Jesus and Chacos

So, I've been getting a lot of heat lately for wearing chacos in this cold weather that we've been experiencing. Is it really so wrong to wear chacos or any sandals for that matter just because it's cold outside? I cannot help that fact that God blessed me with warm-blooded feet. I don't even wear socks when I'm in my sleeping bag when I go backpacking. My feet love the air. It's all about getting back to the basics. Do you think Jesus would have wore chacos when He was here? I think he would have. They would probably have lasted Him a lot longer than the Romanesque sandals He wore. You see, all the heros of the faith either wore sandals or went bare foot. I know it's sounds like I'm trying to justify the fact that I wear chacos twelve months out of the year, but come on, I am who I am! Amen? So, please, next time you see me and it's cold outside and I'm wearing chacos, let me be!

Thanksgiving Eve.

Well, well, it's that time of year again. The Holiday season has arrived. It's time for Turkey, and stuffing, and pumpkin pie and the like. Did you know that the average American gains fifteen pounds between Thanksgiving and New Years? I believe I can attest to that.

Anyways, my sister made it in last night. We hung out today in Fayetteville, WV. I love that town. The only draw-back was that Cathedral Cafe was closed. Bummer!

So, I'm really thankful for my family and friends. When the shiitzer hits the fence, that's all that's left, right?

Discover your Roots!

Okay, so I'm really into this book I've been reading of late--Constantine's Sword. I don't know if it's where I lived in Israel and feed off of Jewish history or just because it's an awesome book and it's rockin' my chacos right off my feet (and yes I still where chacos in the witer--it's good for the soul). Anyways, It's a pretty big and wordy book and I'm just now finishing up the part that deals with New Testament origins of this whole Christian-Jewish conflict. Believe it or not, many of the first century believers were Jewish to the core. People don't realize the history/social context that the gospels were written in. There were numerous internecine battles/conflicts between differing Jewish sects. Christianity at that time was merely a "sect" of Judaism as far as the Roman empire was concerned. So, when the Gospels/Pauline epistles were originally penned, they were written with a polemical purpose in mind. The kerygma that the authors were trying to proclaim was done so in this "Jewish" sectarian controversy in mind. So, when we fail to realize that the "Jews" that killed Jesus were merely written by Jews referring to "Jewish sects" (Essenes, Pharissees, Sadducees, Sacarii, Qumran communities and the like, etc.) there is a "supersessionism" that takes place whereby the "Christians" have replaced the "Jews" and the new has replaced the old, etc. It was never inteneded to be this way. Christianity is merely a fulfillment of Judaism and an extension of the original Jewish faith. Believers today do not know their roots and this is to their shame. How is it that anti-semitism came to the point that six million Jews were annihalated at the hands of Hitler in the Shoah? The whole time this was happening the "Christians" sat back and were silent. But, when it came to 70,000 "Christians" that were in place to be slaughtered by Hitler, they stood up and protested and Hitler refrained. Many believe if the same would have happend in support of the Jews, the Holocaust may have never happend.

So, I challenge you on this point. Study your roots. Find out God's plan for the "church" and his plan for "Israel". Study the history and social context during the writing of the NT. We can only learn from the past and history is always doomed to repeat itself. May we never forget. L'chaim!

Love your brothers...

Do you want to know something that I find very interesting? Fundamentalists are always complaining about how the "communist" countries won't allow Christians in to spread the gospel, but at the same time the Fundy's won't let Christians into their own churches. Yes, I'm talking about the big "s" word--separation. I believe that separation from other believers is a huge weapon that Satan is using in conservative circles these days. Is there a time to differentiate between doctrine and theology, yes. But to the extent to where some can say that God cannot use these brothers and sisters to accomplish His work, I heed not.

Some of my best friends happen to be of differing denominations, mainly charismatic in background. I happen to be evangelical in my theology. Do I separate from my friends and tell them they're not welcome in my home? That would be insidious. I happen to know that my friends love the same God that I love and are preaching the same gospel. We may differ on a few issues, but I'm not going to let that stop me from having fellowship with them.

My school, which I will not mention here, happens to separate from a few very sound and orthodox mission boards. It's their loss! I've always said if they decide to separate from some entity that the entity must be doing something right! Props!

So, with all that said, love your brothers and sisters. Stand firm in what you believe, but please, I beg you, don't think you are any better than they are. It's not worth losing fellowship over! Christianity is already under attack enough as is. We need each other. Where's the love? The ground is level at the foot of the cross, Amen?

Anyone burned out?

It's been a while since I last wrote, far too long to be quite frank. Life has hit that "wall" where it seems as if your going full speed ahead and you know what happens. I believe I am officially "burned out" on school. Has anyone ever figured out why professors always have projects/papers/exams right before breaks? Maybe it's just me, but I'll be blunt--it sucks!

Praise God, my dad got to come home on Saturday. He's doing well and is gradually regaining his strength from the week spent in the hospital. Thanks for all the support in prayer. It is much appreciated.

Man, the Christian life is a tough life to live. Anyone with me on this one? It's really been a struggle of late to stay focused. I don't know if it's where all this went down with my dad or school or work or a combination of all the above. But God never said it would be easy. May we persevere in all that we do, Amen? Well, I'm tired and need to grab some sleep.

Desiring God!

It's been of couple of days since I've last wrote. I spent the last two nights in Charleston with my mom and dad. I do have good news, the heart cath went well. The doctor said that the heart muscle looks strong and that he only has one minor blockage that doesn't require any tending to at this time. He has plenty of blood flow and his heart seems to be in great shape. However, they are still running some tests to figure out why his heart rate drops rapidly at times. He has an appointment to see an electrophysiologist tomorrow. Pray that they can figure out what is as far as that goes.

During my time in Charleston I picked up John Piper's book Desiring God. Although I'm only a couple of chapters into it, I've really enjoyed it thus far. It's been a while since I've read a deep book on theology. The premise of the book is that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." Think about that for a moment. We were created to bring God glory and we bring Him the most glory when we learn to enjoy Him for who He is. This enjoyment will naturally overflow into praise. I know that I don't desire God nearly enough. I allow the distractions of this world to get ahold of me when I should keep my focus on Him. He is the source of all joy. The world may offer temporary happiness, but in light of eternity it is futile. God created us to have a relationship with Him. Without this relationship it is impossible to experience true joy in our life.

Man, what a fall we are having in WV! Amen? I hope it stays as beautiful as it has. Thanks again for all the prayer. I can't thank you enough.

Missions Conference 05

Greetings everyone! Today began our annual missions conference this year at school. The focus or theme this year is China. It appears that China has one of the fastest growing churches in the world. The majority of those that become believers are introduced to the gospel by individuals teaching English. It's amazing how God has opened up opportunities for believers to come into a closed country religiously and openly share their faith.

Missions has definitely always been an interest in my life. I would like to eventually serve in full time missions if that is what God would desire. I know personally that going on short-term missions trips when I was in high school played a vital role in shaping and preparing me for what will hopefully be a lifetime of dedication to God's cause and the gospel. Living in Israel, I have a burden for the Jewish nation, but who knows where or what God has for me. I'm open to go wherever and whenever He wants.

The great commission was not given as an option for believers. It was indeed commanded. That doesn't mean that you have to pack your bags, get on a plane, live in a third world country with little food, water, or indoor plumbing. But, it does mean that you are willing to go regardless of the destination or the duration. The Bible tells us that we are strangers on this earth (nomads) without a home. Even the Lord Himself is stated to have not had a pillow to lay His head on. The more attached, comfortable, and accustomed we become to this earth, the harder it will be to fulfill the Great Commision.

I want to encourage everyone if they are ever given the opportunity to go on a missions trip to live it up. You will never be the same. Begin even now where you're at. God gives us opportunities every day to prove our love for Him. There is a hurting and dying world all around us that is craving for what we have--a relationship with our Creator.

It looks like my dad will be having a heart cath done at 9AM in the morning. Pray that all will go as planned. I'll be headed down in the morning for the duration of the procedure. Thanks for all the prayers and comments. I love you all!!! 

Faith Without Works is Dead

Apparently the doctor's have changed their minds yet again. It looks like my dad will be having a heart cath done on Tuesday. He's going to have some tests ran on his kidneys tomorrow to see if and how much damage he has due to diabetes. So, other than that, there is no new information to offer at this time. Just continue to pray for him and my family during this time. I'm feeling the stress of everything already. On top of school, work, and church I now have the added responsibility of looking out for things around the house. My mom is stil staying in Charleston, so it's just me at the crib.

We had an interesting discussion in Sunday school this morning regarding the James passage about faith without works being dead. I personally believe that James was written to believers. As far as the salvation of these people that say they have faith but demonstrate no works whatsoever, I don't believe that's for me to decide. I've personally known people that have became believers and just never grown. This is tragic, but the reality is that these people do exist. I think it's a matter of sanctification. Positionally we are already seated with Christ in the heavenlys. Our citizenship is in heaven with Him. But, at the same time, we are still on this earth in our sinful, lust-driven bodies. God is in the process of restoring us back to what we were originally created for. This occurs in many different ways, but the believer must strive and be willing to become more like Him in all they do. We no longer stand condemned before God. He purchased and bought us with a price--His own blood. We are forgiven past, present, and future. Sin is no longer a condition whereby we are commanded to "ask forgiveness". Upon salvation our forgiveness is complete and finished. However, we are commanded to confess our sins or admit to God what we did was against who He is and what He stands for. After we confess, we are to repent or turn away from the sin we were guilty of committing. You see, sin is a matter of fellowship with Him after salvation. The consequences of sin remain the same, but we are secure in our position with God. Our salvation is not based on works.

Faith without works is dead. This is hypocrisy in its plainest form. To an unbelieving world, who would buy that idea of faith? True faith should always produce true works! Separate the two and you have a debased formed of hypocrisy that should be apparent to the believing and unbelieving world alike. So, I ask you this, where do you stand? Let's strive to become more like Christ in all we do.

Thanks for the Prayer

I would like to thank everyone for your prayers regarding the situation with my dad. He had a stress test performed on him early this morning and passed it with flying colors. As of now there is no heart cath planned. He has to see a kidney specialist on Monday because he has mild damage due to his diabetes. Other than that he remains in high spirits. I may try to drive up and see him tomorrow. I'll just have to see. Just continue to pray as my mom is staying in Charleston as well and I tend to the needs here in Beckley around the house. Life is busy with school, church, work, etc. It's a lot for me to keep up with at this time.

My friend Chris and I were able to get out for a bit earlier today for a hike in the Gorge. It was "gorge"ous if you know what I mean. I'll post some more pictures of the hike on here in the next couple of days.

Pray for my Abba!

Today was a crazy day to say the least. It started out normal, the usual--wake up, school, lunch, the routine. My friend Chris and I decided to go grab some lunch together and we had an enjoyable time. He drops me off at my house and my mom has this crazy look on her face. The type of look where you know something is wrong. She told me that my dad was in the hospital and they were transporting him to Charleston by ambulance. Wow! That's not something you enjoy hearing right when you walk in the door. Apparently, my dad had this test on him yesterday where he had to wear a heart monitor for twenty-four hours. He's been struggling with high blood pressure for the past two months or so and having severe headaches off and on the past three weeks. He's doing well, in good spirits as always. If all goes as planned he has a heart catherization planned sometime between tomorrow and Monday.

I'm not sure what to make of all this. I know that God is in control, but I would definitely covet everyones prayer in this matter. My dad is a believer and loves Jesus with passion. He definitely means a lot to me in my life and I am concerned for his well being. Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) is one of the best cardiac hospitals in the nation. I'm thankful that it is so close, only an hour away. Pray especially for my mother as well. She is staying in Charleston for now while I stay at home and tend to the needs here.

I'll be sure and keep everyone updated on this whole situation. Oh yeah, the climbing pix I promised everyone can be viewed here http://fotoflix.com/users/expedition0031. Check them out.

Crags and Microbrew...

My day begain at 5:15 AM this morning. I am very tired as I write this, but I wanted to let everyone know that my climbing plans came to fruition today. I enjoyed a solid four hours of climbing at Bubba City in the New River Gorge--three routes total. But, the good news is that I am no longer a virgin when it comes to sport climbing. I successfully led my first sport climb. Name: Microbrew; Rating: 5.5; Bolts: 5. There's no shame in my game. It may not be the most technichal climb in the world, but I did onsight it. I didn't even take a whipper (that would be embarrassing--on a 5.5, yikes). We'll have to see where my climbing career will go from here on. I just wish I had more time to hit the crags. It seems like I'm in college, working, and go to chruch every week. Who knew?

Anyways, I thoroughly enjoyed my time out today with friends. Friends are such a blessing from God. Never take them for granted. I never had any brothers growing up, so I consider my closest friends to be brothers to me.

I had an encouraging talk tonight with my good friend Sam. We discussed about our desire to be a better witness to all we meet and come into contact with. It's about taking the time to truly get to know people and see them through Christ's eyes. After all, we the believers are His eyes here on this earth. We are His hands. We are called to represent Him. Now that just blows my Chacos off! Out of everything He could have chosen to represent Him from His creation, He chose us to do the job. That is a High Calling! So, I want to challenge you to do the same. Start to view people not for who they are but for what potential they have in Christ. The bottom line is we longer stand condemned before God. We are forgiven, redeemed, bought back from the slave market of sin. We can only experience true freedom in Christ. We have what the unbelieving world needs and craves. A relationship with our Maker. I pray that I will be faithful in this calling and I hope that you will do the same.

It's late now, but I promised you some climbing pix. I'll upload them to an album and post the link in the near future. Lilah Tov! 

Blogaholic? Anyone?

Yes, I have been accused of being a blogaholic. I won't mention any names (Gabe), but what's not to love about having your own blog where all your buddies can check in to not only see cool pics, but also read your chronicles of what's going on in your life. So, if you don't have a blog, you need to get one!

I had a good lunch today with one of my good friends, Chris. We went to Subway and got into a fairly good discussion. I will say this unashamedly, I am not a Fundamentalist. When I hear the word it makes me cringe. Why is this? I agree doctrinely with them for the most part, but when it comes to methodology and philosphy of ministry, I believe we're far apart. The Fundamentalist movement I believe was sincere when it was originally conceived. You know, let's get back to the fundamentals of the faith, etc. But somewhere along the line something has gone terribly wrong. They have totally lost and forgotten the fact that there is a relational aspect to the gospel. Rather than taking the time to actually get to know the "lost" and "outcast" of our society, they hand them a track, smile, brush off their suit, get back in their Cadilac or Mercedes, and drive away smiling. Now they have something they can share with everyone back at church during testimony time. All the while, if that very person would walk into their assembly, they would be appalled.

I've worked at a restaurant off and on for five and a half years. If you go into any restaurant and ask the servers the most dreaded shift of the week, I guarantee that most of them will say Sunday morning, and it's not because they're hung over. The "Christians" come in after church and they are some of the rudest people and worst tippers of the entire week. What does this say about "Christianity". Most servers that are not believers will never pick up their Bible or go to church. The very people that should be representing Christ with their lives will run up a $50+ tab, complain about every little detail, leave you a dollar for a tip, and then they have the audacity to leave a track on the table. No wonder Christians leave a sour taste in people's mouths. And this is just one example of many where Christ is blatantly mis-represented to the unbelieving world. If we are to be Christ's ambassador's and reprsent Him and His cause on the earth why are we not fulfilling our purpose? I cannot blame anyone who views Christianity in such a bad light!

I am not perfect and I do love my Fundamentalist brothers, but come on. Where is the love? Where is the compassion? Let's get back to the basics of the gospel--Love Adonai with all your heart, mind, and soul, and love your neighbor as yourself. It's that simple!

I should be climbing tomorrow at Summersville Lake if all goes as planned. Hopefully I'll have some pix for everyone.

Once again, a beutiful day here in WV. I'm feeling guilty about complaining about the snow last week. If I only knew what was in store this week. Anyways, the oddest thing happend to me today at school. I go to leave and get into my car and I cannot locate my keys anywhere. I ended up re-tracing every step that I took from the time I arrived until I had decided to leave. Post office, classroom (SC301), library, SubServient Center, Anderson Hall, cafeteria--still no keys. At this point I am just "pissed" at myself. How does someone come to school and loose their keys. Not only did I lose my keys, but I also forgot my cell phone today, so I couldn't even call my mom to let her know what was going on. To make a short story shorter, I gave the post office one more shot. Sure enough, my keys were lying on the counter. Apparently I had left them in my mail box and someone had turned them in. Thanks to whoever found them. You could taken my folk's car for a spin, free of charge.

Here's another picture of the world famous New River Gorge bridge that I took on my hike the other day. If all goes as planned, I'll be climbing in 48 hours. Cross my fingers!