel and to exemplify a Christian lifestyle, evangelism is one of a dozen or so gifts mentioned in scripture. Others are … Continue reading Spiritual Gifts

A Christian Narnia

The cast and crew of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe have started downplaying the significance of the Christian symbology in the movie. I suppose the fact that C. S. Lewis was a Christian theologan and wrote the Chronicles of Narnia is of little use to them, nor the fact that there are many … Continue reading A Christian Narnia

Merry Christmas. It's Okay to Say It.â„¢

The Alliance Defense Fund wants you to know that it's ok to say, "Merry Christmas." Christmas is a cherished time of year when Americans come together and celebrate something bigger than ourselves, something that has united us for generations. An event that is the center of all history—the birth of Jesus Christ. Surveys show that … Continue reading Merry Christmas. It's Okay to Say It.â„¢

In God We Trust

I find this non-ruling interesting: The U.S. Supreme Court was asked to review whether the words "In God We Trust," written prominently in large block letters on the Lexington, N.C. county government center, violated the so-called separation of church and state. As an aside, I'll keep saying this until the news media gets it: there … Continue reading In God We Trust

Spiritual Wickedness in High Places

The Anchoress posts an email from a scared Catholic friend in France who wonders why the French media and politicians are ignoring that fanatical Muslims are burning churches in France. When we dare to grumble, when we dare to murmur that Islam is a religion of death, that we do not want to become an … Continue reading Spiritual Wickedness in High Places

Go Hogs!

I previously wrote how Fred Phelps gives Christians a bad name. I'm happy to report his Westboro "church" was defeated by Harley hog riders. Go hogs! EDMOND, Okla. -- About 200 motorcyclists rolled into Edmond today to support the family of a soldier killed in Iraq and to drown out protests from about a half-dozen … Continue reading Go Hogs!

The Abundant Life

Reading a post from a new Christian just sends chills up my spine. The presence of the Holy Spirit is electrifying and contagious. Leslie from The Insomniac has discovered what life is: An insomniac is constantly on the lookout for mental fodder to loll around in the mind as the wee hours twiddle away. Paradoxes … Continue reading The Abundant Life

Living Beneath Your Means

Apparently, the more you make, the more in debt you are. Statistics show that the highest 20 percent of Americans -- those with a pre-tax income of $110,000 and up -- have seen their liabilities skyrocket since 2001. The net change in that group's total liabilities increased by about $40,000 on average from 2001 to … Continue reading Living Beneath Your Means

God Speaks

Ever see one of those billboards signed "God"? The organization that puts up the billboards has a website at Godspeaks.com. From there, you can see all their billboards and see basic questions about Christianity, whether you're doing great or whether you need some help.

Best Stadium Ever

Our church, Second Baptist, just continues to amaze me. I had such a good time last night - when the Astros made the World Series, the church opened the gym, hung a 30 foot screen on the wall and showed the game live. And instead of commercials, they were muted and we were treated instead … Continue reading Best Stadium Ever

Ann Rice Now Writes for the Lord

Another high-profile person (well, high profile in a secular way) has given their life to Christ. Ann Rice, writer of vampire stories such as "Interview with the Vampire." has announced "that from now on I would write only for the Lord." Her next book, "Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt," will tell the story of … Continue reading Ann Rice Now Writes for the Lord

The Resume of Jesus Christ

The Resume of Jesus Christ Address: Ephesians 1:20 Phone: Romans 10:13 Website: The Bible. Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior and Jesus Hello. My name is Jesus -The Christ. Many call me Lord! I've sent you my resume because I'm seeking the top management position in your heart. Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my … Continue reading The Resume of Jesus Christ

The Religion of Harriet Miers

Bush has gone an additional step too far. Last week in the face of criticism, he defended Harriet Miers with a wink and a nod. "Trust me," he said. I don't because Bush isn't always conservative, especially on fiscal matters. So I announced my opposition to Harriet Miers, not because I don't think she's a … Continue reading The Religion of Harriet Miers

Church Service in Germany

I have much to be thankful for this morning. My wife and family are safe and there has been little or no damage. Diane has no electricity, but she does have a phone, and my phone bill from here will be horrendous. She and the puppies spent the night in the homemade "bunker" under the … Continue reading Church Service in Germany

Kenya Mission Trip

God has been begun preparing me to be a part of an upcoming mission trip; I want to experience first-hand the needs of another culture and to help evangelize our lost world. Our mission group is scheduled to depart for Africa by the end of this year 2005. We have been preparing and planning for … Continue reading Kenya Mission Trip

Secular Bigotry

Manual Miranda in OpinionJournal has a strong criticism of the questioning of Supreme Court nominee John Roberts. While we all expected chest-puffing and posturing from the Senators, we didn't expect illegal religious bigotry to be so acceptable. Excerpts: Article VI of the Constitution prohibits a religious test from being imposed on nominees to public office. … Continue reading Secular Bigotry

Book of Daniel

Earlier this year, I wrote about Bible Fiction on television. I watched part of Revelation. It was too slow for my taste, and the nun who supposedly devoted herself to the Glorious Reappearing of Christ sure didn't know much about the Bible. For the most part, though, they treated faith with respect, and I had … Continue reading Book of Daniel

Christian Groups and Hurricane Relief

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the hundreds of thousands of people impacted by Hurricane Katrina yesterday. Reports are sketchy, but perhaps 55 people have died and anywhere from $9 billion to $20 billion in damages. If you'd like to help out, Christian organizations are providing relief and will put your donation to good … Continue reading Christian Groups and Hurricane Relief

Christian Carnival 83

Christian Carnival 83 is up at All Kinds of Time. I just stumbled onto this group today; obviously this blogging "carnival" has been going on for quite some time. It appears to be quite a collection of "best of Christian blogging" that's posted on a regular basis. I'll look into figuring out how to be … Continue reading Christian Carnival 83

Church for Men

When Diane & I discuss dating topics with other church singles, always we end up discussing the proper roles of men and women in both dating and in marriage. Usually we end up agreeing that men are not taking the role of "spiritual leader" properly in accordance with Ephesians 5 and 1 Corinthians 11. The … Continue reading Church for Men

Ex-Online Porn Developer

Highlighting those whose faith in Jesus has turned their life around, here's Michele Washam, owner of one of the first "ladies only" adult web sites, now a Christian outreach ministry to women in relationship troubles. You can visit both of her websites at Just for Ladies and Heartbreak University. A former developer of a pornographic … Continue reading Ex-Online Porn Developer

Peter Jenning's Faith

CharismaNow offers some insight into the faith of Peter Jennings before he died earlier this week of lung cancer. TV anchor Peter Jennings "was very interested in the Bible, very interested in the things of God," according to the daughter of evangelist Billy Graham. Anne Graham Lotz said she didn't know the longtime host of … Continue reading Peter Jenning's Faith

Lamentations of the Father

Lamentations of the Father by Ian Frazier Laws Pertaining to the Living Room Of the beasts of the field, and of the fishes of the sea, and of all foods that are acceptable in my sight you may eat, but not in the living room. Of the hoofed animals, broiled or ground into burgers, you … Continue reading Lamentations of the Father

Pool of Siloam

In the Gospel of John is the story of Jesus curing a blind man. At the time it was commonly accepted that if you were blind or had a deformity that it was caused by sin. The desciples asked Jesus whether the blindness was caused by the blind man's sin or by the blind man's … Continue reading Pool of Siloam

Religious Linkage for Monday

I kept waiting for Monday to let up; doesn't look like it's going to happen. So instead of thought-provoking commentary, here's a couple of interrelated links: 10 reasons I've grown to despise the Left ...and why you should, too Yeah, I know it's written in an inflammatory way, but look at the list, especially if … Continue reading Religious Linkage for Monday

Baptizing Dead Babies

If you're a proponent of abortion, one of the beliefs you must have is that no baby actually exists; at best, it's a lump of tissue. I've heard many opinions on exactly when life begins, from conception to the first cell division to the first heartbeat to out-of-womb viability all the way to birth. I'll … Continue reading Baptizing Dead Babies