She Survived

This past Sunday morning, I presented a sermon on what happens when a woman exercises her so-called "right to choose" (a.k.a. abortion, a.k.a. infanticide). I have already received quite a number of requests for a copy of that sermon on DVD -- evidence that people care about this issue (as they should).

As a follow-up to that study, I wanted to make you aware of a certain woman's story by providing a link to a video of her recent appearance on a television program.

The biological mother of Gianna Jessen (seen at right) decided to have a saline abortion procedure performed seven and one-half months into her pregnancy...thus exercising her "right." For 18 hours, little Gianna was literally burned with this poison INTENTIONALLY, until her mother ACCIDENTALLY went into labor, delivering a two-pound LIVING baby girl. Now obviously, this story has a happy ending since you can see her photo at 31 years of age; but multiplied millions of unborn boys and girls are not so fortunate.

Fortunately for little two-pound Gianna, the doctor who had performed this despicable act was not present when she was born. The nurse on duty called an ambulance and had little Gianna rushed to the hospital. Gianna obviously survived and is doing well, but she was stricken with cerebral palsy. By the way, if you've never seen a photo of the outcome of a saline abortion, I would encourage you do do an internet search. You will never feel the same about this horrible, disgusting act of murder again -- even if you already are opposed to it. I will warn you, though, it is extremely disturbing.

I have posted the video of Gianna on Hannity & Colmes below. The video obviously has some political discussion, and as I said Sunday, some of that is unavoidable when we're talking about this issue. I make no apologies for including this video. If you are perceptive enough to surmise who I may cast my vote for this November, so be it; but I will not tell you for whom you should vote. I am not a political commentator, and will therefore stay out of politics as much as is possible (at least in a religiously oriented forum such as this).

I am, however, passionate about speaking for the 40-million plus boys and girls who have no voice due to the fact that they have already been murdered. They were murdered by mothers who have simply been lied to and convinced this is a normal medical procedure they have every right to undergo. I simply cannot be silent on this matter, and I personally cannot in, good conscience, lend any support of ANY kind to someone who is responsible for perpetuating this atrocity. But that's just me....and you are welcome to take that for what it may be worth.

God will avenge the blood of the innocent, and they don't get more innocent than little baby boys and girls. What are we going to do about this? What are YOU going to do about this? Do you support "a woman's right to choose," or a baby's right to live?? That is the only question that really matters here.

Jenna's personal website can be found at BornAliveTruth.com

Here, now, is the video...

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Telling The Good News In The Motherland

If it be the Lord's will, I will be on an airplane over the Atlantic just nine days from now. Along with my wife, Kelly, and our personal evangelism minister, Bill Snell (and his wife, Jewell), I am scheduled to spend three weeks on "the Emerald Isle." Two of these weeks will be spent in an intensive evangelistic effort in Northern Ireland. We will be working with Colin Graham in the town of Bangor, just east of Belfast. Colin and his family have been serving the cause of Christ in Northern Ireland for many years, and we hope to be a boost in whatever way we can to the churches of Christ in that part of the world.

During the first week, Bill will conduct an evening hours personal evangelism "how to" seminar for those who are already in Christ. The daytime hours will be spent making personal contacts and passing out literature and invitations to the gospel meeting that is to be held during the second week. Colin has suggested a theme of, Bible Names for that meeting.

Inasmuch as Colin knows the Irish people and their spiritual needs far better than I, this will be precisely the course we will pursue. The evenings of Sunday through Wednesday will be dedicated to studying Bible Names For God, Bible Names For The Gospel, Bible Names For Christ, and Bible Names For The Church. For those of us who have been part of God's kingdom for many years, these topics will surely sound very rudimentary. However, when one considers the religious landscape and political history of Northern Ireland, these studies that Colin has suggested seem to be precisely what these people need to hear.

Gone (for now) is the tumultuous life of fear and terror that once characterized life in cities such as Belfast and Derry. Cease fire agreements and treaties have brought an end to what was some of the most devastating violence to be found anywhere in the world during the 1970's, 1980's, and 1990's. The I.R.A. (Irish Republican Army) has been virtually silent since "The Belfast Agreement" (as it is commonly known) was signed in 1998. "The Troubles" (as the locals have dubbed these former times) were a result of religious division mingled with political resentment. During these times of peace, this may be a supremely advantageous time to expend our efforts in reaching a people still very confused from a religious standpoint.

Since I was just a wee lad, I have harbored a fervent desire to visit Ireland, since my ancestry is overwhelmingly Irish. My fourth great grandfather grew up in and around Belfast in the mid-1700's before he emigrated to the Colonies. He would fight alongside many other Irishmen in the Revolutionary War who held great disdain for the British Army. My father's side came from County Leitrim in the northwestern part of what is now known as the Republic of Ireland. Somewhere along the line, one of my relatives dropped the "O" from our surname. What started as "O'Rourke" became just "Roark."

Why am I detailing all this information? Simply to say this: I am as excited as any man can be about anything at the prospect of telling the good news in "The Motherland." For the soles of my shoes to tread the same soil upon which my great grandfathers and grandmothers walked while doing the work of the Lord thrills my spirit beyond my ability to tell. I hope this is just the first of many such trips I make.

Your prayers for safety and success would be very much appreciated. I will be keeping a regular travel blog up to date (that is, as long as technology cooperates). If you would like to keep up with what's going on, bookmark this site. We're scheduled to leave on Monday, July 21st with a return date of Monday, August 11th.


P.S. -- If you notice the heading on the travel blog site says, "The Baron - Ryan Roark," that's because I had to specify a user name. When I was a wee lad of just three, my uncle dubbed me "The Red Baron" because of my shiny red hair that everyone loved to rub for "luck." He even had a little t-shirt custom made for me to wear around with "Baron" emblazoned across the back. Just wanted to explain the history on that!

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Remembering A Dark Past

Yesterday, millions of Americans celebrated the annual observance of Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the announcement of slavery's abolition in the state of Texas. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Lincoln almost three years prior to this date, it was not until June 19, 1865 that the first official declaration of freedom for all slaves was made in Galveston, Texas. On that day, General Gordon Granger and 2,000 of his men arrived to take possession of the state and enforce the law that Lincoln's signature had put in place three years earlier.

This is a day that brings joy to every freedom loving American. However, it is also a day that brings to memory one of the darkest parts of our great nation's history. Though not every slave was treated as badly as others, most accounts and photos we see from the 1850's and 1860's tell a grim tale of human oppression.

The basic problems are these:

1. A slave's person is deemed the property of another human being.
2. A slave's will is completely subject to the "owner's" authority.
3. A slave's labor is obtained against their will by coercion.

Truly, one of the most sinister and perverted states of mind any man can have is to view another human being created in the image of God as his own property. Consider these basic Bible principles:

1. Since all human beings are created in the image of God, they are all equally worthy of our respect (Genesis 1:28).
2. All human beings are loved equally by God (John 3:16).
3. Every man and woman is to love their fellow man as themselves (Matthew 22:39).

It is difficult to imagine very many scenarios that violate more principles of God's word than the practice of slavery. And though this nation has come a great distance in the past 150 years, the problems of racism still exist (and perhaps always will). As long as there are men and women who will not demonstrate love and compassion for everyone on an equal plane, this will always be a problem -- amongst all races.

At the very least, let's do our part to show the world that the people of God will not only speak about "the golden rule," but will actually live it as well. The next time you hear someone use a derogatory racial term, let them know (kindly) that you do not concur. The next time someone stereotypes a certain group or tells an off-color joke about a certain set of people, don't laugh (not even that nervous and uncomfortable laugh). This is an area where we can have a significant impact on a regular basis.

Let your light shine every day.

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Are You A "Hypermiler"?

A what?

A hypermiler.

Yeah, just as I suspected...the spell checking mechanism on my web browser doesn't like that word. That's because the term "hypermiler" is relatively new to the English language. I suppose it's slang at this point, but with gas prices soaring over $4 per gallon and inching ever closer to the $5 mark, it's a term that is working it's way into the vocabulary of an increasingly large number of people.

So what is hypermiling? According to an August 2006 story in the Washington Post, it is a method of increasing your car's gas mileage by making skillful changes in the way you drive, allowing you to save gas and thereby have an easier time withstanding the rising oil and gas prices.

It involves techniques such as slowly accelerating from stops, coasting to red lights and stop signs by shifting into neutral well ahead of time, and actually going under the speed limit from time to time.

When I first heard of this concept, I laughed and jeered like a typical "too cool for school" person. When I looked at our budget and realized Kelly and I are consuming $400+ per month in gasoline, I took another look. So, beginning yesterday, I started hypermiling! So far (according to my on-board computer), I'm saving about three to four miles per gallon thanks to my new driving style. When this is computed using the current $4 per gallon, I am saving between eight and nine dollars per tank of gas. Not bad at all.

Believe me...these hypermiling techniques are difficult for me to adopt. I'm not a speeder, but I do like to get up to speed quickly. Not any more. Shifting into neutral a quarter mile away from a traffic light goes against my instincts, but now I find myself making a bit of a game out of how far I can coast. And going under the speed limit? Well, I try not to do this when someone is behind me on a one lane road...that's just inconsiderate since everyone is not a hypermiler. But if I'm on a multi-lane road or nobody is behind me, I may find myself putting along at 35 miles per hour in a 45 mile per hour zone! Add to all this the fact that I'm going to try and ride my motorcycle more (once these 100+ degree days leave), and I figure to be saving significant amounts of cash!

What this all comes down to is a change of habits. If it is different results we desire, it is different actions we must take. Albert Einstein once said the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

The same holds true with any other area of life. Are your habits in keeping with God's word? Do your daily actions take you one step closer to heaven, or hell? Both destinations are very real places that will exist forever. You and I are inching ever closer to eternity with every passing day. In the example of hypermiling, it is causing me to go against what I've always done behind the wheel of a car....and it's very challenging at times. But I know this...if I keep on doing what I've always done, I can expect similar results!

If your style of living is taking you down the broad way that leads to destruction, the only way to veer off that deadly course is to change your way of life!

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Matthew 7:13-14, ESV

Why are there so few that enter the gate that leads to life? Jesus said it is due to the fact that it is "hard." Heaven's road requires giving up some things we may not want to give up. It demands full allegiance and submission to Christ as King. Grace that leads to salvation is given to all (Titus 2:11), but only a few accept it.

If you are on the path that leads to destruction even now, will you make a u-turn by repenting and obeying the will of the Father? If you are living outside of Christ, and if you continue to live outside of Christ, you can expect to be in a similar situation in eternity -- that is, separated from him in outer darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth (Luke 13:27-28).

It is my earnest hope that you will submit to the Lord today -- for yesterday has been lost, and tomorrow may never be.

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To Love The Lord

German philosopher and theologian, Eckhart von Hocheim (A.D. 1260-1328) once said, "Love God, and do as you like, say the Free Spirits. Yes; but as long as you like anything contrary to God's will, you do not love Him."

Meister Eckhart, as he was commonly known in his day, was really on to something there. His statement is merely a re-arranged version of Christ's words in the gospel of John.

If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
John 14:15, ESV

The English word "love" in Jesus' declaration is translated from the Greek term agapate (a derivative of the well known agape). Included in this term relative to one's superior (as of Christ) is the idea of duty, respect, and veneration. Jesus is telling us the love he desires from us is manifested in our service and fidelity.

As Meister Eckhart suggested, mere lip service devotion to the Lord is of no avail. True love of the Lord -- agape love -- will always be shown by one's obedience to the will of the Master.

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No GPS Needed For This Bird

On February 29th of this year (2008), I wrote about the amazing abilities of the African Grey Parrot. Included in that post was a brief video of Einstein, the African Grey Parrot who appeared on Animal Planet's Pet Star. If you'd like to read that article and view the video, just click the "February" link under "2008" in the menu to the right. As a follow-up to that article, here's an amazing story about Yosuke, the African Grey Parrot from Japan (that's him in the photo to the right).

When Yosuke the parrot flew out of his cage and got lost, he did exactly what he had been taught — recite his name and address to a stranger willing to help.

Police rescued the African grey parrot two weeks ago from a neighbor's roof in the city of Nagareyama, near Tokyo. After spending a night at the station, he was transferred to a nearby veterinary hospital while police searched for clues, local policeman Shinjiro Uemura said. He kept mum with the cops, but began chatting after a few days with the vet.

"I'm Mr. Yosuke Nakamura," the bird told the veterinarian, according to Uemura. The parrot also provided his full home address, down to the street number, and even entertained the hospital staff by singing songs.

"We checked the address, and what do you know, a Nakamura family really lived there. So we told them we've found Yosuke," Uemura said. The Nakamura family told police they had been teaching the bird its name and address for about two years.

We can learn a thing or two from Mr. Yosuke the Parrot. He was reunited with his family because he knows his true home. For the child of God, he or she knows that the eternal home of the soul is in heaven. The holy spirit of God inspired Paul the apostle to write these words:

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
Philippians 3:20-21, ESV

If we will keep our sights set on our eternal home, we -- by the grace of God -- will find our way to that bright city whose builder and maker is God. Yosuke learned to recite his address by diligent daily training and discipline. God's grace provides the training for our upright living in view of eternity.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age...
Titus 2:11-12, ESV

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A Book Of Unique Ability

Jesus said...

If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
John 8:32, ESV

While praying to the Father, Jesus declared God's word to be truth (John 17:17) -- that is, the objective and absolute standard of life and Godliness. His statement above from the eighth chapter of John's gospel account makes the point that any man or woman who abides in his word will know "the truth." In so stating, Christ makes a powerful and unmistakable claim of deity.

Yes, the word of God the Father and God the Son are one and the same. The word of the Father that sanctifies the soul (John 17:17) is the same word of the Son that sets a soul free from the bondage and condemnation of sin (John 8:31-32).

There exists no other single volume nor collection of volumes that can truthfully make the same assertion. Great literary masterpieces and best sellers have prompted men and women the world over to change their world views and ways of living. Yet, every letter of every word on every page of every copy of every other book ever sold in the history of the world is utterly powerless to set free a soul condemned by sin to die.

There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12, ESV

If you don't have a Bible, GET ONE.
If you've got a Bible, READ IT.
If you read the Bible, BELIEVE IT.
If you believe the Bible, LIVE IT.

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In The Out & Out The In

Upon one of my recent trips to the local Target here in the bustling metropolis that is Mechanicsville, I observed a most curious sight. As I walked toward the front of the store from the parking lot, I noticed two families. One was entering the store, and the other was exiting store at precisely the same time. What's so unusual about that? Nothing at all...except for this: The family entering the store was walking through the doors clearly labeled "EXIT," and the family leaving the store was walking through the doors clearly labeled "ENTER."

I had to chuckle at this sight. Maybe it's just the mind of a preacher, but the statement made by the Lord to his people in the book of Isaiah immediately came to mind:

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
Isaiah 5:20, ESV

Now, please do not misunderstand my point here. I am not suggesting these families have subjected themselves to the wrath of God for entering and exiting through the proper doors (though they may have to answer to Target's red-clad security team). My point here is that this scene was a visual representation of what God describes here in the message of the prophet Isaiah.

When the murder of precious unborn boys and girls is lauded as "freedom" or as "a woman's right to choose," that is the very essence of calling evil good.

When teenagers are given contraceptives by their schools (or even their parents, for that matter), this is the epitome of putting darkness for light.

When judges who were appointed to uphold laws and morality deem marriage between persons of the same sex to be wholesome and legal, this is very much a case of putting bitter for sweet.

Do yourself a favor and read through the rest of the fifth chapter of Isaiah and notice how the Lord regards such blatant disregard for His law. It's rather obvious at this point that the laws of this once great nation are being chiseled away little by little by our lawmakers and judges. God's laws, however, have been "firmly fixed in the heavens" (Psalm 119:89). What God has ordained as law will always remain law.

May we never be guilty of calling "evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!"

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"I Can't See Any Harm In It"

Sometimes, we cannot see the harm in something simply because we have not bothered to actually look for it. Consider these guidelines when determining whether an action is right or wrong:

1. The Personal Test: will doing this make me a better or worse Christian?
2. The Social Test: will doing it influence others to be better or worse Christians?
3. The Practical Test: will the results of my doing it be desirable?
4. The Universal Test: if everyone should do this, would it enhance or degrade society?
5. The Scriptural Test: does the Bible endorse it or is it forbidden -- even implied as wrong -- by the word of God?
6. The Stewardship Test: will my doing this constitute a waste of talent God gave me?
7. The Character Test: what will be the influence of my moral & spiritual stamina?
8. The Family Test: will it bring discredit & dishonor to my family, and will it embarrass them?
9. The Publicity Test: would I be willing for friends, fellow Christians, the elders, and the preacher to know about it?
10. The Common Sense Test: does it agree with plain, everyday, ordinary common sense?
11. The Fairness Test: is it honest, and it is practicing the "Golden Rule"?
12. The Problem Test: is it potentially harmful to me and / or others?

No matter what "it" may be, if "it' fails even one of these tests, we ought to be wise enough to see the harm therein. On such a case, abstinence is the only policy.

Test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, ESV

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Life Can Be Hard, But God Is Good

HE IS STRONG in our weakness.

HE IS COMFORT when we're in pain.

HE IS LOVE when we need acceptance.

HE IS PEACE when we're haunted by fear.

HE IS PROTECTION when we're in the midst of trouble.

HE HEALS OUR WOUNDS when someone or something hurts us.

HE IS JOY when our hearts are grieved.

HE IS OUR FRIEND when we need acceptance.

HE IS OUR POWER when we are helpless.

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Steak Knife Salvation

In a city synonymous with great steaks, one man is grateful for the steak knife that helped spare his life. Steve Wilder, of Omaha, Nebraska, used a steak knife to perform an at-home tracheotomy. He took this drastic measure because he thought he was going to die one night last week after awakening and being unable to breathe.

Wilder said he didn't call 911 because he didn't think help would arrive in time. So, the 55-year-old says, he got a steak knife from the kitchen and made a small hole in his throat, allowing air to gush in.

As someone who is about as squeamish as any human being can be, this story churns my stomach. I cannot imagine performing my own tracheotomy! However, in addition to being completely "grossed out," it also helps me to reflect on the value of life.

What some people have done in an effort to spare their own lives is astounding. The stories you have, no doubt, heard of men amputating trapped limbs with small, dull utility knives should further serve to illustrate just how far human beings will go to preserve life.

Mr. Wilder was saved from death by his own courage and determination to live. How far will you go to be saved from "the second death" (Revelation 2:11), that is, eternal condemnation and separation from God? The wonderful news is that God's grace has provided the sacrifice we needed, but could not ourselves supply (Titus 2:11) in Christ. God requires only our faith (Hebrews 11:6), loving obedience (John 14:15; Hebrews 5:9), and a humble attitude of self-sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2).

How important is your own life? God has instilled within man an innate desire to live -- both physically and spiritually. When a man loses his desire to live (physically), this indicates a problem...perhaps mental illness. And when a man does not possess a desire to save his own soul, this too indicates a problem...a spirit that needs to be awakened and revived!

Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:2, ESV

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Mark 16:16, ESV

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The New Slavery?

This morning's edition of NBC's Today show featured an interview with V. Gene Robinson, the bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire in the Episcopal Church in the United States of America (better known as simply the "Episcopal Church"). You may remember the copious amounts of air time his story received back in 2003 when he was elected to this position. The controversy surrounded his open admissions of homosexual behavior.

In the years that followed these events, numerous congregations within the Episcopal denomination have broken their ties with the governing body and have since aligned themselves with other groups. The reason for Mr. Robinson's appearance on the Today show was the release of his new book, In The Eye Of The Storm: Swept To The Center By God. Robinson also appeared in the film, For The Bible Tells Me So, a documentary promoted at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival (scroll to the bottom of this post and click on the video box to see the trailer for this film).

While listening to the interview this morning, I took a pen and a sheet of paper and jotted down a few of the more notable statements made by Mr. Robinson. Here are just a few:

• Robinson compared himself to the prophets of the Bible, citing the persecution he feels.
• He likened the "discrimination" against gays to the subjugation of women and slavery.
• Mr. Robinson said he knows many people who are "unashamedly gay and unashamedly Christian."
• He said there is a need to "re-interpret the Scriptures."
• Robinson claims that God has called him into the lifestyle of homosexuality so that he can fulfill the role he is now playing.

Where does one begin in answering these statements? Let's briefly take them one by one, shall we?

• The prophets of the Bible were persecuted for their unwavering support and defense of God's word; Mr. Robinson is being criticized for his blatant disregard for that same word.

• The opposition Mr. Robinson receives from Bible believers is not to be compared with social disasters like slavery and racism. Individuals who supported slavery in the past, and individuals who harbor racist attitudes today violate the word of God in so doing. Those who lovingly teach the truth about the sin of homosexuality as it is revealed in Scripture are following in the footsteps of the Lord. Does anyone else find Mr. Robinson's comparison to slavery offensive?

• There is no such thing as a homosexual Christian. The two terms contradict one another. A Christian is one who follows the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. If there are "gay Christians," as Mr. Robinson claims, there must also be adulterous Christians, fornicator Christians, thief Christians, and the like. The truth of the matter is that no man or woman who continues in a lifestyle of sin and rebellion to God's word will inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

• The need is not in "re-interpreting the Scriptures." The need is for more people to show genuine love for Christ by humbly obeying Him (John 14:15).

• God does not call men to a lifestyle of sin. He does not compel anyone to practice that which will leave their soul in peril. On the contrary, the Lord calls men out of darkness and into the light of truth by the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14).

It should be noted that we should never support any effort that would attack another human being, be it by words or physical violence. Anyone who spews venomous, hateful words in the direction of another also violates the law of God.

This being said, it is truly unfortunate that the propaganda machine used by many so-called "gay rights" groups paints with such a broad brush. Those of us who defend the truth and purity if the Bible and its teachings on homosexuality are often lumped in with the screaming, red-faced radicals hurling profanity-laced insults. Truly unfortunate.

It can only be hoped that those who have honest and sincere hearts can step back from the useless political debates to see the difference between those who hate homosexuals and those who love them enough to tell the truth. Gene Robinson would have you believe a loving attitude and teaching the sinfulness of homosexuality are mutually exclusive. That's a claim that will sell books...maybe even get him on a bestseller's list or two. But it is a claim that cannot be backed up by the word of God.

Let's speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

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Too Much Of A Good Thing

If what I was taught in my biology classes was accurate, 55-70% of the adult human body is made up of good ol' H2O (this figure varies from source to source). This being the case, doctors, nutritionists -- and naturally -- bottled water companies everywhere urge us to be sure we are drinking sufficient quantities of this life-sustaining serum. Some have even suggested water is second only to oxygen in its essential properties for sustaining life. It is hard to argue with that, I suppose.

So, you can't get too much water, right? Sounds good...only it is not true. In January 2007, a 28-year-old mother of three lost her life as a result of water intoxication. Poisoned by water?!?! "Impossible!" you say? I would have thought so myself before reading of this incident.

The young was competing in a contest run by a Sacramento morning radio show. The challenge was to determine which contestant could drink the largest quantity of water in a brief period of time without using the "facilities." The so-called "winner" (really though...does anyone actually win here?) would be awarded a brand new Nintendo Wii video gaming system. She died just hours after the conclusion of the contest.

This sad story made me think about how too much of a good thing can indeed be harmful. In this case, something as good -- yea, essential -- as water turned out to be fatal! Is this not true in other areas as well? Truly, anything that would impede my ability to serve the Lord, giver of all things good (James 1:17) is something which must be kept in check. Time investments in areas such as recreation, bodily exercise, my "9 to 5," and even time spent with friends and loved ones are all WONDERFUL God-given blessings. However, consider how too much of any good thing can be fatal to your soul.

Let us learn to be betters managers of our time. Work hard, play hard, enjoy family time to your fullest...but for your OWN sake...do not allow the trappings of life so monopolize your valuable God-given minutes that you drift from the side of your gracious and benevolent Savior.

Too much of a good thing...the outcome is almost always a bad thing.

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Trained By Constant Practice

Charles Ray Fuller, a 21-year-old from North Texas, was arrested on forgery charges last week for trying to cash a $360 billion check (see the photo at right for an image of the actual check). I don't know how many $300+ billion checks pass through the average bank in a week, but tellers at the Fort Worth branch where Mr. Fuller attempted to cash his were a bit suspicious.

Fuller said his girlfriend's mother gave him the check to start a record business, but bank employees who contacted the account's owner said the woman told them she did not give him permission to take or cash the check, according to police.

In addition to forgery, Fuller was charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon and possessing marijuana. I suppose there may be a link between the check scheme and the marijuana possession.

So, how did these bank tellers know the check was bogus? Do you suppose they were given years of intensive training by the FBI and U.S. Treasury? Do they possess some sort of super-human intelligence? Highly unlikely.

The bank tellers must have known Mr. Fuller's check was fraudulent because of their very average ability to discern the plausible from the implausible. This reasonable level of discernment has, no doubt, come through gaining months -- perhaps years -- of experience. The constant exercising of these senses has made the average bank teller savvy enough to pick up on many varieties of fraud. This reminds me of a verse of Scripture:

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
Hebrews 5:14, ESV

Let's shift gears away from check fraud and think about spiritual discernment. It is constant practice that gives the child of God the power to discern truth from error. By continued and consistent hearing, believing, praying, and obeying, the Christian becomes more well equipped as time goes by.

The English rendering of "constant practice" ("exercised," NKJV) is taken from the Greek term gegumnasmena, which literally means "to practice naked." When one understands the custom of the athletes in the ancient Grecian games of competing in the nude, this makes perfect sense. By intense training and constant practice, the Christian gains the same dexterity in navigating through life that the elite athlete does for his moment of glory on the field of play.

Let's all engage in a constant state of spiritual exercise, training ourselves to wind successfully through the course of this life in anticipation of that which is to come!

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Preachers & Politics

The media firestorm that has resulted in the outlandish statements of Jeremiah Wright has brought the mingling of religion and politics to the forefront. And, as foolish as Mr. Wright's statements have been, they are but the latest example of a prominent religious leader "throwing his hat into the ring" of politics.

To be fair, Wright is not the first. He is simply the latest in a growing line of so-called spiritual leaders that deem it appropriate to preach any number of political messages from the pulpit. Pat Robertson of The 700 Club has kept one foot in the political world for many years, even running a brief campaign for President a time or two. Robertson often weighs in on various political candidates and the policies of various politicians.

Billy Graham has been known as a "preacher to the Presidents," gaining much of his fame and influence from his close associations with several Commanders In Chief. Graham befuddled multitudes when -- in the wake of President Bill Clinton's scandal involving Monica Lewinsky -- Graham excused his actions by saying in an NBC Today Show interview, "He has such a tremendous personality that I think the ladies just go wild over him."

It is certain that faith and politics overlap in some ways. However, when preachers use a pulpit to push political agendas, to campaign for a candidate (no matter who it is), and to draw fame and attention to themselves or an organization, the recipients are poorer for having heard such. If a man claims to be a servant of God -- speaking the message of the Almighty -- he has an obligation to do just that. When politics replace preaching, grandstanding supplants gospel, and Washington displaces the word, God is most certainly not honored.

Inspired by the Spirit of God, Paul said it to Timothy in this way:

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
2 Timothy 4:1-5, ESV

We have enough political pundits as it is. If anyone claims to be speaking the word of God, he ought to do exactly that.

Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever.
1 Peter 4:11, ESV

Peddling one's political views and agendas wrapped in a "gospel package" is deplorable, to put it kindly.

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Renewing The Mind

Conforming to the ways of the world is what comes naturally. Without any effort, one's life will be molded into a perfect image of the lost souls of this realm. However, God calls men and women to be transformed. The result of this transformation will be a life acceptable to God.

The word of God says,

I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your rational service. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2, ESV

Mind renewal, then, includes at least these two factors:

1. Testing (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
   
2. Discernment (Ephesians 5:10)

The polluted "version" of Christianity that encourages one to check his or her mind at the door has no power. Salvation comes by the grace of God when we will engage our minds in the pursuit of righteousness.

That's true renewal of the mind.

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Power-Packed Prayer

13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
James 5:13-16, ESV

Three components of effective prayer seen here in these verses:

1) Persistence (v. 13-14)
2) Faith (v. 15)
3) Confession (v. 16a)
3) Righteous living (v. 16b)

Prayer is packed with power when these components are present. When we communicate with the Lord in the way he has prescribed, prayer has "great power as it is working."

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Knit Together In Love

...that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ...
Colossians 2:2, ESV

Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.
Colossians 2:18-19, ESV

These verses in Paul's God-breathed letter to the church of Christ in Colossae reveal several keys for healthy growth of the body of Christ (i.e. the church of Christ - see Ephesians 1:22-23).

1. Mutual encouragement among members is essential to to being "knit together in love" (v. 2a).
2. Unity in the body will ensure the attainment of the goal of all God's people -- spiritual riches, assurance, understanding, and knowledge (v. 2b).
3. Without the Head (i.e. Christ), the body (i.e. church) cannot truly function (v. 19a).
4. When the church is nourished by Christ and bound together by the joints and ligaments of brotherly love, all growth will be Godly growth (v. 19b).
5. This being the case, sound (i.e. healthy) doctrine (i.e. teaching) and mutual love amongst the people of God are both indespensable components of the life and growth of the body of Christ.

How have you shown your love for Christ and your spiritual family today? How can you better serve the Head (Christ Jesus) and be those "joints and ligaments" of love that act as a moving, stablizing force in the body of Christ?

I'm thankful for all of you who are striving to this end.

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Getting Back Into Shape

Several weeks ago, a local chiropractic office was one of several entities invited to set up a booth at one of our home rugby matches. I cannot figure out what would make them think rugby players might need a slight spine adjustment, can you?

After the game was over, I paid a visit to the booth where one of the doctors laid me on a table and stretched me out (which felt quite good). I was also given a certificate that gives me a credit for $50 at one of their offices. The heading on the certificate says, "Get Your Back In Shape."

With all the pounding and violent collisions over the course of a normal week in rugby, I doubt very seriously that anyone has a back that could be described as "in shape." So these docs were right on target in their business strategy.

As the certificate is laying here on my desk, it got me to thinking about how easy it is for a child of God to get "misaligned." The world and all the trappings thereof are a constant source of pressure. Satan exerts a mighty force in this world, and if we do not take the proper care in dealing with those threats, we may very easily find ourselves in need of getting back into shape.

Consider the following factors, each of which may contribute to causing spiritual misalignment:

• Friendship with the world (James 4:4)
• Being stained by the world (James 1:27)
• Possessing undue love for the world (1 John 2:15-17)
• Conformation to the world (Romans 12:2)

Should we ever find ourselves living in-step with the world, we will of necessity be out of step with the Lord. Humble confession to the Father coupled with genuine penitence is the prescription for forgiveness offered by the great Physician.

Now, to get this spine of mine back in working order...

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The Lord's Merciful Offer

Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.
Isaiah 1:18, ESV

It is remarkable to me that the same God that the same God who declared unto us the transcendence of his ways and thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9) makes this offer to such a feeble minded people -- an offer to reason with us! His offer of sin-cleansing grace -- sufficiently powerful to remove any trace of iniquity -- is given when we humbly accept the offer to come and reason with him.

The Lord of heaven is a God who desires our service from unabridged minds, devoting conscience, emotion, volition, and intellect to his purposes. In so doing, we benefit our own souls while glorifying God in the process. It is, after all, "for his name's sake" that he "leads us in right paths" (Psalm 23:3).

Can you think of anything more important that accepting the Lord's merciful offer yourself? The only thing that can even compete is telling others of that same offer once you have accepted it yourself.

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Booze & Expensive Gas: A Dangerous Combination

Two Tennessee men are in jail today after a physical altercation. While walking to get gas for their empty car, the two acquaintances started fighting over who should pay for the gas. Police said both David A. Lundsford of Sweetwater, Tennessee and Roger Gifford of Athens, Tennessee remain in custody pending a court appearance today.

A police report shows Lundsford suffered a minor stab wound in the abdomen, apparently inflicted with Gifford's pocket knife early Wednesday. A witness told police that she saw Lundsford punching Gifford.

Lundsford told officers that he and Gifford were walking north on Congress Parkway after running out of gas and they started arguing about who should pay when they got to the pump.

Both men are charged with public intoxication, which pretty well explains this whole bizarre scenario. Just another example of the unmatched wisdom of God's word...

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. (Proverbs 20:1, ESV)

Has any man in the history of the world been made better by the consumption of alcoholic beverage? No, not one. How many have seen their lives ruined by strong drink? Far too many to count.

We all know drinking on a "social" level is the "norm" in our time, but following norms is just one way among many that strong drink leads one astray (see verse above). Alcohol use is alcohol abuse.

Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.
(1 Peter 2:11, ESV)

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Life Without The Letter "J"

For the past three days, I have been typing on my laptop computer without the use of the "j" key. The small mechanism that is pushed down when a finger strikes the "j" key is still intact, so I am able to type j's when needed (though it must be done far more deliberately).

How did I lose my "j" key, you ask? I was sitting on the couch at home doing some work on Monday evening when Louis, our 105-pound Yellow Lab decided he wanted to sit on top of me (Louis thinks he's an eight-pound lap dog). Since the laptop was resting on my lap (hence the name), one of Louis' rather large paws raked across the keyboard, taking out the "j" key in the process.

Looking on the bright side, if Louis absolutely had to take out one letter, "j" was a good choice. I have been surprised how infrequently the letter "j" is used when compared to other letters in the alphabet. Still, I got to thinking about some of the words we couldn't say or write without the use of the great letter "j."

Here are just a few to consider:



Joy
The inexpressible result of salvation in Christ

"May the God of hope fill you with all JOY and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (Romans 15:13, ESV)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace..." (Galatians 5:22, ESV)

"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with JOYthat is inexpressible and filled with glory..." (1 Peter 1:8, ESV)


Justified
To be regarded as innocent

"Therefore, since we have been JUSTIFIED by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1, ESV)

"Since, therefore, we have now been JUSTIFIED by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God." (Romans 5:9, ESV)

"You see that a person is JUSTIFIED by works and not by faith alone." (James 2:24, ESV)


Jesus
King of kings, Lord of lords; the Son of God and Savior of mankind

"Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this JESUS whom you crucified." (Acts 2:36, ESV)

"But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely JESUS, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering." (Hebrews 2:9-10, ESV)

"My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, JESUS Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 2:1-2, ESV)



Aren't you glad we have the letter "j"?

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364 Days To Go!

The countdown is on: only 364 more days until the deadline for filing your 2008 tax return!

As a kid, April 15th was just another day for me. Then came high school and college where I got a little taste of what it meant to pay income tax (only to get it all back at a later date). Once adulthood rolled around, I understood all too well the groans of dread and despair.

I found a fascinating collection of little known facts concerning the history of taxes, both around the world and in the United States. Some of these are amusing, but I must warn you, others may make you want to pull your hair out!

Did you know...

• The first record of tax collectors were depicted in ancient Egyptian tomb paintings from around 2000 B.C.
• Roman Emperor, Nero, levied many odd taxes including one on urine (Romans collected urine from public latrines to be used for tanning leather).
• In A.D. 1404, the British Parliament passed the world's first income tax. It was so hated that after its repeal, all records thereof were burned.
• In order to westernize Russia, Peter the Great imposed a tax on beards -- which he considered a "ridiculous ornament."
• During the French Revolution, King Louis XVI's tax collectors were rounded up and beheaded on the guillotine.
• In 1792, the U.S. imposed a "sin tax" on whiskey, sparking the "Whiskey Rebellion."
• To finance the civil war, the U.S. Congress instituted the first income tax in 1862. It was meant to be temporary.
• In 1943, the withholding tax on wages was introduced. Within two years, the IRS's earnings went from $60 million to $43 billion!
• The Declaration of Independence has 1,337 words -- the Bible has 773,00 words -- today's tax laws top 7-million words.
• In 2005, Americans worked 70 days just to pay off federal taxes, and another 37 days for local taxes.
• Each year, the IRS prints nearly 8-billion pages of forms and instructions. That's enough to wrap the earth 28 times.
• An estimated 300,000 trees are cut down each year for IRS forms. That number is shrinking due to e-filing.
• With 114,000 employees, the IRS is twice the size of the CIA and five times as big as the FBI.

At this point, this could very easily devolve into a political rant regarding the immense sums of taxpayer money wasted by the U.S. government. However, this is not a political blog. What can we glean from this spiritually?

Keep in mind the Roman government of Jesus' day taxed its own citizens heavily. No doubt, first century Christians did not agree with much of what was being done with their hard-earned money. Tax collectors were despised more in those days than any IRS agent in our own. Nonetheless, what did Christ teach in regard to paying taxes?

And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk. And they came and said to him, "Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone's opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?" But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, "Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it." And they brought one. And he said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They said to him, "Caesar's." Jesus said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marveled at him.
Mark 12:13-17, ESV

Believe me...I know vitamins I,R, and S can be bitter pills to swallow. But the teaching of our Lord in this matter is clear. The disciples of Jesus are to abide by the system of taxation imposed by the nation in which they live. Moreover, we are to do so honestly.

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The Lady Who Sat In Front Of Me

Several years ago while living in the state of Florida, I had occasion to travel to Alabama. I departed from the Tampa Bay area early on a Sunday morning, stopping to worship with a congregation of the Lord’s church in northern Florida. This is a congregation I had visited -- and had even preached at -- in days gone by.

On that day, the sermon was sound and informative, the singing was uplifting and instructive, and the Lord was worshiped in both spirit and truth (John 4:24). These are all privileges most New Testament Christians can enjoy on a weekly basis. This time around, there was one experience which has made a lasting impression upon me, and it was all thanks to the lady who sat in front of me.

Now, let it be known that my attention was focused on my privilege and obligation of worshiping the Lord. However, the very nature of our worship assemblies affords us opportunities to make an impression upon one another. The lady who sat in front of me was truly a splendid example for me in her involvement and participation in worship.

From the time the song-leader blew the pitch of the first song on his pitch pipe, this Christian woman was focused and ready to sing heartily to the Lord. — and sing heartily she did! Despite the fact that she was sitting on the pew in front of me, I could hear her vocalizing the words of every song in an alto voice which had no doubt weakened over the years. It was obvious that this was no deterrent for her, however, because she sang every lyric with great fervor and faith. As she sang the words, “anywhere with Jesus I can safely go,” I knew that she meant them, and that she was admonishing me (Colossians 3:16) toward the same assurance.

When the time came for “the collection for the saints” (1 Corinthians 16:1), I was impressed by her obvious forethought. As the men stood before the microphone to say a prayer in connection with the offering, the lady who sat in front of me opened her Bible and removed a check. I do not know the dollar figure she penned on the “amount” line. But this I do know: This Christian had purposed in her heart what she would give (2 Corinthians 9:7), and she was doing so in an obvious spirit of appreciation and cheer.

As the preacher mounted the pulpit, I noticed that her hands were already grasping her well-worn Bible. Almost without exception, the fair-minded lady who sat in front of me turned the pages of her Bible, comparing the words of the speaker with the very words of the Lord (Acts 17:11). Her attentiveness and apparent thrill in hearing the gospel preached shone through. I have no doubt that she considered the Lord’s day assembly to be the highlight of her week. Although she had probably heard many of these same verses of Scripture hundreds of times before, the lady who sat in front of me did not appear to be bored. On the contrary, she seemed to treat these words as if she was hearing them for the very first time. I learned so much on that Lord’s day.

Certainly, just being able to participate in worship myself was well worth the stop. However, I carried much more encouragement with me on that day than I left behind. What troubles me is that people do not understand the influence they can and indeed will exert. I do not believe the lady who sat in front of me knew the impact she had on me that day — an impact which has not
waned some four years later! We are constantly influencing others in one of two ways: For good, or for bad. There are no in-betweens.

When I hear people bristle at the Biblical role of women in the church, I think about the lady who sat in front of me. She was not only content with her role, she was thrilled to fulfill it. She sat on a pew with what appeared to be two other widows, but her spirit of contentment and thanksgiving were exemplary.

When the period of worship had ended, the lady who sat in front of me made a point of welcoming me, and thanking me for attending Bible class and worship. I would someday like to shake her hand and place in it this article. But if that never comes to pass, I would like to meet her again in the sweet by and by to say, “thank you.”

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Keeping It In Perspective

Earlier this week, I received a phone call from my brother-in-law, Ben, who lives in Tennessee. Ben had received a call from his brother, Dave, in Florida who had made an interesting discovery.

Dave had been making an effort to find my parents' address on WhitePages.com. He typed "Roark" into the name field, and their ZIP code into the address field. He found what he was looking for, but also came across an additional entry with my name listed.

This in itself was not an interesting discovery since Kelly and I did indeed live and work in this same Tennessee town for two and one-half years. The intrigue begins with the job title listed under the entry with my name. It still had me listed as an employee of the West Fayetteville church of Christ, but with the job title listed as "false teacher" (click on the image above to see the screen capture).

Apparently, anyone with internet access is able to submit a name and job title. Dave was somewhat hesitant to let Ben call me with this piece of news, but being my best friend and brother-in-law (some say we were separated at birth), Ben knew exactly how I would take it: with great amusement.

Now, don't get me wrong...being labeled as a "false teacher" is no laughing matter -- especially if there is any validity to such an assertion. Understand, however, that when someone anonymously submits someone's name with that label to a website, that can be somewhat difficult to take seriously. It shows a genuine lack of character and courage, to say the least. And so, one might have to say in a situation as this, "consider the source."

While Ben and I were having a good chuckle over this, he asked if I could think of anyone who might be behind this. My answer was that I had only one or two guesses (after all, I'm not all that well-known!), but it would be impossible to say with any degree of certainty. Besides, I was not overly concerned with the situation in the first place.

Had this situation arisen in my younger days, I may have been hurt, angry, and on a mission to find the culprit. Now, at the advanced age of 30, I've found it much easier to keep situations like this in its proper perspective. For this, I give God the glory...

For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5:14-26, ESV

When we allow the Spirit of God to operate and mold our lives through the Scriptures, the difference will be plainly evident.

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Watch That Temper!

When King Ahasuerus promoted Haman the Agagite to a position above all the other officials in the Persian kingdom (Esther 3:1), it was decreed that all the king's servants would bow down and pay homage to this new "head honcho" (3:2). When Mordecai refused to do so, Haman was "filled with fury" (3:5). Mordecai's refusal to worship this man proved to be the catalyst for Haman's plot to eradicate the Jewish minority from the Persian empire (3:6).

In the end, the very gallows that Haman prepared for the hanging of Mordecai were used against the man himself (7:9-10). The fury and lack of self-control Haman displayed drove him to his own downfall.

Uncontrolled anger is:

1. Evidence of fleshly desires (Galatians 5:19-20).
2. A characteristic of fools (Proverbs 12:16).
3. Forbidden by God (Matthew 5:22; Romans 12:19).

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down upon your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.
Ephesians 4:26-27, ESV

My friend, anger will arise from within every man from time to time. It is a lack of self-control in dealing with that anger which will inevitably lead to one's downfall. The 50-cubit-high gallows of Haman stood as a testament to that truth!

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