George Bush: Legacy of Bad Theology

I know a president is not a theologian. But, when anyone is an outspoken “born again” Christian I do hope that they can as 1 Peter 3:15 says “always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” Well Bush got asked about his faith. This is an interesting read and I want to know did he give a good defense of Christianity?

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) What do you think faith gave you that you needed?

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) It gave me strength and - strength and understanding there is love, universal love. My faith at this point in my life has enabled me to accept people's prayers and has made a huge difference in my life. Obviously there's a lot of dramatic moments and a lot of, you know, pressure. But there's calm in the oval office. And people say, well how do you know it's because of prayer? People go oh, it's just a crutch. Well for me it's not a crutch. For me it is a - it is the realization of a power of a universal God, and recognition that the God came manifested in human and then died for sins.

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) So do you believe that God actually intervenes in human affairs?

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) You know what, it's - I'm not so presumptuous as to act on - as to kind of be God I guess is the way to say that. In other words, it's one I get asked all the time, well if you're religious, therefore you must think that you were picked out of all the people on the face of the earth to become president. I just don't - I can't go there. I'm not that confident in knowing, you know, the Almighty to be able to say, yeah, God wanted me of all the other people. But, you know, did God want me to be president? I don't know. My relationship is on a personal basis, trying to become as closer to the Almighty as I possibly can get. And I've got a lot of problems I mean, I've got, you know, ego. I've got all the - you know, the things that - you know, anxieties and all the things that prevent me from being closer to the Almighty. So I don't analyze my relationship with the good lord in terms of, well, you know, God has plucked you out or God wants you to do this. I know this. I know that the call is to - is to better understand and live out your life according to the will of God.

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN So how do you know - I mean, does God talk to you at all? I don't mean like - well, I don't know what I mean.

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) Well I told you I quit drinking. I mean I don't hear voices. It's like somebody said, do you see Lincoln's ghost here in the White House? I said, no, I quit drinking. But yeah, a thoughtful prayer life and one that genuinely is open and thoughtful, yes, you could commune with God. Now, I don't hear voices. But I do feel the spirit.

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS)) People of faith throughout the ages have wondered about this. How do they know when it's their own ego, when it's their own desires and when it's actually God's will?

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) I guess that's one of the universal questions. I think on way you make sure it's not your ego is you stay in the bible, at least that's what I have found. And I'm still learning. The bible is an amazing book.

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS)Is it literally true, the bible?

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) You know, probably not. You know, the idea that - no, I'm not a literalist, but I think you can learn a lot from it.

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) So you can read the bible and not take it literally? I mean you can - it's not inconsistent to love the bible and to also believe in evolution say?

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) Well, I think you can have both. I think evolution - look, you're getting me way out of my lane here. I'm just a simple president, but I think that God created the earth. Created the world. I think that the world - the creation of the world is so mysterious it requires something as large as an Almighty. And I don't think it's incompatible with, you know, the scientific proof that there's evolution.

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) But we resume now with his view of God and the Muslim world. Do you believe that when you pray to God that that's the same God that a Muslim prays to?

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) I do. I do.

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) That's gotten you into some trouble with your base.

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) Oh, I don't know. Maybe it does. I do believe there is an Almighty that is broad and big enough, loving enough that can encompass a lot of people. I don't think God is a narrow concept. I think it's a broad concept. I just happen to believe the way to God is through Christ, and others have different avenues toward God and I believe we pray to the same Almighty. I do.

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) So the leader of the Taliban is praying to the same God...

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) No, I'm not sure he's praying to a God. I think anybody who murders innocent people to achieve their objective is not a religious person. They may think they're religious and they may play like they're religious. But I don't think they are religious. They're not praying to the God I pray to, the God of peace and love. And that's one of the great ironies about this. You know, we're in a so-called religious war. I don't view this as a war of religion. I view this as a war of good, decent people of all faiths against people who murder innocent people to achieve a political objective

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) I'm just wondering what do you ask for forgiveness for?

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES)Oh, gosh, a lot of things. I ask for forgiveness for anger at times, you know? You know, in this world this is a world of slights. And there's a lot of stuff said about you. And, you know, sometimes I don't react well to that. Not publicly of course, because I don't want to denigrate the office, but in my soul, you know, I get kind of wrought up and so I ask for forgiveness. I ask that my ego be - that I understand that just because you're president of the United States, you know, doesn't make you somebody necessarily.

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) So many of the decisions you make are monumental. Do you feel that God has been here with you?

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) Sure, yeah. Particularly, you know, with prayer and, yeah, I do. I do. But see, the danger with your question is like, okay, God is making decisions. No, George W Bush had to make these decisions with a lot of other people. And, you know, it's like saying when you - did God tell you to run for president and if so, did he guarantee you victory? And the answer is absolutely not. Did it help to know that prayer would strengthen me during tough moments? Absolutely.

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) There are so many people who are comforted to have a strong - strongly believing Christian in the White House. Some people feel excluded by it though.

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) Probably do. Yeah, I'm sure they do. I'm sure people say, you know, well, Bush says that - or Bush must feel that I'm inferior because, you know, he believes in Christ and I don't. Or, you know, - look, one time early in my governorship - not early, but in my governorship, you know, a guy asked me do you have to believe in Christ to go to heaven? And I told the story about, you know, Billy Graham saying to mother and me when we having a discussion about this, look, either of you don't play God, but he left out of the part of the story where I said the bible says that, but Billy Graham said don't play God. Well, he left out the Billy Graham don't play God stuff and a lot of Jewish people in Texas read in their newspaper Bush to Jews, go to hell. And it was unbelievably unfair, but it was an interesting lesson that, you know, you cannot underestimate how people can misread religion and religious intent. I'm sure people say George Bush is a Christian therefore he can't possibly relate to me or he doesn't like me or he thinks I'm condemned and I'm sorry that's the case because that's not the way I feel.

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS)As we concluded the interview we talked about what was next for him and whether his faith would inform his next step. Does that tell you what you should do next with your life?

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) What, be a preacher? Are you kidding me? I'm the last guy to be a preacher. I'm going to be - I'm going to be trying to stay on the walk to the last day on the face of the earth. It is - the interesting thing that I have come to this conclusion, maybe I'm wrong, I don't know, but that the full understanding of Christianity is going to take a full lifetime of study.

What statements troubled you or bothered you most about what the President said and why?

Do you feel that most Christians today would have a problem with what he said?

Are you praying for our next President as you should?

Have a great new year! Phillip

And here is your laugh. I hope God forgives me, but this is funny!

Thought For The Day

"Lord, shine your Light on the dark-shadowed corners of my heart. Show me what I am hiding from you."

Let us invite God to come in and occupy the rooms in our hearts that we have previously labeled, "Keep Out!"This is a good step for us o take as we can unload sinful baggage and go into 2009. Pastor Phillip

Prayer For Today...

Resting on God

O God, most high, most glorious, the thought of Thine infinite serenity cheers me, for I am toiling and moiling, troubled and distressed, but Thou art for ever at perfect peace. Thy designs cause thee no fear or care of unfulfilment, they stand fast as the eternal hills. Thy power knows no bond, Thy goodness no stint. Thou bringest order out of confusion, and my defeats are Thy victories: The Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

I come to Thee as a sinner with cares and sorrows, to leave every concern entirely to Thee, every sin calling for Christ's precious blood; revive deep spirituality in my heart; let me live near to the great Shepherd, hear His voice, know its tones, follow its calls. Keep me from deception by causing me to abide in the truth, from harm by helping me to walk in the power of the Spirit. Give me intenser faith in the eternal verities, burning into me by experience the things I know; Let me never be ashamed of the truth of the gospel, that I may bear its reproach, vindicate it, see Jesus as its essence, know in it the power of the Spirit.

Lord, help me, for I am often lukewarm and chill; unbelief mars my confidence, sin makes me forget Thee. Let the weeds that grow in my soul be cut at their roots; grant me to know that I truly live only when I live to Thee, that all else is trifling. Thy presence alone can make me holy, devout, strong and happy. Abide in me, gracious God.

This is my prayer for today taken from The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions, edited by Arthur Bennett and found online at http://www.oldlandmarks.com/puritan.htm#The%20Valley%20of%20Vision

Have a great Sun day! Pastor Phillip

Cute, Sweet, Baby Jesus

A.W. Tozer “What comes to mind when you think about God is the most important think about you.” The same is true for Jesus: and our perception and understanding will affect every part and aspect of our lives. For many people when they think Jesus about Jesus, they think manger and baby Jesus and that is not wrong, just incomplete. Imagine you doing a jig-saw puzzle and you only have a few pieces put together, it maybe pretty, but it is at best very incomplete. Why do all kinds of people celebrate Christmas? Why do most people seem to love little baby Jesus? I think because Jesus as a baby can place no demands on your life. Now, believe me I know that babies do demand a lot of time and money. But, I am saying that when people’s conception of Jesus is that of a small child and not the risen Lord of the universe, their willingness to bend their knee in respect, submission and admiration greatly decreases.

To them Little Baby Jesus appears as a story that happened a long time ago in a land far, far, away! Our celebration of Christmas is not the yearly reenacting of a fairly tale, but the celebration of a real historical birth: of the most important birth ever recorded. Jesus is alive today as we know He conquered the grave. Nothing else can explain the failure of the Jews to produce a body, the radical change in the disciples, and the post-cross appearances. Scripture also says that he currently upholding our entire universe by His power (Col 1:13-22) To some people Jesus as a baby is cute and cuddly wrapped up and out in the cold. I have no doubt Jesus was a cute child, but that cute child’s most important moment came when He looked his worst. It is the image of the bloody savior that people don’t like to dwell on or think about. When the Passion of Christ came out many said it was too graphic. We have to face this painful and graphic reality when we see that baby who was born to bleed. Your enjoyment of Christmas is all because of Jesus: Virgin Birth, Sinless life, Brutal Cross, Resurrection, and Ascension to heaven. Keep a fully developed picture of Jesus in your mind this Christmas.

Have a great Christmas, Pastor Philip

BTW: the picture is to prove my point, not showcase great Christian art. But, the bird is a nice touch.

Christmas Devotion

Here is a little Christmas devotion I did a few years back. It can be scary to look back at how bad some stuff I preached from years back is. But this is alright I think.

Waiting for Christmas (Luke 2:22-35)

We know the impatient difficulty that children have waiting for Christmas. There was one man who waited for Christmas with more expectancy than any other. He was an old man named Simeon. Simeon shows that God has a people prepared even in the worst of circumstances. The story of Jesus' birth shows that when religious leaders and institutions are corrupt, God still has a quiet people prepared for His coming. The characters of Luke 1 and 2—Elizabeth and Zechariah, Simeon and Anna, Joseph and Mary—reminds us that God will always have a faithful people, even in the worst of times.

Simeon shows us how to prepare our hearts for Christmas. We prepare for Christmas with integrity of heart and understanding of mind. There are certain things we should be and some things we should know as we wait for Christmas.

The Character of Those Who Wait for Christmas

Most of the people missed the significant events of that first Christmas. The political and religious leaders did not even know what was happening. Many in our city will altogether miss the significance of Christmas. Simeon was one of the few who saw and understood the mighty act of God that first Christmas. What characterized him?

Wait for Christmas with integrity. Simeon was "righteous and devout." With reference to God's will, there was reverence, devotion, and care about spiritual duties. No one sees Christmas who does not guard the integrity of his life. Only those whose hearts are right with God will see and sense the significance of Christmas.

Wait for Christmas with intensity. Simeon was "waiting for the consolation of Israel." A fierce intensity of expectation characterized Simeon. He lived daily in a white heat of expectancy that God was about to intervene. We experience as much of God as we intensely expect to experience. Christmastime ought to be a time to evaluate our spiritual expectancy.

Wait for Christmas with inspiration. The most critical aspect of Simeon's character was his relationship to the Holy Spirit. "The Holy Spirit was upon him" (v. 25) in an abiding communion with God. The Holy Spirit had given him a revelation—that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. The Holy Spirit gave him a direction: "Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts" (v. 27). The first Christmas was marked by a renewal of activity on the part of the Spirit of God. Every Christmas ought to be marked by a renewal of the Spirit in our lives.

The Comfort of Those Who Wait for Christmas

A sense of comfort and well-being characterizes those ready for the significance of Christmas. That comfort comes from our relationship to Christ.

Comfort comes in our reception of Christ. "Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God" (v. 28). In a literal sense, Simeon was the first person on record to receive Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he came at exactly the right time to precisely the right place. Many parents were bringing their infants to the temple for the act of presentation. Nothing physical or dramatic caused Mary, Joseph, and Jesus to stand out from the crowd. Yet Simeon unerringly found his way to the Christ. Has God led you to His Christ? The Holy Spirit is able to bring you to that precise time and place where your life intersects with His. The very same Spirit that drew Simeon draws you this Christmas.

Comfort comes from our satisfaction with Christ. Simeon expressed total fulfillment of life when he saw the Christ (v. 29). His words reflect a servant who had been posted by his master to wait for a certain event. When that event has happened, the tired servant asks to be dismissed. Simeon discovered absolute contentment and total well-being in seeing and receiving Christ. Do you face this Christmas with a sense of well-being and contentment in your life? Only seeing and receiving Christ gives that.

The Concern of Those Who Wait for Christmas

Christmas gives us a comfort, but it also gives our life an ultimate concern and mission.

Christmas concerns the certainty of God's faithfulness. He is a God who keeps His promise (v. 29). Our entire relationship to God depends on His faithfulness to His promises. In the coming of Christ we see that God does keep His promises. At least seventy-three specific promises written in the Old Testament were fulfilled in the coming of the Messiah at Christmas. We may be sure that the God who kept His promises in the past is the God who will keep His promises in the future.

Christmas concerns the universality of God's salvation. The old Jew, Simeon, proclaimed that the baby he held was a "light for revelation to the Gentiles" (v. 32). He saw that what happened in Jerusalem that day was for the entire planet. A piercing light flashes in every direction from that awesome moment. The very fact you are here today is proof of that. After this prophecy by Simeon, wise men from the East came to bow before the infant Christ. The Christian world mission cannot be separated from Christmas. It is news too good to keep. By prayer and by gift we must send that light.

Have A Great Christmas! Pastor Phillip

My Wife Is A Calvinist?

Here is a funny little video. Unless you have gone to seminary, some of the humor may be a little lost on you. But for the rest of you what do you think.

Sunday Morning Prayer

O God, most high, most glorious, the thought of Thine infinite serenity cheers me, for I am toiling and moiling, troubled and distressed, but Thou art for ever at perfect peace. Thy designs cause thee no fear or care of unfulfilment, they stand fast as the eternal hills. Thy power knows no bond, Thy goodness no stint. Thou bringest order out of confusion, and my defeats are Thy victories: The Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

I come to Thee as a sinner with cares and sorrows, to leave every concern entirely to Thee, every sin calling for Christ's precious blood; revive deep spirituality in my heart; let me live near to the great Shepherd, hear His voice, know its tones, follow its calls. Keep me from deception by causing me to abide in the truth, from harm by helping me to walk in the power of the Spirit. Give me intenser faith in the eternal verities, burning into me by experience the things I know; Let me never be ashamed of the truth of the gospel, that I may bear its reproach, vindicate it, see Jesus as its essence, know in it the power of the Spirit.

Lord, help me, for I am often lukewarm and chill; unbelief mars my confidence, sin makes me forget Thee. Let the weeds that grow in my soul be cut at their roots; grant me to know that I truly live only when I live to Thee, that all else is trifling. Thy presence alone can make me holy, devout, strong and happy. Abide in me, gracious God.

You can ready more of these great prayers here!

Getting ready to preach! Pastor Phillip Howle

Morning Prayer

I am up before most of you guys today (4:30am) and getting ready to head out of the door. But, in my prayer time this morning, I prayed a prayer from an awesome little book my friend Travis gave me called "The Valley of Vision". These are prayers from the Puritans and show a depth and relation intimacy with God.

But here is my morning dedication. Feel free to make it yours as well.

Almighty God, as I cross the threshold of this day I commit myself, soul, body, affairs, friends, to Thy care. Watch over, keep, guide, direct, sanctify, bless me. Incline my heart to thy ways. Mould me wholly into the image of Jesus, as a potter forms clay. May my lips be a well-tuned harp to sound Thy praise. Let those around see me living by Thy Spirit, trampling the world underfoot, unconformed to lying vanities, transformed by a renewed mind, clad in the entire armour of God, shining as a never-dimmed light, showing holiness in all my doings. Let no evil this day soil my thoughts, words, hands. May I travel miry paths with a life pure from spot or stain. In needful transactions let my affection be in heaven, and my love soar upwards in flames of fire, my gaze fixed on unseen things, my eyes open to the emptiness, fragility, mockery of earth and its vanities. May I view all things in the mirror of eternity, waiting for the coming of my Lord, listening for the last trumpet call, hastening unto the new heaven and earth. Order this day all my communications according to Thy wisdom, and to the gain of mutual good. Forbid that I should not be profited or made profitable. May I speak each word as if my last word, and walk each step as my final one. If my life should end today, let this be my best day.


Having My Best Day Ever Today and Every Day, Pastor Phillip

How do we measure success?

I found this really thought provoking article over at http://dianehigginbotham.blogspot.com.

The following is something I came across and thought it was really interesting. We do tend to focus on numbers in our churches today. Do we really think God is more concerned with how many people we have sitting in pews, or is He more concerned about the hearts and souls of those people? Is He more concerned about how many showed up to an event, or how many lives were actually changed because He was a part of that event? I think it's time we focus on God and not on how many bodies we can get to show up for entertainment. I realize bringing people in is a way of getting the gospel to them, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with a huge crowd, but that should not be our focus. I'm praying that God will help me see the needs of others and help me grow to minister to others. I want to be a part of God's work in bringing glory to Him and seeing lives changed! Can't think of anything more exciting than that!

WHAT A WEARISOME YARDSTICK-
J. Grant Swank, Jr., of Windham, Maine, once wrote an article
for "Christian Clippings" which he entitled, "Frankly, I Don't
Care How Many Are In Your Sunday School."

He began the article by remembering minister friends who
seemed to love to tell how many they had in Sunday School
the day before, as if that was the only criterion to be used in
measuring the effectiveness of a church. He wrote, "Finally,
when the dust of planet Earth will have settled and souls will
have departed, who will care how many we had in Sunday School
and how many bucks were deposited in the plate?"
Swank went on to list what he called "the yardsticks of the
church":

-How many were in Sunday School?
-How many showed up for worship?
-How much money came in?
-How many buses do you have running?
-How many are on your staff?
-What programs do you have for my kids?

Then he wrote: "But what a wearisome yardstick. There is
definitely a self-centeredness about it. And it smacks too much
of the business syndrome of success. Further, I do not have an
easy feeling about it in that it does not seem to have biblical
support. Instead, it appears to be more "wood, hay and stubble,"
than "gold, silver and precious stones."
He continued: "One of these days I just know it has to happen --
someone is going to approach me with these questions:

-How much unity is there in your church?
-Is there real love there?
-Do your people have an excitement about the Bible?
-Do your parishioners know how to pray?
-How solid are the Christian families in your congregation?
-How much time do the fathers of your church spend with their
children?
-Does your church allow much time for people to be away from
the church building in order to build their homes?
-Are new people coming to know Christ personally?
-Have the households of your congregation given up the notion
that the church program should baby-sit their offspring?

"Well, if that miracle does not take place soon, I just may plant
a zinger the next time one of my colleagues starts in with,
'How many did you have in Sunday school yesterday?' That
is, playing deaf to the question, I may ask, 'How strong are
the marriages in your congregation?'"
"Interestingly enough -- and logically enough - that could also
go for our annual reports to the congregation, the district and
general levels of the denomination. Instead of reporting the
number of heads and dollars for one year, what if each pastor
gave an honest accounting of the oneness, caring and strength
of his/her congregation. It would not be as easy to feed into
the computer, but it just might have more value in the sight
of God." -The Timothy Report

What are your thoughts about the way we measure success in church? Is this better criterion? Thanks to Diane for posting this! It was very challenging for article. Pastor Phillip

Far Reaching Illness

This few days have been awful. We got hit with a fairly massive stomach bug. I will spare you all the details because we all pretty much know what is involved. But, it all started with Rebecca getting sick Friday afternoon. Well, later Friday night Cason feel victim. I started to become very scared, two vomiting, so I called for help and my mom came down that night, thanks mom! I felt good Saturday, but Sunday morning 2:45 it hit me. I had to call Kyle at 3 am and email him my sermon so he could look it over and preach it (I hear he preached it far better than I would have anyway!) So, Sunday with Rebecca and me both sick, we called her mom to come pick up Cason and get him out of our mess as he was feeling better. About that time we find my mom is sick. Well, then Rebecca’s mom after keeping Cason got sick. This morning my sister is sick. Rebecca and I feel better but feel awful about the aftermath we have left. We never intended to make everyone we love sick.

You know there is a spiritual truth here as well. We cannot control how far reaching the effects of our sin are. We sin and we think no one will know, or if we get caught it only hurt a few people. We are deceiving our selves. The effects of sin hurt everyone who is near and dear to you in life. Don’t but the myth of a “private” life, as we all interconnected and either by our actions and obedience to God will bring happiness and blessing or heartache and curses to those around us. So, live a holy life and think through all your actions as you can never and foresee what those unintended consequences may be.

GPS and Baby Jesus

I am all for protecting Christmas. But, I never thought that it would have to come to this to keep baby Jesus safe!

When Baby Jesus disappeared last year from a Nativity scene on the lawn of the Wellington, Fla., community center, village officials didn't follow a star to locate him.

A GPS device mounted inside the life-size ceramic figurine led sheriff's deputies to a nearby apartment, where it was found face down on the carpet. An 18-year-old woman was arrested in the theft.

Giving up on old-fashioned padlocks and trust, a number of churches, synagogues, governments and ordinary citizens are turning to technology to protect holiday displays from pranks or prejudice.

About 70 churches and synagogues eager to avoid the December police blotter jumped at a security company's offer of free use of GPS systems and hidden cameras this month to guard their mangers and menorahs.

Others, like the Herrera family of Richland Hills, Texas, took matters into their own hands. Upset after their teeter-totter was stolen, the family trained surveillance cameras on their yard and was surprised when footage showed a teenage girl stealing a baby Jesus worth almost $500. Police have obtained the tape.

"They took the family Jesus," said Gloria Herrera, 48, a Catholic. "How can anybody do that?"

For two consecutive years, thieves made off with the baby Jesus figurine in Wellington, a well-off village of 60,000 in Palm Beach County, Fla. The ceramic original, donated by a local merchant, was made in Italy and worth about $1,800, said John Bonde, Wellington's director of operations.

So last year, officials took a GPS unit normally used to track the application of mosquito spray and implanted it in the latest replacement figurine. After that one disappeared, sheriff's deputies quickly tracked it down.

Sensing opportunity in that kind of success story, New York-based BrickHouse Security is offering up to 200 nonprofit religious institutions a free month's use of security cameras and LightningGPS products it distributes.

Chief executive officer Todd Morris said the idea was born after a few churches asked about one-month rentals instead of longer contracts that are the norm. The first 20 or so applications came from synagogues, he said.

So far in 2008, Baby Jesus has appeared in several police reports. At First United Methodist Church in Kittanning, Pa., a baby Jesus was stolen and replaced with a pumpkin. In Eureka Springs, Ark., someone who absconded with a plastic baby Jesus from a public display last week also took the concrete block and chain that was supposed to act as a deterrent.

Previously, stolen Jesus figurines have also been defaced with profanity or Satanic symbols.

The incidents raise a question: Is stealing Baby Jesus harmless juvenile fun, or anti-Christian?

"I suspect most of it is childish pranks," said attorney Mike Johnson of the Alliance Defense Fund, a conservative Christian legal group. "Clearly, there are adults with an agenda to remove Christ from Christmas. But they tend to occupy themselves with the courts and courtroom of public opinion."To see the whole story click here.

Thinking About Putting GPS in Cason’s Rear End So I Can’t Lose Him, Pastor Phillip

What Happens To Babies When They Die

In studying for Wednesday night Bible study, I was looking at the child of David and Bathsheba that died. The child died seemingly cruelly as a punishment to David for his sins of murder and adultery. This got me to thinking about the tragic fact that miscarriages, and babies dying happens and is unbelievably hard. Not to mention that babracic practice of abortion that claims millions of unborn children. I pray that I never have to go through it. So, I want to offer this encouraging paper by two of our Southern Baptist seminary presidents.

WHY WE BELIEVE CHILDREN WHO DIE GO TO HEAVEN

By R. Albert Mohler, Jr. and Daniel L. Akin

Few things in life are more tragic and heartbreaking than the death of a baby or small child. For parents, the grief can be overwhelming. For the minister, to stand over a small, white casket and provide comfort and support seems to ask for more than he can deliver.

It is our conviction that there are good reasons biblically and theologically for believing that God saves all who die who do not reach a stage of moral understanding and accountability. It is readily admitted that Scripture does not speak to this issue directly, yet there is evidence that can be gleaned that would lead us to affirm on biblical grounds that God receives into heaven all who have died in infancy. Some evidence is stronger than others, but cumulatively they marshall strong support for infant salvation. We will note six of them.

First, the grace, goodness and mercy of God would support the position that God saves all infants who die. This is the strongest argument and perhaps the decisive one. God is love (1 John 4:8) and desires that all be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). God is love and His concern for children is evident in Matthew 18:14 where Jesus says, “Your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.” People go to hell because they choose in willful rebellion and unbelief to reject God and His grace. Children are incapable of this kind of conscious rejection of God. Where such rebellion and willful disobedience is absent, God is gracious to receive.

Second, when the baby boy who was born to David and Bathsheba died (2 Samuel 12:15-18), David did two significant things: 1) He confessed his confidence that he would see the child again and, 2) he comforted his wife Bathsheba (vs. 23-24). David could have done those two things only if he was confident that his little son was with God. Any other explanation does not do justice to the text.

Third, in James 4:17, the Bible says, “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” The Bible is clear that we are all born with a sin nature as a result of being in Adam (Roman 5:12). This is what is called the doctrine of original sin. However, the Scriptures make a distinction between original sin and actual sins. While all are guilty of original sin, moral responsibility and understanding is necessary for our being accountable for actual sins (Deuteronomy 1:30; Isaiah 7:16). It is to the one who knows to do right and does not do it that sin is reckoned. Infants are incapable of such decisions.

Fourth, Jesus affirmed that the kingdom of God belonged to little children (Luke 18:15-17). In the passage he is stating that saving faith is a childlike faith, but He also seems to be affirming the reality of children populating heaven.

Fifth, Scripture affirms that the number of saved souls is very great (Revelation 7:9). Since most of the world has been and is still non-Christian, might it be the untold multitude who have died prematurely or in infancy comprise a majority of those in heaven? Such a possibility ought not to be dismissed too quickly. In this context Charles Spurgeon said, “I rejoice to know that the souls of all infants, as soon as they die, speed their way to paradise. Think what a multitude there is of them.”

Sixth, some in Scripture are said to be chosen or sanctified from the womb (1 Samuel 1:8-2:21; Jeremiah 1:5; Luke 1:15). This certainly affirms the salvation of some infants and repudiates the view that only baptized babies are assured of heaven. Neither Samuel, Jeremiah or John the Baptist was baptized.

After surveying these arguments, it is important for us to remember that anyone who is saved is saved because of the grace of God, the saving work of Jesus Christ and the undeserved and unmerited regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. Like all who have ever lived, except for Jesus, infants need to be saved. Only Jesus can take away their sin, and if they are saved it is because of His sovereign grace and abounding mercy. Abraham said, “Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25). We can confidently say, “Yes, He will.” When it comes to those incapable of volitional, willful acts of sin, we can rest assured God will, indeed, do right. Precious little ones are the objects of His saving mercy and grace.

Little ones are precious in God’s sight. If they die, they go to heaven. Parents, who have trusted Jesus, who have lost a little one, if they have trusted Jesus, can be confident of a wonderful reunion someday. Are you hopeful of seeing again that little treasure God entrusted to you for such a short time? Jesus has made a way. Come to Him now and someday you will see them again.

Taking Me Back

Records were great, when I was little. Growing my mom and dad had a good many records. I can vividly remember hearing Alabama sing "eighteen wheels and a dozen roses, ten more miles on this three day run." But, I also loved Alvin and the Chipmunks, those high pitch voices killed me. I had this Christmas record as a little boy.So I encourage you to take time and enjoy it. Remember heaven may have singing animals like this so you better learn to like it! Revelation 5:13 I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them say: Blessing and honor and glory and dominion to the One seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!

Do you really want to mess with this?

Here Cason showing that he strongest man in the world ! He is a bad little dude!

I love my son! Pastor Phillip

Jesus In The Old Testament

I mentioned Tim Keller in yesterday’s post. In one of his sermons he expounds how the Bible is not a book about us, but a book focused on God. Read these notes below and stop and think about you should be reading the Old Testament and living all of your life in the light of Christ. Here below are some thoughts the ponder that mentioned in his sermon.

Jesus is the true and better Adam who passed the test in the garden and whose obedience is imputed to us.

Jesus is the true and better Abel who, though innocently slain, has blood now that cries out, not for our condemnation, but for acquittal.

Jesus is the true and better Abraham who answered the call of God to leave all the comfortable and familiar and go out into the void not knowing wither he went to create a new people of God.

Jesus is the true and better Isaac who was not just offered up by his father on the mount but was truly sacrificed for us. And when God said to Abraham, “Now I know you love me because you did not withhold your son, your only son whom you love from me,” now we can look at God taking his son up the mountain and sacrificing him and say, “Now we know that you love us because you did not withhold your son, your only son, whom you love from us.”

Jesus is the true and better Jacob who wrestled and took the blow of justice we deserved, so we, like Jacob, only receive the wounds of grace to wake us up and discipline us.

Jesus is the true and better Joseph who, at the right hand of the king, forgives those who betrayed and sold him and uses his new power to save them.

Jesus is the true and better Moses who stands in the gap between the people and the Lord and who mediates a new covenant.

Jesus is the true and better Rock of Moses who, struck with the rod of God’s justice, now gives us water in the desert.

Jesus is the true and better Job, the truly innocent sufferer, who then intercedes for and saves his stupid friends.

Jesus is the true and better David whose victory becomes his people’s victory, though they never lifted a stone to accomplish it themselves.

Jesus is the true and better Esther who didn’t just risk leaving an earthly palace but lost the ultimate and heavenly one, who didn’t just risk his life, but gave his life to save his people.

Jesus is the true and better Jonah who was cast out into the storm so that we could be brought in.

Jesus is the real Rock of Moses, the real Passover Lamb, innocent, perfect, helpless, slain so the angel of death will pass over us. He’s the true temple, the true prophet, the true priest, the true king, the true sacrifice, the true lamb, the true light, the true bread.

The Bible’s really not about you — it’s about him.

Live Life As It Is All About God! Pastor Phillip

Book Of The Week.

I finished reading and am actually rereading Tim Keller’s “The Reason For God.” Some books that attempt to show the validity of the Christian faith are deeply philosophical and rough reading. But, Keeler is warm, humble, engaging, and thoughtful, the book is just amazingly well written. The chapters are short enough to engage you each page, but leaving you thinking and wishing for more. You really owe it to your self to check out this book. He deals with the exclusivity of Christianity, evil and suffering, the Bible and science, morality, and the theme through of the book is the centrality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Here are some great quotes from the book.

“The Christian gospel is that I am so flawed that Jesus had to die for me, yet I am so loved and valued that Jesus was glad to die for me. This leads to deep humility and deep confidence at the same time. It undermines both swaggering and sniveling. I cannot feel superior to anyone, and yet I have nothing to prove to anyone. I do not think more of myself nor less of myself. Instead, I think of myself less.”

“Christianity alone among the world religions claims that God became uniquely and fully human in Jesus Christ and therefore knows firsthand despair, rejection, loneliness, poverty, bereavement, torture, and imprisonment. On the cross he went beyond even the worst human suffering and experienced cosmic rejection and pain that exceeds ours as infinitely as his knowledge and power exceeds ours. In his death, God suffers in love, identifying with the abandoned and godforsaken. Why did he do it? The Bible says that Jesus came on a rescue mission for creation. He had to pay for our sins so that someday he can end evil and suffering without ending us.”

“The Bible’s purpose is not so much to show you how to live a good life. The Bible’s purpose is to show you how God’s grace breaks into your life against your will and saves you from the sin and brokenness otherwise you would never be able to overcome… religion is ‘if you obey, then you will be accepted’. But the Gospel is, ‘if you are absolutely accepted, and sure you’re accepted, only then will you ever begin to obey’. Those are two utterly different things. Every page of the Bible shows the difference.”

Buy the book! One of the best I have read all year! Pastor Phillip

Jesus Through Out Scripture

Who is Jesus? As we look at Isaiah 9:6 and see four titles and roles that our Lord Jesus carries out over the next four weeks here at Antioch. I want us to remember that Jesus is thought out the entirety of Scriptures and a “scarlet thread” of grace runs through out the totality of Scripture. So consider the themes of the sixty-six books:

• In Genesis, He is the Creator God.
• In Exodus, He is the Redeemer.
• In Leviticus, He is your sanctification.
• In Numbers, He is your guide.
• In Deuteronomy, He is your teacher.
• In Joshua, He is the mighty conqueror.
• In Judges, He gives victory over enemies.
• In Ruth, He is your kinsman, your lover, your redeemer.
• In I Samuel, he is the root of Jesse;
• In 2 Samuel, He is the Son of David.
• In 1 Kings and 2 Kings, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords
• In 1st and 2nd Chronicles, He is your intercessor and High Priest.
• In Ezra, He is your temple, your house of worship.
• In Nehemiah, He is your mighty wall, protecting you from your enemies.
• In Esther, He stands in the gap to deliver you from your enemies.
• In Job, He is the arbitrator who not only understands your struggles,—but
• has the power to do something about them.
• In Psalms, He is your song—and your reason to sing.
• In Proverbs, He is your wisdom, helping you make sense out of life and live it successfully.
• In Ecclesiastes, He is your purpose, delivering you from vanity.
• In the Song of Solomon, He is your lover, your Rose of Sharon.
• In Isaiah, He is the mighty counselor, the prince of peace, the everlasting father, and more. In short, He’s everything you need.
• In Jeremiah, He is your balm of Gilead, the soothing salve for your sin-sick soul.
• In Lamentations, He is the ever-faithful one upon whom you can depend.
• In Ezekiel, He is your wheel in the middle of a wheel—the one who assures that dry, dead bones will come alive again.
• In Daniel, He is the ancient of days, the everlasting God who never runs out of time.
• In Hosea, He is your faithful lover, always beckoning you to comeback—even when you have abandoned Him.
• In Joel, He is your refuge, keeping you safe in times of trouble.
• In Amos, He is the husbandman, the one you can depend on to stay by your side.
• In Obadiah, He is Lord of the Kingdom.
• In Jonah, He is your salvation,bringing you back within His will.
• In Micah, He is judge of the nation.
• In Nahum, He is the jealous God.
• In Habakkuk, He is the Holy One.
• In Zephaniah, He is the witness.
• In Haggai, He overthrows the enemies
• In Zechariah, He is Lord of Hosts.
• In Matthew, He is king of the Jews.
• In Mark, He is the servant.
• In Luke, He is the Son of Man, feeling what you feel.
• In John, He is the Son of God.
• In Acts, He is Savior of the world.
• In Romans, He is the righteousness of God.
• In I Corinthians, He is the rock that followed Israel.
• In II Corinthians, He the triumphant one,giving victory.
• In Galatians, He is your liberty; He sets you free.
• In Ephesians, He is head of the Church.
• In Philippians, He is your joy.
• In Colossians, He is your completeness.
• In I Thessalonians, He is your hope.
• In I Timothy, He is your faith.
• In II Timothy, He is your stability.
• In Philemon, He is your benefactor.
• In Hebrews, He is your perfection.
• In James, He is the power behind your faith.
• In I Peter, He is your example.
• In II Peter, He is your purity.
• In I John, He is your life.
• In II John, He is your pattern.
• In III John, He is your motivation.
• In Jude, He is the foundation of your faith.
• In the Revelation, He is your coming King.

“He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.’’ (Colossians 1:17)

Getting Ready For Sunday Morning, Pastor Phillip