tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59980488307193036132024-03-13T13:16:01.348-04:00Spend and Be SpentJason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.comBlogger203125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-62488389246848590222018-05-21T15:16:00.003-04:002018-05-29T10:50:29.775-04:00Inability to Excise<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3uriOdWm7QWL06z6cu-REFw0XZbRgq5SSgjXBwz88G-ej8LWntc8J7A_uLiNaYW7l6UlDJ9CohAg2H5q0hhK5IMg8dI-ycpQQ4sU7tYdqxcylAqTiVqzf21h8Y6eRSFRBLyZNgdur_8/s1600/o-IMPALED-BY-CALF-SPLINTER-facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="1536" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3uriOdWm7QWL06z6cu-REFw0XZbRgq5SSgjXBwz88G-ej8LWntc8J7A_uLiNaYW7l6UlDJ9CohAg2H5q0hhK5IMg8dI-ycpQQ4sU7tYdqxcylAqTiVqzf21h8Y6eRSFRBLyZNgdur_8/s320/o-IMPALED-BY-CALF-SPLINTER-facebook.jpg" width="320" /></a>No, I said it right, "excise" not "exercise." I remember a time when my daughter was about two years old, and had the biggest splinter in the history of mankind, save the one in this picture, in her foot. We had to read her a story, do everything we could as we prepared to hold her down if necessary, as I worked with a razor blade for an hour to slowly get it out. A similar story happened to the people of God in the Old Testament with the opposite result.<br />
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In the story of the people of Israel, God had given them the land, they just needed to go and make that a reality. There was a conquest. They were to divide the land among the tribes where they would settle. However, before that could happen, they must take the land.<br />
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God gave them specific instructions that they were to drive out the peoples that inhabited the land. The Lord promised his presence, and his power to fight on their behalf to ensure that all the "-ites" were gone. A couple of reasons necessitated the removal of the nations. First, their sin demanded justice, and it was God's timing to meet out his wrath upon them. Second, God knew that the gods of these peoples would draw the hearts of the Israelites away from purer obedience and love for Him.<br />
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As I read the story again this morning, I saw a pattern of disobedience to God's command. In verses 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33 of chapter one, the bible explicitly states in each verse that they did not drive out the inhabitants of the land completely. Names and places were given, tribes were called out, but their disobedience to drive out the nations was widespread. Made me wonder the reasons, why the children of God did exactly what he told them not to do? Many of the remaining tribes were turned into forced labor (probably in exchange for remaining in their homes). Israel probably saw an opportunity for free help in a new land to become prosperous on the backs of others. Maybe spoils of cities and women? Just speculation. However, when they stayed so did their idols.<br />
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So God said, <i>"...you have not obeyed my voice. What is this you have done? 3 So now I say, I will not drive them out before you, but they shall become thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you." -Judges 2:2-3</i>. His judgment was that they would be a recurring pain in the neck, a chronic snare, a source of continual suffering to the people. This judgment came to pass then and continues to come to pass today. Over and over Israel was led astray by the gods of the nations until the point where God judged them with destruction from the king of Babylon. They spent seventy years on the banks of the river, crying to God to let them go home to their holy city, which was flattened and burned.<br />
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Sin in our lives destroys us, yet most of us attack it with the goal of obliteration. We use peashooter regulations in our lives as check boxes to see if we can avoid outward expressions of sinful behaviors. We feel bad about not reading our bibles, and not praying "enough," but we never examine what might be the underlying cause. Rarely are we willing to cut off the hands and gouge out the eyes to drive out the sin and its roots from our walk with Christ. Israel was disobedient, yes, but the root cause of their sin that brought them to destruction was their lack of love for the Lover of their souls.<br />
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Like the people of God then we who are the people of God now, still have a love affair with many idols because we leave them in the land of our hearts. The reason that we have no victory is neither a lack of time nor a lack of discipline, nor too many engagements and commitments, it is a lack of love. We must fight worldly pleasure with a greater one, the pleasure we gain from our love with the Shepherd of our souls.<br />
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When we find immense and ultimately satisfying pleasure in Him, the things of earth (including the sin that you lazily fight) will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. Not only that, but a watching world will see the true worth of Christ as your treasure and glorify your Father in heaven even when they don't know him. So turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full at His wonderful face and pursue it, knowing with confident assurance that satisfaction and victory over sin lies in Him.<br />
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<br />Jason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-35388033837657335022018-02-21T10:54:00.002-05:002018-02-21T10:54:25.378-05:00LoveI am sure there is a way to make this font turn red, but I don't want to take time to figure it out. Besides, it probably wouldn't look good on this background. The reason that I would want it to be red would be that people typically associate love with the color red. Last week was Valentine's Day, so there were verses on our sign about love, people on the street corner selling red and pink gifts for those who have personal convictions against Wal-Mart, and others who went to Wal-Mart to pour over cards and giant teddy bears and spend thousands of dollars.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2l7evOxr8ACaY-t_MwxTtTABaYy3UBpxMQqZmY62kyDVhnIAZrq5LDIWPhyj-zm8hui1aU1VIIyHDjnCg4k86NZVnnfXYlx1750KoF46OJXL0mKsYk3U3cL18fHqpzcPt6yvPajF5t_E/s1600/love-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1600" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2l7evOxr8ACaY-t_MwxTtTABaYy3UBpxMQqZmY62kyDVhnIAZrq5LDIWPhyj-zm8hui1aU1VIIyHDjnCg4k86NZVnnfXYlx1750KoF46OJXL0mKsYk3U3cL18fHqpzcPt6yvPajF5t_E/s200/love-01.jpg" width="200" /></a>We love lots of things. We love chocolate (2.8 billion lbs. consumed in America each year!). We love baseball (the first MLB spring training game starts tonight). We love our pets. We love our friends and family. And we love God. There so many other things that are loved, pleasures, past-times and people top the list in whatever flavors suit you. We know that we are supposed to love God most, but this kind of love, unlike chocolate, pets, and people, is harder to actualize, harder to describe, harder to make concrete or tangible. It is, however, deadly serious. <span style="color: yellow;">"If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed."</span> -1 Cor 16:22<br />
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Whether pleasures, past-times, pets, people, or God, a common denominator is <u>desire</u> to have or experience or be near. It is also true that our love for God should be the highest among our loves. If we apply measuring tape of desire to God alone, we examine our desire to experience and be near him to gauge our love for him. Do you miss him if your life squeezes him out for a day or a couple of days or a week? Do you think about him regularly? Do you look forward to his presence being manifested experientially? Is there a thirst for him in you like that of the deer who is searching diligently for water in a land of drought?<br />
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Psalm 63:1-4 give us a picture, and also a clue as to what the basis is for the psalmist's love/desire. He knew God. He knew that God's love was better than life. This was not only an intellectual value judgment (if it were, it would also be accurate), but a personal, experiential knowing of the God of glory. He knew about him, what he had done in the past and his character and attributes. He also knew the comforting touch, the satisfying presence, and blazing glory that transformers a man into humble, hungry, bold, lover of the Lover of His soul.<br />
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If we lack true love for God, it may be because we lack the knowledge that Paul spoke of in Philippians 3:8-10, where he counted all things in this world a loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ in the power of his resurrection, the fellowship of his sufferings, and being conformed unto his death. He knew the worth, therefore had the affections.<br />
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Practically: seek to know him in the word and in prayer. No, really seek him. Seek him alone in worship, and with the body in worship. It is truly a surpassing worth. We are to continually raise our affection for Christ and seek to raise the affections of others around us for his beauty. Look to see with spiritual eyes and discernment; ask God to reveal himself, so that you may want him. Confess your lack of love, and ask God to change your heart, wooing you to his awe and worthiness.<br />
<br />Jason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-10946433065233807892018-02-12T10:14:00.001-05:002018-02-12T10:14:26.512-05:00Expectation and UnbeliefSpeaking of the Holy Spirit, Horatius Bonar said, "We have not honored the Spirit of God. It may be <i>in words (only) that we have recognized his agency</i>, but we have not kept this continually before our eyes..." He is saying that we have only paid lip service to the Holy Spirit's work. This is also true, but my thought today as I write is not about the working of the Spirit, but about prayer.<br />
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We had a speaker last night at our annual Valentine's Banquet that our church gathers to share, and he made a comment that he did not know what to make of a Christian who prays, but does not expect to be actually heard and answered. Lip service to the God of Heaven and Earth when Christ died to split the veil and give us access, baffled him. I was convicted by the Spirit immediately.<br />
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There are many reasons that our prayers are not heard or answered. We could have a besetting sin in our lives that breaks us from close fellowship with God and keeps us from prayer. We could be praying for the wrong things, praying "amiss" as James calls it, seeking only selfish things to heap upon ourselves. We may not being fervent or persistent enough. We simply might not be asking, as Jesus told us that we do not have, because we do not ask. Peter says that if husbands do not live with their wives with understanding and honoring her will not have their prayer heard. However, maybe the greatest hindrance to prayer being effective is our unbelief.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHF3DRCToTSLvzHNuve066j8Dw_ne82RGPcYFrbBC6KBR02PUJ3bjQI7z6KeWURAE3ire4fFUJCCDnBkFGfC1IW_we0Nw0ckkB1rcxSHi7lAG5Dk2aN9NHDMhEU2nvkIrS8SHb_CzFBM/s1600/i9.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHF3DRCToTSLvzHNuve066j8Dw_ne82RGPcYFrbBC6KBR02PUJ3bjQI7z6KeWURAE3ire4fFUJCCDnBkFGfC1IW_we0Nw0ckkB1rcxSHi7lAG5Dk2aN9NHDMhEU2nvkIrS8SHb_CzFBM/s320/i9.png" width="320" /></a>We know that unbelief caused Jesus to do no miracles in Nazareth. We know that it caused Jesus to be astonished at some Galilean cities when they saw miracles and explained them away. It constantly brought judgment throughout the Old Testament who did exactly what God told them not to do, or did not do what he told them to do. In the case of the Pharisees, it caused most to be lost forever, even though they were the most religious people in Israel.<br />
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Think about it. They knew that they were commanded to pray; so they did. They knew that they should want to pray; so they prayed. They knew that they were supposed to live holy lives of moral purity and ceremonial obedience to be heard in prayer; so they worked hard. Yet, they did not believe that Jesus was the Christ. They did not believe that God could raise up children to Abraham from stones or make them cry out in praise if he desired. They did not believe that Jesus was a prophet because he healed on the Sabbath. One moment after death, how many wished that they had cried out with the epileptic boy's father, "help my unbelief."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclMT_ZYzsaXM46ZNrKC_tRXaW3Ai1f16gddxlBfhN3Bt43tqVEhT0Q303RnrWEsrmomdrt3cHk6dMT7AWhs2D1p-sutd9iSMqkRFV5Dvus8Id_LexOI2EfpinLAwvfFId0wBc42e61Ko/s1600/help-my-unbelief.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="473" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclMT_ZYzsaXM46ZNrKC_tRXaW3Ai1f16gddxlBfhN3Bt43tqVEhT0Q303RnrWEsrmomdrt3cHk6dMT7AWhs2D1p-sutd9iSMqkRFV5Dvus8Id_LexOI2EfpinLAwvfFId0wBc42e61Ko/s200/help-my-unbelief.jpg" width="157" /></a>We know we are supposed to pray; so we pray as many minutes as we can for as many things as we can think of. We try to be unselfish by praying all too generically that God would bless this or that. We go through the motions, but do we truly believe that God hears, and God will answer? Do we truly believe that God can and will move in a situation? Are we fervent and persistent only when there is a very desperate situation that directly affects us or a close friend? Do we believe when we pray, or just going through the motions to make ourselves feel better, as though God was pleased that we gave lip service to intimate communion with him?<br />
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Maybe we should all (myself being the chief of offence) pray the prayer of the father, "help my unbelief," and repent from our lack of faith, trusting in the gospel and the transformed life it brings to aid us in pursuit.<br />
<br />Jason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-40615559435390989562018-01-30T09:43:00.001-05:002018-01-30T09:43:33.444-05:00Losing the WonderWent to the Georgia Baptist Evangelism Conference yesterday. Had a great time with our staff on the way there and back, at Krispy Kreme, and discussion and reflection. One thing that stuck with me, that I have continued to ponder last night and this morning was something that one of the presenters said in the first session. He is the son and co-pastor of a mega-church in Columbus, GA, about my age, and said many things that large church pastors say about growth and such, but then something out of the ordinary.<br />
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He said "never lose the wonder of your salvation." Wow!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sFX6iGpf1EFWJEZuMV4jOUz6gWPk0FXCeyeeFZ820YDAkQJN13PDIMpaSxm3ZGccSf-8f_2FTvoHN3Kmdtqy_pUCdIyiwfGrIrZ_XHOudhfFGXZAwHetXGdIOg3-mRxnmEPEBxWotU8/s1600/awe-and-wonder-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1280" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sFX6iGpf1EFWJEZuMV4jOUz6gWPk0FXCeyeeFZ820YDAkQJN13PDIMpaSxm3ZGccSf-8f_2FTvoHN3Kmdtqy_pUCdIyiwfGrIrZ_XHOudhfFGXZAwHetXGdIOg3-mRxnmEPEBxWotU8/s200/awe-and-wonder-3.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas answered him, <br />“My Lord and my God!”<br />-John 20:28 </td></tr>
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Think about it. Never lose the awe of the gospel of the reconciliation that God has performed. Never cease to be astounded that he wound reach down in the greatest sacrifice to rescue the undeserving and incapable. Don't stop being amazing that he chose you from before the foundation of the world to put on display the riches of his grace as a trophy of redemption of a loving to toward and unlovely man. Never lose the astonishment of being blind, but then seeing; of being lost, then being found. Never lose the joy that came when the God of the universe broke open the darkness and shed his light upon you, and changed you forever.<br />
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Listen to the words that Jesus spoke to a seemingly and externally strong church, to whom he gave great praise, but had a heartbreaking problem:<br />
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<i><br /><span style="color: yellow;">“I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first..." -Revelation 2:2-5</span></i></blockquote>
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All through the scripture we are shown the glory of God, weaving its way in a multitude of aspects to allow us to see his awesomeness and the unspeakable plan of redemption. Ephesus had experienced it, seen it, tasted it, and yet become lethargic, indifferent, and unimpressed with their salvation and the God who saves. We crave awe and wonder in our very being. We just tend to find it in other things. They found it in good things, but just not the best thing.<br />
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We must repent of our familiarity, boredom, and dullness. We must confess our need of fresh light and heat, and plead with God to grant favor toward us, showing us his glory. We must renew our minds with scripture and gospel-centered song. Join me in my own fight against this condition to which none of us are immune, and to which there is no vaccine; only (and sufficiently) hope in Christ!<br />
<br />Jason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-56573024093946021392018-01-11T14:23:00.001-05:002018-01-14T00:09:50.687-05:00Thinking You Are Just FineI went to a bible study last night taught by one of our elders. It was the first in the series of ten that Matt Chandler has done on Psalm 119. One of the topics drawn out of the first sixteen verses was the Christian being one of continual repentance. Repentance is a posture in which we live out our communion with Christ. A mindset or life that is lived under the knowledge that our feeble efforts are never enough, and even on our best days, serious faults surface is uncommon. We are fine just where we are.<br />
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My observation is that in church life down here in the south, we affirm regular repentance in theory, but pay it little more that lip service. Two examples that testify to its misunderstanding are 1) crushing convicting and true repentance if we commit a huge and terrible sin ONLY, and 2) tacking that phrase onto the end of our public prayers: "and forgive us of all of the many times we've failed you, in Jesus' name, Amen." True realization and heartbreak over deep sin leading to repentance, even though it may seem "minor," are rare for most of us. We are fine just where we are.<br />
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Sins of pride, anger, gluttony, rebellion, gossip, lust, lack of concern for others (both for our brothers and sisters and for the poor and needy) are glossed over in complacency. Improper motivation for why we do things, how we approach our ministry to our family, our church, and our community, apathy, greed, failure to love without which all is useless are not things that we bring up much, nor give much contemplation toward. Deep pleas for the Holy Spirit to search our hearts for discord with others, without which we are not to worship before clearing our offense. We are fine just where we are.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWtbSkNeFPRPIHfjpQpOnISkTSHtOR7E5XjygomITyav50e8ndk1nMp5sDSSAXvrUTMu_buMwKXP-nti4g8jWJ5woiAc8G9xjXb3twopDLI-uJdyKf4vcklaedGKUcaDXTu0PM6G6rHA/s1600/bonar_words-to-winners-of-souls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="508" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWtbSkNeFPRPIHfjpQpOnISkTSHtOR7E5XjygomITyav50e8ndk1nMp5sDSSAXvrUTMu_buMwKXP-nti4g8jWJ5woiAc8G9xjXb3twopDLI-uJdyKf4vcklaedGKUcaDXTu0PM6G6rHA/s200/bonar_words-to-winners-of-souls.jpg" width="126" /></a>I have been reading a book that killed it this week. <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Words-Winners-Souls-Horatius-1995-01-01/dp/B01MQH0OL9/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1515698066&sr=8-7&keywords=words+to+winners+of+souls+horatius+bonar" target="_blank">Words to Winners of Souls</a></i> by Horatius Bonar includes a chapter about confession of sin. The first half of the chapter is extended excerpts from a intense confession from a group of Scottish ministers from 1651. It deals with lightness in conversation, to attitudes about ministry, to ease of which we find excuses, loving pleasure over loving God, trusting our own abilities, and attitudes toward our opponents. Those were just the title headings, paragraph after paragraph under all those headings. Eating me up. Very humbling.<br />
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If we are to grow in our conformity to Christ, the Holy Spirit will chisel away the rough edges of sin that surround the likeness to our Master. Cry out with David, "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" -Psalm 139:23-24. Listen carefully, think deeply, look beyond the surface, let the Spirit search your soul. Know that you are not fine. It is OK not to be fine. Run to Christ as you turn from that sin.<br />
<br />Jason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-79180127299138833622018-01-03T09:48:00.002-05:002018-01-03T09:48:24.265-05:00It's Been A WhileIt has been more than a year since I have blogged. Most of you have not missed it, some of you now will read my blog for the first time. I also stopped journaling, and probably several other things that I used to have time to do, this year I didn't (or at least it was a good excuse). This year was a year that I probably should have been writing and journaling the most, so that I could gain from the twists and turns that we've experienced. I would not say that this has been the most difficult year we've ever had, because it hasn't, but it certainly has been different.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7hu77upx5XjLlTSZ4b0H0v7fChUKb6WMhSnYdQgv1dj_24YHNtFuY9dfjYknllmvMGRcg-Fp9cfET-boB50ERwVfeeG4EG3miMqeMIBFwovn2UW1OCAmEo9pg-T7GRw5qt1yqx4TJH0/s1600/our-god-is-awesome-tony-evans-gods-sovereignty-9-728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="728" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7hu77upx5XjLlTSZ4b0H0v7fChUKb6WMhSnYdQgv1dj_24YHNtFuY9dfjYknllmvMGRcg-Fp9cfET-boB50ERwVfeeG4EG3miMqeMIBFwovn2UW1OCAmEo9pg-T7GRw5qt1yqx4TJH0/s320/our-god-is-awesome-tony-evans-gods-sovereignty-9-728.jpg" width="320" /></a>Lots of different. I could write really extended accounts of all the major things that happened, but I have forgotten so much of the small, but bright, examples of God's faithfulness. I have learned so much from the difficulty we've faced, but God has been constantly, providentially present in our lives, even if we couldn't see it. If you have questions, please feel free to email me. Or if you only know parts of stories, and we can shed more light upon, or share more fully now, please call, email, or text.<br />
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However, for now, let's just make a long story short. I feel like I am doing what God wants me to do, in the place where he wants me to do it. It has finally come to pass, that which we have prayed for, and that which God has ordained. It's like something you know theologically, but experience in reality, and it's altogether different. God is sovereign, and works all things after the counsel of his will, not violating the genuine volition, but bringing about all things by his design for his glory.<br />
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I intend to start blogging again for both of you who read it. Thanks for all of you who prayed for and supported us through a tough year!Jason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-71779274917946049162016-12-06T17:17:00.000-05:002016-12-06T17:17:09.424-05:00Stirring The PotGlad the elections are over. Still, however, I have a rant that I would like to share. Two posts from Christians this week have been extraordinarily inflammatory, one because of supposed academic debate, and the other because of supposed racism.<br />
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Notice both those reasons start with "supposed." The worst thing about either is that they were put out by Christians, and carried all over the world with social media. Christians stirring pots that don't need to be stirred.<br />
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Why is that so sad you may ask? Just a few reasons: these seven things the Lord hates...he that sows discord among the brethren, as best you can live at peace with all men, do all things without grumbling or complaining, why not rather be wronged than to drag a brother before the civil magistrates, do nothing from selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility count others greater than yourselves and do not only consider your own interests, but for the interests of others, a dishonest man sows strife and a whisperer separates friends, for lack of wood a fire goes out as without a gossip quarreling ceases, have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies, you know that they breed quarrels.<br />
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James and John indicate that this kind of stirring the pot, when the pot is fine, will harm/destroy a church. Proverbs says it can destroy a friendship. Reality is that it can destroy larger entities. Christians should more carefully consider their ways.Jason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-48713485251723682232016-11-01T10:58:00.001-04:002016-11-01T10:58:28.062-04:00Elections<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3G_Zaj5r_BYulSRp5Rb1j17A1BhHAldWH_bAIBTF6ZBuNdVaNTeU-w7mzsBZHFsuthOP0KPyQfAxhMNVHhtM3EskQ7xnJ67EsWFpc4mbV0dk2Q6NNqu16Fq5l_8RdY1ZTL8QTjKxE8Q/s1600/sc-ballot-controversy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3G_Zaj5r_BYulSRp5Rb1j17A1BhHAldWH_bAIBTF6ZBuNdVaNTeU-w7mzsBZHFsuthOP0KPyQfAxhMNVHhtM3EskQ7xnJ67EsWFpc4mbV0dk2Q6NNqu16Fq5l_8RdY1ZTL8QTjKxE8Q/s320/sc-ballot-controversy.jpg" width="320" /></a>Haven't blogged in a long time. Not much to say that has come to mind that might be helpful or impactful in people's lives, so no need to put more words out there (as if there weren't already enough). Maybe we should start worrying about word overpopulation instead of world overpopulation.<br />
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But with the elections coming up, maybe just a few things. Not really deep thoughts (plenty of wiser men have already written), not just political bullying, and not just bemoaning, just things that I think that we should think about as believers WHEN we vote.<br />
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<ol>
<li>We are not of this world, we have another home and another kingdom, which is far more valuable. It's King and it's advance is our first priority.</li>
<li>We are given the privilege to vote for our representatives and governmental leaders in this country. Even if we don't like our choices, realize the blessing. I'll stop short of saying it is a Christian duty to vote, but I think you should.</li>
<li>God is the one who raises up kings and kingdoms, and he also removes them, and he does it all for his purposes. Sometimes we are not to know those purposes.</li>
<li>Vote your conscience! There are not only two choices. Refuse to be bullied into doing something that goes against your convictions. Know the candidates, and the likelihood of the ramifications of your vote. It does count.</li>
<li>There are some issues which candidates hold that are deal-breakers, such as abortion. There are some that really important. Then there are some that are preferential. </li>
<li>Realize that thoughtful, wise, believers may come to different conclusions, especially as it relates to the last two of the previous categories. This is okay. We can still love each other, and especially in the public sphere, we must resist the urge to respond in anger.</li>
<li>Realize that the candidates are substantially different on many issues, but people thought that Obama was the anti-Christ and would bring the destruction of the country, and people thought that about Bush before that. America will be here after Clinton, Trump, or whoever the House of Representatives chooses if nobody reaches 270 electoral votes. Research your constitution, too. Know what happens "if..." So stop decrying the end of civilization as we know it. Politics are corrupt, shouldn't be a surprise to you.</li>
<li>Trust Jesus Christ, fixing your eyes on the things above, pressing on toward the prize of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ!</li>
</ol>
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Just my thoughts. Thanks for both of you who read it :-) </div>
Jason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-49037787894276146852016-09-28T11:38:00.001-04:002016-09-28T11:38:42.805-04:00Building BridgesI know it's not a new idea, it's just something new to us at <a href="http://tiftonroad.org/" target="_blank">The Road</a>. With all the tension in our country right now related to race, we are trying to take steps to demonstrate our commitment to the gospel. It shows no partiality to any ethnicity, nationality, nor skin color. This week The Road is going to worship with a church that is predominantly African American. The language and the situation that I just described betrays our view of American Christianity and race; and also our theology of "race," which is probably the worse of the two. In thinking about this piece, and knowing that <a href="https://answersingenesis.org/" target="_blank">Answers in Genesis</a> has some of the best teaching that there is no such thing as race, I went to their site, and they have a tremendous <a href="https://answersingenesis.org/racism/racial-reconciliation-matters/" target="_blank">article</a> on the topic on their home page because of the urgency of the issue. These are the best quotes from that article.<br /><br />
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"The church is right to reject secular answers that ignore the problem’s spiritual dimension. However, the church is wrong when it refuses to demonstrate biblical answers to the same problems. While we proclaim that the gospel of Jesus Christ is for all people, our relationships and friendships, especially within the church, too often expose our lack of efforts to achieve this biblical diversity. The Apostle Paul eloquently summarizes a proper passion to reach all humanity (“all men”) when he writes of his desire “to become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/1%20Cor%209.19%E2%80%9322">1 Corinthians 9:19–22</a>; see also <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Gal%203.26%E2%80%9328">Galatians 3:26–28</a>)."</blockquote>
<blockquote>
"We need to recognize that our problem is not skin color but sin division. A biblical perspective on sin and the gospel is not a trite answer; it’s the answer. No other answer will work.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
May God grant us the loving wisdom to pursue “grace relations” rather than race relations. Grace relations affirm the truths clearly taught in <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Gen%201%E2%80%9311">Genesis 1–11</a>. We are one race, Adam’s race. But we are a sinful race because of Adam’s disobedience to God’s Word. The source of injustice and dysfunctional relationship today is an outworking of our sinful hearts."</blockquote>
So, I don't have time or wisdom to put all my thoughts down about this issue especially as it relates to gospel-oriented reconciliation and love among diverse peoples, but as for The Road, we don't want to be among the category of churches that this writer describes in that first paragraph that talk equality and diversity and yet "make no effort to achieve biblical diversity." This is a small step, but I think an important one, especially in the southern, rural context in which we live. Hopefully, there will be many steps to follow, and biblical diversity will begin to be achieved in our congregation.<br />
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Jason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-42060778694957320452016-09-07T11:55:00.000-04:002016-09-07T11:55:02.842-04:00She's A Maneater<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcVqnekIb7GLuqaiVace0xHKsISCOreEtW2xOsDxdIT4vwhQypqSWlKtoFJFJzAejlwNmPP_odqXRIjvXitk8iMJHfsjt9V8CCnULCdHU7aADuMC7RAbM9HUN_R5Eyo0cYxB3fQG3zSQ/s1600/Maneater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcVqnekIb7GLuqaiVace0xHKsISCOreEtW2xOsDxdIT4vwhQypqSWlKtoFJFJzAejlwNmPP_odqXRIjvXitk8iMJHfsjt9V8CCnULCdHU7aADuMC7RAbM9HUN_R5Eyo0cYxB3fQG3zSQ/s200/Maneater.jpg" width="200" /></a>Great song from Hall & Oates from the '80s (yes, I still love '80s music). It warns of a woman who only comes out at night; one who's beauty is present, but a beast is in her heart; and causes men to think they can have her for themselves. They warn that she will "chew you up" and they tell the listener, "I wouldn't, if I were you..."<br />
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Their version was released in 1982, but Solomon released a version in about 900 BC. In Proverbs 7:1-27, he warns of a woman dressed as a prostitute (fully-colored, not-so fully covered, gold and jewels, things that catch passing men's attention) who seduced a young man. He said that he saw the woman outside in the open square, on the street corners (the actions of the typical prostitute of that time in Israel) looking for prey. He says that he saw her with a touch and a kiss put a leash on him, leading him right into her bed which was prepared for him with fine linens and sweet perfumes. She assures him of her husband's absence, far away on business, not to return for days. With smooth words and voice, she invites him to enjoy her to his fullest desires till morning.<br />
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Solomon described him as one who was devoid of understanding, and as one rushing headlong as an ox to the slaughter. He describes his fall as an arrow through the liver, and a bird caught in a snare. He says the man did not know this would cost him his life. We don't know whether Solomon was speaking of physical life, or his soul, or the many other facets of life that adultery destroys.<br />
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So he cries out to other men not to let their hearts be seduced. Solomon, if anyone, knew the power of sexual temptation. He said that it has wounded or destroyed many wise and many strong men. As if he wasn't clear enough, in the final verse, he says that women like these are the doors to hell itself.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43v4Y3g9Ixrrepq2l4OFrDhwb62I0fGpbVK4u4i3mGrgXUyX5x6qHjEKpmbbfJufzJz6w5R6whvvuQMElnhwlPLqRmWaLuquqeSN_GUqgLxr0Df2XbQGNlSrhsvQZSyfaygqHzBiczNs/s1600/jezebel-500x218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43v4Y3g9Ixrrepq2l4OFrDhwb62I0fGpbVK4u4i3mGrgXUyX5x6qHjEKpmbbfJufzJz6w5R6whvvuQMElnhwlPLqRmWaLuquqeSN_GUqgLxr0Df2XbQGNlSrhsvQZSyfaygqHzBiczNs/s320/jezebel-500x218.jpg" width="320" /></a>Our culture is completely inundated with sex. Sex in movies, sex in shows, sexual innuendos in commercials, books promoted to glorify adultery and immorality. Sex trafficking is a menace upon the world. Pornography is an addiction for millions. The "hook up" cultural as well as the LGBT movement and further damaged the intent of sex. Sex, which was meant as a good gift for a man and a woman to share as a bonding agent in their monogamous marriage, and beautiful picture of the relationship of God and his people, Christ and his church, has been belittled, twisted, and exploited.<br />
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So, please heed the warning of a song from 1982, "I wouldn't, if I were you." Heed the warning of Solomon, "her house is the way to hell, descending to the chambers of death," Proverbs 7:27. Guard your heart, "make a covenant with your eyes," Job 31:1, and plead with God to "turn your eyes away from looking at worthless things," Ps 119:37. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak, Jesus said in Mark 14:38. Remember the strongest man in the bible (Samson) fell to sexual sin, and it cost him his life. The godliest man in the bible (David) fell to sexual sin, and it cost him the lives of his sons and daughters, and his kingdom for a time. The wisest man in the bible (Solomon) fell to sexual sin, and his heart was led away from the God of Israel to follow after the idols of his wives and concubines, leading Israel astray, splitting it down the middle.<br />
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Flee from sexual immorality (1 Cor 6:18), or it will cost you your life, family, job, reputation, testimony, home, respect, dignity, integrity, trustworthiness, and so on. Culture, technology, and our sinfulness has made it an easy destruction.<br />
<br />Jason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-30951253703504446082016-08-26T10:53:00.001-04:002016-08-26T10:53:13.352-04:00ApologeticsI watched an intriguing debate yesterday which was held at Bowling Green University. The topic was abortion, and the participants were a man named James Croft and Scott Klusendorf. Croft is a brilliant British humanist/ethicist with a Cambridge/Harvard educational background. Klusendorf is the writer of <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Case-Life-Equipping-Christians-Culture/dp/1433503204/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1472217851&sr=1-1&keywords=scott+klusendorf" target="_blank">A Case For Life</a> (which I highly commend to you), a graduate of UCLA and Biola University, and one of the best apologists for a pro-life position.<br />
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I really, really encourage you to watch the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwMtzccjlW8" target="_blank">debate</a> for two reasons.<br />
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First, the issues of life are discussed in great detail. Personhood, which is the crux of any argument dealing with abortion is approached from two angles by men attempting to maintain civility and focused positions based on science, logic, and philosophy. Many analogies are given to attempt to bring clarity to the subject matter, which are helpful as we think through the abortion debate. However, as with all analogies and illustrations, they usually break down at some point. Errors and assumptions are pointed out between the presenters that can help you and I not to make the same ones. Viewing it from outside will also help you see places that a position for life can be solidified by paying attention to the actual arguments and not the emotional words, ad hominem attacks, straw man arguments, and illogical conclusions. Additionally, we are able to be enlightened to the opposing position's thoughts and logic. Understanding is good, it helps us stay on target with the actual issue. This debate also points out related issues, such as women's rights, government overreach, and others.<br />
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Secondly, and the main reason I wrote this piece, you should watch this debate because it will equip you apologetically. You may say that much of it would be "over my head" because of the caliber of these men and their arguments. This is not a reason, but an excuse, and willful ignorance. Remember that this debate was before an audience of 18-22 year old college students. My conviction is that the church, by and large, is very unequipped to argue for crucial positions of ethics, morality, government, and theology (even though this debate avoided theology intentionally). One of the reasons that we are losing a cultural war is that we are leaving the apologetics up to a few rather than accepting the responsibility to be apologists for the faith and related issues. Peter articulates this responsibility in 1 Peter 3:15 (although I realize that the call to be defenders of faith in context usually deals with our faith).<br />
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So don't duck the Jehovah's Witnesses at your door because they might ask you questions you don't know answers to. Don't avoid the topic of abortion because the shame of the lack of understanding. Don't cower in fear when someone brings up the subject of creation and evolution. Don't flee from a person challenging your trust in the bible. Research, think, speak carefully, convince others of truth.<br />
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This does not mean that we all must become great apologists, just that must be willing to learn, and purpose to do so. The evidence is there. Science does not refute our positions as evangelical, bible-believing Christians. Nor does archaeology, history, philosophy, or logic. If we have truth, it is perfectly reasonable, in fact, necessary that we investigate, even question it. The temporary result may be that you must ask for time to research a question, but there is no shame in that (if there is, it may be a pride issue within your own heart); you have not lost. You may be ridiculed, but if they did it to Jesus, we should expect no less, John 15:18. Do as the apostles, and rejoice that you are counted worthy suffer rejection, Acts 5:41. Take courage, you can do this. Start with this video.<br />
<br />Jason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-47254199882036779772016-08-05T10:57:00.000-04:002016-08-05T10:57:25.033-04:00What is a Covenant?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqkFrHYTlMdxRTq3UCXdiO1kJLaF4VotCcqHYiskYCbAXela8LHrzNSwpLoiYkEthl6dwVtutFZV_FfHnm3584odQ41Cra4FDdYqDq7YIABL4SrXGmQDSz7O_bbazxSqwhHQrbv8tk1Y/s1600/A+-+Red+Cross+with+flash.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqkFrHYTlMdxRTq3UCXdiO1kJLaF4VotCcqHYiskYCbAXela8LHrzNSwpLoiYkEthl6dwVtutFZV_FfHnm3584odQ41Cra4FDdYqDq7YIABL4SrXGmQDSz7O_bbazxSqwhHQrbv8tk1Y/s320/A+-+Red+Cross+with+flash.png" width="320" /></a><br />
This week is a special week at <a href="http://tiftonroad.org/home" target="_blank">The Road</a>. We are going to covenant together as a body officially. People will step up and make this promise below to each other in Christian brotherhood. A covenant is an OT idea stronger than an agreement or a contract; more like a blood oath, a solemn vow, or a three-way promise which we enter into with each other. We will still worship with all the family of Christ who joins us on Sundays, but this group will have a promised commitment to one another, with a desire to be accountable to it, as they follow Christ themselves. Baptists have always been a covenant people, with many churches designing their own in order to capture the important points for their congregation. Here is ours<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqkFrHYTlMdxRTq3UCXdiO1kJLaF4VotCcqHYiskYCbAXela8LHrzNSwpLoiYkEthl6dwVtutFZV_FfHnm3584odQ41Cra4FDdYqDq7YIABL4SrXGmQDSz7O_bbazxSqwhHQrbv8tk1Y/s1600/A+-+Red+Cross+with+flash.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>Having, as we trust, been brought by divine grace to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and to give up ourselves to him, and having been baptized upon our profession of faith, in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, we do now, relying on His gracious aid, solemnly and joyfully covenant with each other.<br />We will work and pray for the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. We will walk together in brotherly love, as becomes the members of a Christian Church, exercise an affectionate care and watchfulness over each other and faithfully admonish and entreat one another as occasion may require.<br /> <br />We will not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, nor neglect to pray for ourselves and others.<br /> <br />We will endeavor to bring up such as may at any time be under our care, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and by a pure and loving example to seek the salvation of our family and friends.<br /> <br />We will rejoice at each other’s happiness and endeavor with tenderness and sympathy to bear each other’s burdens and sorrows. </blockquote>
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We will seek, by Divine aid, to live carefully in the world, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, and remembering that, as we have been voluntarily buried by baptism and raised again from the symbolic grave, so there is on us a special obligation now to lead a new and holy life. </blockquote>
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We will work together for the continuance of a faithful evangelical ministry in this church, as we sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines. We will contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations. </blockquote>
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We will, when we move from this place, as soon as possible, unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word. </blockquote>
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May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen.</blockquote>
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So excited for this Sunday, and for the body of Christ known as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRoadChurchTifton/" target="_blank">The Road</a>!<br /><div>
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Jason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-89852543868775790102016-07-22T08:33:00.000-04:002018-07-23T09:36:38.627-04:00Can My Worldview Not Affect My Judgment?Can one truly get unbiased opinions, even about facts (things true that correspond to reality, which is the definition of a Correspondence view of Truth)?<br />
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I read an article this morning that affirmed a principle that would be helpful for us all to remember as we evaluate our decisions in life, especially those that related to pressing issues. This <a href="https://answersingenesis.org/presuppositions/science-worldview-neutral/?utm_source=twitter-aig&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=twitter-aig" target="_blank">article</a> deals specifically with an attempt by a homeschool curriculum producer to give an unbiased "worldview friendly" curriculum. The article was written by Dr. Georgia Purdom of the Answers in Genesis ministry, so it dealt with creation science worldviews, and whether or not one could truly be unbiased related to science, because science, according to the publisher of the curriculum is only based on "observable" facts.<br />
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I also had a conversation on Twitter last week with a woman with a passionate agenda, who after some obvious evidence simply refused to evaluate words. It was a simple question I asked. I was willing to be persuaded. However, she just did not offer an opinion regarding the accuracy of primary source documentation on a particular website regarding statements and quotations that were made in some of Margaret Sanger's (early eugenics activist, population control, racist, and founder of what would become Planned Parenthood) books and biographies. She just refused to look, claiming she already knew, because she had read Sanger years ago. Her decision was made before ever entering the exchange.<br />
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I went on an archaeological dig in Israel in seminary, and the organization that orchestrated that dig was the <a href="http://www.biblearchaeology.org/" target="_blank">Associates of Biblical Research</a>, they believed the bible was historically accurate, even down to dates. While there, we were exposed to various interpretations of archaeological data that led to other conclusions by other reseachers. Same evidence, different conclusion.<br />
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Many issues face us today: politics, free speech, right to bear arms, legalization of drugs and gay marriage, education, science (especially creation science, as the previous mentioned article points out), racism, police use of force, and within Christianity theological issues abound, even the Supreme Court is usually divided on major cases down what we could call "conservative" and "liberal" interpretations. The words in the Constitution are clear, previous decisions are clear, but their interpretations are different. One cannot get away from the fact that all people have their biases, from which they start their interpretations of facts; they have a worldview that acts as their filter for ideas and information. We must make sure that ours is informed and accurate.<br />
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Of course, other than theology as a pastor, as referenced by the Twitter conversation above, abortion is one of the issues where our biases come through, a big one where we must be informed and accurate. An issue that represents about one million lives each year in the US not including mothers, fathers, and other family. As scientific knowledge of human development in utero increases every year due to advances in technology and science, challenges to case law on many levels and to worldview abound. Ultrasound in 3D/4D, surgery in the womb, DNA advancements, cameras, fetal pain studies, earlier viability of babies due to life saving technologies, better mental health assessments related to the damage done by abortion, further studies linking abortion to breast cancer, STDs, future reproductive health, depression, abuse, suicide and other long-term effects; and social media information transmission related to these advancements are changing minds. However, the same information, interpreted by a different worldview (one espousing a pro-abortion point of view) might continue to ignore objective facts, in my opinion :-) , and argue that these things do not undermine choice. They may argue that a baby is not a baby until it is viable outside the womb, or they may say that the first breath is the time where one becomes human. Or they may say that the conditions of conception can justify the taking of life, or various other reasons. Different worldview.<br />
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Culture and anecdotal evidence such as illegal sale of "fetal tissue" and the heartless means of extraction and intentionality to make money quick from the business of human body part trafficking are changing hearts. Of course, we can say that changing "hearts" is simply switching biases, even though we may rejoice at the seeming national trend of revulsion against tearing babies limb from limb inside the womb.<br />
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So, as you believe what you read on the internet (or in print, or the news media for that matter), consider biases. As you choose at the ballot box, consider biases. As you choose curriculum or schools for your children, consider biases. Consider not only the fact that others in these issues and fields have biases, but we all have them, only varying by degree; and most of us do not know it, because we are convinced we are right.<br />
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My bias, just in case you are wondering, is an evangelical, Southern Baptist view of biblical Christianity. One of the reasons that I espouse the Christian worldview (differences in flavor aside) is that there is a standard outside of me. And if I believe (bias alert) that the ultimate author of the Bible is God, he will not provide incorrect worldview boundaries. I think that I can make a good case with credible evidence for my view. However, if it were that easy, seemingly everyone would be evangelical Christians (whatever that means right now).<br />
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Thanks for reading, I know this one was kinda long. I like to read relatively short blogs, so I have failed you if you share my preference.<br />
<br />Jason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-75719072273984831012016-07-08T15:06:00.000-04:002016-07-08T15:06:23.115-04:00No Respect<br />In the wake of shootings this week of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile and the five Dallas officers killed and six others wounded, our hearts are broken and our minds left wondering, "how we could come to this as a country?" Events similar in Fergusson, Baltimore, 62 other officers killed in the line of duty this year, or even things like the Orlando or San Bernardino shootings, they testify to the same: the value placed upon human life has been reduced nearly to nothing. There is definitely a racial element to it, but the underlying cause is that life has been eviscerated of its significance. Murders daily in our major cities, and even in the smallest towns of friends and neighbors, we hear of them everyday. Social media and the news media, have reported news, but I fear they've fanned the flames. Life means much less in our country than it ever has in many eyes.<br /><br />Lots of reasons that we could speculate as causes; terrorism and war that we have been so much more close to than ever before; violence on TV and video games; the degeneration of the family; the declining influence of religion (and its general restraining morality); just to name a few. I definitely think it's an indicator, but maybe even a cause, maybe the most important cause in the last 50 years. The decision to allow abortion on demand, even though it seemed minor among the Vietnam War, racial integration/civil rights movement, the sexual revolution, and rise of the drug culture, was a defining point in our nation for the way that we evaluate a person's life. It said to our country that even the most defenseless of lives is expendable at another's will without repercussion.<br /><br />Thousands of unborn children are killed in our country daily (75% from minority populations). Even when we are confronted with harvesting body parts for sale, the nation passes by in apathy, more concerned about the 2016 presidential election than the murder of children. God forms every human being, black or white, sick or well, embryo or senior citizen, democrat or republican, christian or muslim, man or woman, rich or poor, officer or welfare recipient, orphaned or widowed, American or European, in his image. We all represent God to creation. We are like him in special ways that all of creation is not. Therefore, since our lives have a unique display of his glory, our worth is inestimable. If only we saw it that way.<br /><br />God, reveal your glory. Open our eyes to infinite worth, so that we may understand transferred worth. Let the mind of Christ be in us that humility will reign in us. Bring forth beauty from ashes in our land now...we beg you.<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #252525; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 25.9px;"><br /></span></span></span>Jason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-58175326572777064852016-06-21T10:01:00.000-04:002016-06-21T10:02:19.220-04:00Love Thy Neighbor and Love Thine EnemyPlenty of Christians (and I use the term generously) throughout the years have missed these two ideas for many reasons. However, I think these two things (plus the love we are to have for one another) demonstrate the uniqueness of our faith, and it demonstrates the power of Christ to change individuals and groups into wonderful communities of love.<br />
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The shooting last week in Orlando has left all Americans in shock and grief. The sadness only deepens as many use this tragedy to further their own agendas. From celebrities to politicians to religious or social groups, they want to hijack a bad situation and carve it out to suit themselves. The reason it may be easier for them to do so, is that this attack was carried out by a radical Muslim upon a bar primarily frequented by homosexuals.<br />
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So America has a perfect opportunity to see the worst in Christians (again, so-called). They are looking for the conservative, evangelical American Church to hate. They expect it to hate Muslims or homosexuals or both. Of course, the reasons for stereotypes is that there is some truth; the downside is that there are some that don't fit the mold. So bring on the hate, right? All this when we claim to follow a man who ate and drank with sinners and Pharisees, touched lepers, forgave adulterers and criminals, and asked for the sins of his torturers to be overlooked.<br />
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What if Christians wept sincerely with all over all? What if believers, without affirming their lifestyle, let their gay/lesbian friends know that this shooting was wrong, and had they been there, they would have defended them like their own lives? What if, without affirming their theology, Christians "loved those who hate you" openly? What if Christians lived what Jesus taught?<br />
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What would the world see in us?<br />
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Jason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-2791161352293050182016-05-25T17:17:00.000-04:002016-05-27T09:57:19.774-04:00Forgiveness is Hard<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcWW4qo4-g6atLevEiWCjb-TI-FkzET5Y0tXmx1t2R3qu14i4oVQgQOJjpRaD3nwi84Gh1MH0rNt1_kPxhBlIIx3fNDpaLKGN083xphhktmi11HpbycCsDjW4YA8l-HzPmgFG9YzUfAM/s1600/Sinning-Anger-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcWW4qo4-g6atLevEiWCjb-TI-FkzET5Y0tXmx1t2R3qu14i4oVQgQOJjpRaD3nwi84Gh1MH0rNt1_kPxhBlIIx3fNDpaLKGN083xphhktmi11HpbycCsDjW4YA8l-HzPmgFG9YzUfAM/s320/Sinning-Anger-1.jpg" width="320" /></a>There are pains in life that come from various origins. One thing that we all have in common is pain from those whom we consider close conspire against us. The closer that the person is to us, the greater usually is the sting. It was even prophesied in Psalm 41:9 that Jesus would deal with Judas, a friend who betrayed him. Often anger is our reaction. Depending on how deep the wound is, or how serious the ramifications are, dealing with pain and anger from personal betrayal is hard.<br />
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A couple of things before I turn to scripture. 1) Forgiveness is not saying that the offense wasn't really an offense. It doesn't mean that we must say that what the other party did was OK. 2) Forgiveness doesn't mean that you are to be a doormat and continue to or return to a position that will compromise you. 3) Forgiveness also doesn't mean forgetting. "Forgive and forget" sounds great if you live in a Wonderland, or if you erase memories at will. God can do that, but in our imperfection, we normally cannot.<br />
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Forgiveness is determining that you are going to act in a forgiving manner toward the party who injured you. Forgiveness means that you will forsake the prerogative to hold that person in a position of judgment or vengeance. Unforgiveness is something that keeps coming back, and we must keep killing it day by day, moment by moment if necessary, so that Satan does not get a foothold in our lives. This is something that we must war against.<br />
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Many scriptures line out principles related to forgiveness, but two stand out; one a warning, and the other a perspective. First, the warning. Matthew 6:14-15 says, "for if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." That should scare us who are warring against unforgiveness. That should scare those that don't war on it more. How many believers refuse to forgive? Think about that, meditate on that, act on that.<br />
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Secondly, we are told to forgive as Christ forgave us, Ephesians 4:31-32. If we truly understand our treason, our betrayal of the most glorious, most valuable treasure in the universe, and our exchange of him for idols, we would begin to comprehend our forgiveness. If we are exhorted and instructed to forgive as Christ forgave, even the deepest of hurts falls under that teaching.<br />
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I am preaching to myself today. Pray for me. Two things to leave you with:<br />
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A better blog post and teaching than mine: from Desiring God, <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/five-benefits-of-unforgiveness-then-the-better-way">here</a>. <br />
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And a quote from Voddie Baucham that I found very convicting:<br />
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“If we refuse to forgive, we have stepped into dangerous waters. First, refusing to forgive is to put ourselves in the place of God, as though vengeance were our prerogative, not his. Second, unforgiveness says God’s wrath is insufficient. For the unbeliever, we are saying that an eternity in hell is not enough; they need our slap in the face or cold shoulder to “even the scales” of justice. For the believer, we are saying that Christ’s humiliation and death are not enough. In other words, we shake our fists at God and say, “Your standards may have been satisfied, but my standard is higher!” Finally, refusing to forgive is the highest form of arrogance. Here we stand forgiven. And as we bask in the forgiveness of a perfectly holy and righteous God, we turn to our brother and say, “My sins are forgivable, but yours are not.” In other words, we act as though the sins of others are too significant to forgive while simultaneously believing that ours are not significant enough to matter.”</div>
Jason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-10688258153072625492016-05-13T10:16:00.001-04:002016-05-13T10:17:58.842-04:00Culture AssaultThree areas that are significant to mention where our culture is continuing down a path that will bring the erosion of society and the judgment of God. I am definitely not qualified to deal with these in full, but I think it is important to note trends, and prepare accordingly. I am going to be brief, because of the multitude of topics.<br />
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Sexuality and culture: The sexual revolution in the '60s and '70s led to a number of things affecting our culture right now. Teen sexual intercourse stands now at 47% for up to high school students. Will they be yours? That's down slightly from 20 years ago, but still 47%! Marriage is going out of style too with the number of cohabitating couples rising 88% (and the latest stats from 2007). 55% of Americans now approve of this model for families (again, 2007). The culture advocates for marital privileges in law, healthcare, and benefits for unmarried couples. Gay marriage, of course, has been approved by SCOTUS, and therefore is making progress state by state. Finally, the LGBT community is forcing it's agenda on law, churches, education, and business--bathrooms, ordination of gay clergy, sex ed including LGBT lifestyle, college campus policy changes, and anti-discrimination suits against private businesses.<br />
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Politics: The Democratic party has gone off the deep end with issues like sexuality, socialism, abortion, environmentalism, and immigration. However, the acceptance of our country's more conservative population of leadership like Donald Trump with his character and behavior is insane! The only positive thing about it all, is that the possibility of the rise of a third or fourth party might be more possible than ever. The SCOTUS continually legislates from the bench, forgetting it's place in the constitution, which, interestingly enough, is used very little in government now anyway.<br />
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Silencing of the church: Christians and churches are among the most targeted groups in America. It's OK to be about anything else but white, middle-class, evangelical Christians (and to be fair, some of our behavior has earned this persecution). I only use the term persecution lightly, because in actuality, we experience little persecution compared to believers in other countries. In recent years, pastors have been forced to submit their sermons to governing bodies, sabotaged by spineless governors and legislative bodies to refuse to allow extra legal protection from discrimination because of their religious convictions. Churches are having to rewrite their by-laws to protect against gay couples desiring to marry in their sanctuaries, and after being denied, filing lawsuits.<br />
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One bright spot: abortion trends. I don't know if you can say that it is a bright spot when you are speaking of babies being murdered, but here is what I mean. The trend in the numbers of abortions nationwide is falling. We are under a million for the first time in 40 years. The high mark was back in the mid 1990s with over 1.3 million abortions. And since 2013 we have been just under one million. 2014 numbers, which are the latest we have, were ~977,000. Now, those numbers may not paint the whole picture. The "morning after" pill is not counted in that number; and there is no way of quantifying how many abortions that it may or may not have caused. Clinics have been closing at a record pace because of new state regulations. In 25 years prior to 2011, about 150 closed. Since then, we are seeing 31 per year closing; that's another 150 in five years. The number of clinics in now at about 400 (these are clinics that perform more than 400 abortions per year). Good trends, long way to go, still losing about 975,000 lives that would produce generations.<br />
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So, I lied. I said I would be brief. Most of this was preaching, rather that careful thought out writing. However, I want you to take away something from this: 1) prepare your children and grandchildren, or congregations for increasing relegation of our faith to a minority in society. Help give the tools to stand firm. Don't assume just because they go so church and seem spiritual that they will be fine. 2) Be bold. Don't shrink back from a witness to this cultural erosion. Do it in love, but maintain truth. It is not helpful to unbelievers to soften truth, but it is always helpful to love them to it. Change is continuing to happen, most of it not for the better for Christianity, but do not be dismayed, our God is with us, and He is large and in charge.<br />
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<br />Jason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-71775206121962020122016-04-28T16:06:00.001-04:002016-04-28T16:06:27.167-04:00What They Meant For Evil, God Meant For Good<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCr6xX9kMS_D6foWcqBcGxtYtVdDa8k7WkPI0vVBeE0ECfm7qaXhJ7rk1ZzE7uFia1n2t8TQvebkPKBX_KWRivN0Ub_trMUaTfmvQTkLjhPbdNB81tlush4erLXn0cF8E1kGYWZTGX24/s1600/psalm+30-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCr6xX9kMS_D6foWcqBcGxtYtVdDa8k7WkPI0vVBeE0ECfm7qaXhJ7rk1ZzE7uFia1n2t8TQvebkPKBX_KWRivN0Ub_trMUaTfmvQTkLjhPbdNB81tlush4erLXn0cF8E1kGYWZTGX24/s200/psalm+30-5.jpg" width="200" /></a>Famous words of Joseph in Genesis 50:20 are used in many situations to deal with the sovereignty of God, especially as it relates to betrayal, suffering, or persecution. I want to write and testify, not simply about the theological perspective, but about our response to it. I know that there are billions of things that we should thank God for every day all across the globe based on who He is and what He has done. However, I want to continue to praise Him, and declare His glory for something that which He did in my life.<br />
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I was reading this morning about praying for your enemies, and the most recent attack upon me came to my mind. Immediately, the deliverance that came on the heels of this great betrayal from a friend, burst through in my mind. Psalm 30 captures the idea of a grateful David after attack and hardship and prayer. He shares of the deliverance of God, and his determination to share it with others. Twice, in Psalm 30:5 and in Psalm 30:11-12, joy from pain is expressed.<br />
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We had experienced the depth of deception and behind the scenes attacks. Tears streamed down our faces. Anger filled our minds. Desperation filled our voices as we cried out to our God. The Holy Spirit was our comfort and rest as we trusted in Him. Our eyes were fixed on the problem, which wasn't supposed to be a problem, and suddenly was, and because of a friend's design of our failure. I don't mean to be overly dramatic, I know that many have gone through so much more. On this occasion, for us, it was the sustenance of our family on the line.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibS4inP1E2HZYJMzOKtHNMbwlB6xAGPrle-JTSuGZAshDAK6Ie4e3pfk01Jba2kFL7D32ECvYnWsYTvez3sWyhtWUwClvWi9CX265w1Mo4X01wf9KH90513ow-Jf-TW-QoqbkJ6Z2JdBU/s1600/Psalm+3011+%255Bwidescreen%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibS4inP1E2HZYJMzOKtHNMbwlB6xAGPrle-JTSuGZAshDAK6Ie4e3pfk01Jba2kFL7D32ECvYnWsYTvez3sWyhtWUwClvWi9CX265w1Mo4X01wf9KH90513ow-Jf-TW-QoqbkJ6Z2JdBU/s200/Psalm+3011+%255Bwidescreen%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a>BUT GOD, who is rich in mercy, had not only us, but others in mind as He revealed and brought about His plan for provision. He had us in mind as our faith needed to be strengthened. He had the righteous anger of some in mind. He had the earthly giver/provider in mind as heavenly treasure would be stored up (even working in his life for two years). He had workings through the testimony that would be given to His glory. He had work to do exposing sin in places. In fact, He will even work in the life of the persecutor. We don't usually think about that one. Even the Pharisees knew that; because in Acts 5:39, they said one cannot fight against God and win. So, God may bring the betrayer to the knowledge of the sin they have committed.<br />
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Just let me testify again to the goodness of my King. The inexplicable blessings He bestows on me. How weak my faith is, but how faithful He is. He is my sufficiency and satisfaction come feast or famine, and I can say that better now that I could months ago. A lesson that we should also think about is that sometimes restraint from provision is provision. Maybe I'll write about that someday.<br />
<br />Jason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-42329969650658894242016-04-12T09:20:00.000-04:002016-04-12T09:20:15.263-04:00God's Faithfulness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.sermonspice.com/product/45117/the-faithfulness-of-god" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietYpzvsEQeoL7jbGtBi8aIdyp2RwRu3DUzFPbc8GrKK11_BN9IMlR24ThZhILP54k3KZkmQ_HiQeOvOQTXWo5YUmQQjRHxKvzf76IM_NKNePxDxbh4-svUMSy-BaYq0YwvUMKqYWiiZs/s320/faithful.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
God has never once failed. Pretty amazing thought, huh? Not one time has he ever made a mistake, accidentally let something go awry, misspoken, or forgot to pick his child up at school, burnt the chicken, said things in unrighteous anger, ran over a squirrel in the road, bombed a test in school, let a curve ball get the better of him in the box, slipped on some gravel, gotten the wrong present for someone at Christmas, absolutely...never...failed. Can you even imagine one of us making it through our week without failing someone or something somewhere? How about perfection for a year? How about perfection for a lifetime; at your funeral, they would say, he never made a mistake. Whatever. Watch the video above, as a pre-reminder to my word of testimony.<br />
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I was reminded of God's faithfulness this week, even in my wavering faith. Things that were supposed to come through, fell through. Then those things were replaced with even better things in a really spectacular, 'never would have believed it' way. We literally wept at God's awesome workings yesterday. The icing on top of the cake is that what we thought completely fell apart, might not be all the way dead! I know that was probably confusing, and I wish I could tell you more specifics, but I can't; the depravity of man would be put on display, even though God would be glorified.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoig-HG_g8mK4Jo2gxwHgs8WRqs20UtkIqPiiv8Skm_QciGNiVaAOiy1pMgrskBTFgBdVl6HrZmmuJynORIrok9gG5dRitOuVVy8_Lp9Vw1WR-fpyR5EoUDLs1npStCOQWYE5VsuvMPs/s1600/Trust-dependent72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoig-HG_g8mK4Jo2gxwHgs8WRqs20UtkIqPiiv8Skm_QciGNiVaAOiy1pMgrskBTFgBdVl6HrZmmuJynORIrok9gG5dRitOuVVy8_Lp9Vw1WR-fpyR5EoUDLs1npStCOQWYE5VsuvMPs/s320/Trust-dependent72.jpg" width="320" /></a>"Your faithfulness endures to all generations," -Psalm 119:90. So, just know that God is FAITHFUL, all the time! I guess I felt a little like the disciples who heard "O, you of little faith" several times. In retrospect, I suppose I will feel like Job, crushing defeat, then greater restoration. I guess I should have been like the man in Mark 9:24 who said, "I believe, but help my unbelief."<br />
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I don't know what you may be going through, but maybe to the few people who read this blog, it will be an encouragement. God is faithful! In suffering, in pain, in loss, in need, in sickness, in health, in wealth, on the mountain tops, in the valleys, in darkness, in light, He is faithful! Just because we can see or think of a reason for God's working, does not mean there is not one. He is sovereign, He is good, and He is purposeful. And He is faithful!<br />
<br />Jason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-56559373323079068312016-03-17T16:00:00.003-04:002016-03-31T09:29:34.086-04:00Why Wouldn't You?This post will seem a little self-serving, but it needs to be said, regardless of my role in the related subject.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhhsjf6d1-0pqSZP6MK8luTgRi9kT-_YDLFeqdacL2Z0D-DBrVC3zhY9YWeDF2ErrEX7FVEPaFue5bbfozofHPDLf0GvWK8WmD0X605x3w45IBV7_SkUQESY8Ech5xUTO_MBuXfzyVXA/s1600/prayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhhsjf6d1-0pqSZP6MK8luTgRi9kT-_YDLFeqdacL2Z0D-DBrVC3zhY9YWeDF2ErrEX7FVEPaFue5bbfozofHPDLf0GvWK8WmD0X605x3w45IBV7_SkUQESY8Ech5xUTO_MBuXfzyVXA/s320/prayer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Politics, have you ever seen a politician turn down more endorsements? Bad example, I know it happens sometimes. Have you ever seen a charitable organization turn down more money? Have you ever known of a team that turns away more fans? How about a battalion of soldiers trying to take a town or a hill, ever heard of them turning down reinforcements? Of course not. Why not? These are all achievements that cannot be done alone; or at the very least, could be accomplished better with more help. So, welcome the endorsements, receive the unanticipated funds, give the fans a t-shirt and a big foam #1 hand thingy, and let the reinforcements roll in!<br />
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Now, why is it that in the white fields of the harvest of the Master, new churches are looked upon by many (not all) as danger and a threat, rather than reinforcements? If churches are laboring together to take a city and make as many disciples as possible, why not rejoice in more help? New churches in unreached areas are great! New churches in the Pacific Northwest, New England, or Canada are great too! New churches in major metropolitan areas, especially LA, NY, Chicago, Miami, and Atlanta are great too! New churches in rural towns, not so much. NIMBY.<br />
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Yes, I am planting a new church in my rural town.Yes, it has a lot of other churches. Yes, it has lots of believers. Yes, it has more unbelievers. Yes, our church is aiming for unbelievers. <a href="http://tiftonroad.org/" target="_blank">The Road</a> is going to bring God much glory, by bringing many people to God; that's the means to the end. The end: glorify God, the means: make disciples from people who are not Christians.<br />
<br />
Why is competition a focus, instead of kingdom advance?<br />
<br />Jason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-23921796865385268432016-02-22T14:24:00.000-05:002016-02-22T14:24:35.003-05:00Religion and Politics<div class="MsoNormal">
Politics, Politics. Some of us despise it, some of us enjoy
it. Some of us are passionate, and some of us are apathetic. Like it or not,
the 2016 election is coming upon us. There are many systems of government; we
have a democratic representative republic. We do have the right, and as good
citizens, the responsibility to vote. So, I am assuming you are going to vote. Sixty
million evangelical voters did not vote in the last election, don’t be like
them, vote. I am not going to endorse a candidate, but I do think there is an
understanding of biblical principles regarding government and conscience that
we must consider. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRooU1CRzFw6cFJBj6vqSip9R3zOsmUsthW50RBt6O1Q2V1GxnV1blOPabjG8eoMHehEE_6fRUiDBRP7Xa_Ki2H0H2AGgo1qQjjqRpiwNPxtizr8RCbg117w1Zag_CK4-jelNTr6ywBlw/s1600/Bible+and+politics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRooU1CRzFw6cFJBj6vqSip9R3zOsmUsthW50RBt6O1Q2V1GxnV1blOPabjG8eoMHehEE_6fRUiDBRP7Xa_Ki2H0H2AGgo1qQjjqRpiwNPxtizr8RCbg117w1Zag_CK4-jelNTr6ywBlw/s320/Bible+and+politics.jpg" width="320" /></a>Order rather than chaos. The bible teaches that this is one
of the purposes of government. Anarchy, the absence of government, is defined
this way according to Merriam-Webster: a situation of confusion and wild
behavior in which the people in a country, group, organization, etc., not
controlled by rules or laws; a state of lawlessness or political disorder due
to the absence of governmental authority; absence or denial of any authority or
established order. God is a God of order. Therefore, just as in the home, just
as in the church, He has established an authority structure; to rebel against
government is to rebel against God, and bring judgment on yourself, Romans 13:2.
Just like the home, just like the church, God, as the author of order, is its
head, Romans 13:1. All authority is given by give him. Jesus told Pilate that
he would have “no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from
above,” in John 19:10-11. So the purpose that we draw from scripture is that
government exists to give order. As you vote, consider this: is your candidate going to help bring about order in our nation?</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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Good rather than bad. The bible also teaches that one of the
purposes of government is to ensure welfare of people. The main way this is
carried out is by rewarding of good behavior and the punishing of bad behavior.
Romans 13:3-4, and also in 1 Peter 2:14, we are told that the government is to
recognize (and help society recognize) what is good. It is given the power to
execute punishment (God’s wrath) on criminals, even capital punishment.
Therefore, as we vote, ask the question: does the candidate I vote for
understand right from wrong, good from bad? Even from a non-religious
standpoint, any leader must have this basic understanding to govern well. <o:p></o:p></div>
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An observation rather than a purpose. God uses government to
accomplish His purposes. He uses leaders whether they are good or bad, to
ensure that His will is done. He used Pilate, Darius, Cyrus,
Nebuchadnezzar, the kings of all the nations displaced by Israel in the
conquest, and Pharaoh, whom God specifically told, “for this <i>purpose</i> I
have raised you up, that I may show My power <i>in</i> you, and that My name may
be declared in all the earth,” in Exodus 9:16. God used evil rulers to shape
world events, as well as the biblical meta-narrative of salvation, for His
glory. Therefore, this is an instance like Phil 2:12-13, John 1:12-13, 1 Corinthians
15:10, Col 1:29, and Matt 10:18-20, where we labor and do all that we can to
affect a situation, and God uses that to bring about His plan. So, consider
that regardless of the outcome of this election, our vote does count in
electing God’s choice to lead our country.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We get caught up in rhetoric, debates, and personalities, but we must attempt to maintain a biblical mindset. Issues are important (some are deal-breakers), policies are important, and agendas are important, but think about government, not just politics. Even though at family get togethers we are not supposed to bring up religion or politics, for the believer, one should not separate a biblical worldview, as it relates to government, from thoughtful consideration prior to and at the polling place.Jason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-27807436669910166422016-02-12T09:02:00.000-05:002016-02-12T09:08:18.593-05:00Abortion in the PewsWe will have about 1.2 million abortions in our country this year. Half of those women will be regular church goers and self-identified Christians. One may argue that many of these women are casual or nominal Christians, and not genuinely saved. So just to be on the conservative side, let's say that 200,000 of the 600,000 are actually believers. An abortion costs about $500 on average. This means that in 2016 believers will contribute over $100,000,000; that's one-hundred million dollars for all of us who have trouble counting zeros. Therefore, if we could just stop Christians from have abortions, we would truly begin to defund Planned Parenthood without regard to a presidential veto.<br />
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After that lesson in math, here's one from statistics. A recently released study demonstrated that only 7% of women who were regular church attendees when they had an abortion ever sought counsel from someone in the church. When asked why, they responded in unison; the church was judgmental, condemning, and shameful. They felt like the church response would not be helpful, but terrible. They were probably right, and still are in most cases.<br />
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Having said those two things, I went to a seminar yesterday. It was put on by <a href="http://www.care-net.org/" target="_blank">Care-Net</a> which is a network of Pregnancy Centers seeking to care for women in unplanned pregnancies. <a href="http://www.friendsofpregnancycare.com/" target="_blank">The Pregnancy Care Center of Tiftarea</a>, whom I work for, is an affiliated center. Our centers typically, not exclusively, see women who are unchurched. The seminar was addressing the problem of the other group of women that I mentioned before--those in the church that don't typically come to us.<br />
<br />
They want to stop the money, the murder, and the mauling in the church. So what they are proposing is that the church be like the pregnancy centers within the church. They think that the church can and should non-judgmentally love and care for these women. Novel concept--love one another. Crazy, huh! Almost like Someone said that before John 15:12. Care-Net wants to offer training for churches, and ways for pcc's to come alongside the church (instead of the other way around) to help the churches help men, women, and families feel like the church is a place they can turn to in a time of fear, shame, and worry.<br />
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Training is good, but the perception of the people will take longer to change. The attitude of the church must change from condemnation to love. Our practice can be holiness and love simultaneously. We do not have to sacrifice our commitments to righteousness in order to look upon sinful people with compassion, and aid them in their suffering. When this is preached, taught, and lived out in the church for an extended time, perception may change. Hopefully church culture will change. Attitude will change. Only then will our effectiveness increase as we truly begin to rescue those who are regularly in our congregations, and those who would one day be in our congregations.<br />
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One-third of my generation is gone. Many from "Christian" mothers, afraid of "Christian" churches. Let's start changing the perception now.<br />
<br />Jason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-59633494508709767332016-02-04T14:57:00.000-05:002016-02-04T14:57:04.664-05:00Shopkeepers<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg386ONYsm_dlnrYuKLXGeHCaYzwLjNumTqejMRIIcCqpjMyMF-YwJW1b0uBde9A7MUkrP5nxS4LJ36LZJFzsbTpKzWNEbsJepT0WcLtJHExyOyaVqOjRCfVaqkcnS6IsYTjCanDphenSY/s1600/pastor+ministering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg386ONYsm_dlnrYuKLXGeHCaYzwLjNumTqejMRIIcCqpjMyMF-YwJW1b0uBde9A7MUkrP5nxS4LJ36LZJFzsbTpKzWNEbsJepT0WcLtJHExyOyaVqOjRCfVaqkcnS6IsYTjCanDphenSY/s200/pastor+ministering.jpg" width="200" /></a><i>American pastors are abandoning their posts, left
and right, and at an alarming rate. They are not leaving their churches and
getting other jobs. Congregations still pay their salaries. Their names remain
on the church stationary and they continue to appear in pulpits on Sundays. But
they are abandoning their posts, their calling. They have gone whoring after
other gods. What they do with their time under the guise of pastoral ministry
hasn’t the remotest connection with what the church’s pastors have done for
most of twenty centuries. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="margin-left: .25in;">
<i>A few of us are angry about it. We are angry because we have been
deserted…. It is bitterly disappointing to enter a room full of people whom you
have every reason to expect share the quest and commitments of pastoral work
and find within ten minutes that they most definitely do not. They talk of
images and statistics. They drop names. They discuss influence and status.
Matters of God and the soul and Scripture are not grist for their mills.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div style="margin-left: .25in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="margin-left: .25in;">
<i>The pastors of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">America</st1:country-region></st1:place>
have metamorphosed into a company of shopkeepers, and the shops they keep are
churches. They are preoccupied with shopkeeper’s concerns–how to keep the
customers happy, how to lure customers away from competitors down the street,
how to package the goods so that the customers will lay out more money.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div style="margin-left: .25in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="margin-left: .25in;">
<i>Some of them are very good shopkeepers. They attract a lot of
customers, pull in great sums of money, develop splendid reputations. Yet it is
still shopkeeping; religious shopkeeping, to be sure, but shopkeeping all the
same. The marketing strategies of the fast-food franchise occupy the waking
minds of these entrepreneurs; while asleep they dream of the kind of success
that will get the attention of journalists.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div style="margin-left: .25in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
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<div style="margin-left: .25in;">
<i>The biblical fact is that there are no successful churches. There are,
instead, communities of sinners, gathered before God week after week in towns
and villages all over the world. The Holy Spirit gathers them and does his work
in them. In these communities of sinners, one of the sinners is called pastor
and given a designated responsibility in the community. <span style="color: yellow;">The pastor’s
responsibility is to keep the community attentive to God. </span>It is this
responsibility that is being abandoned in spades.</i><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: right;">
-Eugene Peterson in his intro to his book Working the Angles.</div>
Jason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-33192612584964145412016-01-22T18:44:00.000-05:002016-01-22T18:49:18.515-05:00#WhyWeMarch<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaFsXrwVAZ91YQNzgS_WQ_pkSmjYv7bRX0y9TEG5nwkYbsd-VTdoejD2GKbwJsBDXGM1wRYyJBf1_CiiWJFz5-7D_haMQ02uy-0UG0vlcc4mKYyuQECV9zGOcLsMAcQEC8bUe1k713jg/s1600/MFL+2016+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaFsXrwVAZ91YQNzgS_WQ_pkSmjYv7bRX0y9TEG5nwkYbsd-VTdoejD2GKbwJsBDXGM1wRYyJBf1_CiiWJFz5-7D_haMQ02uy-0UG0vlcc4mKYyuQECV9zGOcLsMAcQEC8bUe1k713jg/s320/MFL+2016+3.jpg" width="320" /></a>In my work with the Pregnancy Care Center of Tiftarea, we don't deal with politics much, for we are in the trenches dealing with the young women who find themselves in unplanned pregnancies. It's not that we don't want Roe v. Wade overturned, it's just that we have a laser beam focus to help women here and now, and pray for the former.<br />
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Today, the political side of me and the work of the PCC rose up as I watched the annual March for Life in Washington DC. Today was the 43rd anniversary of the terrible ruling that would lead to the murder of 58 million innocents, and who knows how many more to come. This year the snowstorm that was predicted to shatter records with more than two feet of snow on the city loomed. VA and MD governors had issued states of emergency. The mayor of Washington had warned residents to stay inside and prepare for days without power or water.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcME_PlGINb1F4KVAAeD3xTlMWxLnuKzyh9chuFhPuTjKA5NuP-Kr0FEWI-rk3G2YzqUME8hAhfblbQWLxfm8-smIc_3904XWVR45v-DbgIqYjk-kpbgEqx4ikKF6UsD0foaCeN0HPPA/s1600/12555909_1956190621272875_486963959_n%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcME_PlGINb1F4KVAAeD3xTlMWxLnuKzyh9chuFhPuTjKA5NuP-Kr0FEWI-rk3G2YzqUME8hAhfblbQWLxfm8-smIc_3904XWVR45v-DbgIqYjk-kpbgEqx4ikKF6UsD0foaCeN0HPPA/s320/12555909_1956190621272875_486963959_n%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a>People wondered if the march would be cancelled or postponed for the safety of people. They wondered if people would cancel their plans. Would a poor turnout look bad? The news media as of 6:30 pm has pretty much ignored the several hundred thousand people in front of the Washington Monument and the US Supreme Court. Amid presidential candidates and this huge storm (both of which were participating in the march), I only found one mention of it among FOX, CBS, NBC, or MSNBC, and that was a photo of a few of the 65 pro-abortion people that were there, talking about Pelosi and Clinton, and Planned Parenthood being champions for women's rights.<br />
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They came in buses by the droves, they marched, they chanted and cheered. They carried signs and sang. They were joyous in the common cause of which they would not be thwarted by weather or politics or antagonists. I watched most of it on YouTube. It was great to see!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMU3yYc_XCITu80d25DF_5cQrXz788iIbPXqajaoAESp0P3YKsyHaWPvxLzSPtz9f0_OQ68yCzYnvkMmzmDtjjN6NiAla5lbe4QO-5yPlNuWCXWW9PV0nQwUNMpkukjTYM0P49BxcUnI/s1600/MFL+2016+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMU3yYc_XCITu80d25DF_5cQrXz788iIbPXqajaoAESp0P3YKsyHaWPvxLzSPtz9f0_OQ68yCzYnvkMmzmDtjjN6NiAla5lbe4QO-5yPlNuWCXWW9PV0nQwUNMpkukjTYM0P49BxcUnI/s320/MFL+2016+4.jpg" width="320" /></a>Of course, there was a bit of sadness in some eyes because of prior abortions. Many carried signs saying how they used to work for the industry but now were against it. Many wept over children they never knew, or of children that would never be tomorrow. One woman made a statement during an interview that stuck with me. She said, "we are here because one-third of our generation has be aborted." Remember that I speak on this all the time, even last week, but that was a powerful statement. Truly, America has killed off generations, because one abortion takes a life as well as every life that would have come from it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDr6XObQMSKsMQ5O8s6nKMQ3ko0weMoxsT2jGWO0K2blaB3KhplFYO0tIervYdCUDVB5doXIf9XAZDcfTtk2OdrAiDvw1GA_Opq4g_iPyDul0UMAKi38Zvnvdr3jEQasvzyB7bkGkzLM/s1600/MFL+2016+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDr6XObQMSKsMQ5O8s6nKMQ3ko0weMoxsT2jGWO0K2blaB3KhplFYO0tIervYdCUDVB5doXIf9XAZDcfTtk2OdrAiDvw1GA_Opq4g_iPyDul0UMAKi38Zvnvdr3jEQasvzyB7bkGkzLM/s200/MFL+2016+2.jpg" width="200" /></a>My prayer is that Washington and many heartless, depraved, hardened, immoral, or scientifically ignorant people would just look at the science, and know that life happens 40 weeks before one takes their first breath. I watched the coolest and most convincing video I have seen yet of a surgery performed on 18-week twin girls in the womb. The camera was in the uterus, and it was truly amazing. You must see it <a href="http://www.lifenews.com/2016/01/21/parents-share-amazing-video-of-18-week-old-twin-babies-getting-surgery-in-the-womb/" target="_blank">here</a>. Awesome, huh?! How can one say this is not a child??? I realize that overturning Roe v. Wade will not stop abortion completely, but laws against murder don't stop all murder either. I would love to see it, and so would the millions of children who will certainly perish if it's not...<br />
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<br />Jason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-88760897576033637382016-01-08T17:59:00.001-05:002016-01-08T17:59:25.437-05:00Is Pastoral Turnover in the NT?I have been a director of missions in my association for 2.5 years. During that time, I have seen or am seeing twelve pastoral changes. We have 26 churches in the association. A couple of those turnovers have been the same churches, so not quite half the churches have switched, but nearly. Can this be good for a church? Maybe; each situation is different. Pastors and churches are like a marriage, the relationship has to be based on commitment, not just love. Sometimes pastors aren't very lovable, sometimes churches aren't either. Also like marriage and divorce, it seems that pastoral turnover is increasing in its frequency, and I can't help but worry about the health of our churches, and the harm to our shepherds and their families.<br />
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To answer the question that I provocatively asked in the title: I don't know. The evidence is fairly inconclusive. Paul speaks about false teachers leaving the faith. Jude speaks of the false teachers creeping in unnoticed, and the implication is that the church should beware and remove them.<br />
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However, the apostles never changed. No evidence that the elders in Antioch ever changed. The elders in Acts 20 seemed to be the same ones that Paul left on his previous ministry after starting the church. Our healthy churches (for the most part) have longer pastorates. Always seemed like to me that Paul trained Timothy, and told him to train others in Ephesus. He also told Titus how to set up the elders in Crete. Before seminaries, pastors were trained up within the congregations, as they are now in places devoid of seminaries. Home church people tend to have relationships already established, they are not going anywhere, and they know the church.<br />
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I realize that all those factors don't necessarily apply in the same fashion, but it just burdens my heart for the turnover rate that I see. And maybe I am the biggest hypocrite of them all, because before I was 37 years old, I had left two churches in 11 years. My plea is for church members and pastors to have mercy and patience, bearing one another's missteps, and offering much forgiveness. Let's turn the tide toward longer pastorates.Jason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.com0