House of Dark Shadows by Robert Liparlulo is the first in a series called Dreamhouse Kings. I was a little disappointed in this book. Not because of the book itself so much as that it didn't meet my expectations for Thomas Nelson. I was expecting something with Christian undertones. This book is largely irreligious except for one mention of the family looking for a church after their move. From a Christian mom perspective, I found some of the slang a little crude. Also I think that some people might object to a sentence revealing that the main character smoked two cigarettes and didn't think his dad would make too big of a deal about it.
The story line is pretty intriguing. The cliff hanger ending makes you want to purchase the next book. There is even a cool twist at the end. But through all of this the family never turns to God. They never pray about their perilous situation. They are completely reliant on themselves. You never get a hint that they are reliant on him in any way.
The parents are decent examples, firm but kind. The mother quit her job to stay home with the kids. The dad is the obvious leader of the home without being overbearing. The family dynamics seemed decent. The main character, Xander, is a little whiny at the beginning, but gets over himself quickly enough that I didn't have to grit my teeth to get through the book.
I think had I just checked this book out from the library I probably would have given it 3.5 or even 4 stars. But I was expecting so much more from Thomas Nelson that I can only give it 3 stars.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Success Without Laws
This video summarizes the recent 40 Days for Life. One of the things that I want to emphasize is that all of these amazing changes took place without a change in laws. They will likely take place again next year even with an Obama presidency. So watch the video. Let it embolden you to do something about abortion in your neighborhood.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Freedom and Liberals
I found Thomas Sowel's latest article interesting. Here is the link and a few clips.
Most people on the left are not opposed to freedom. They are just in favor of all sorts of things that are incompatible with freedom.
One of the most innocent-sounding examples of the left's many impositions of its vision on others is the widespread requirement by schools and by college admissions committees that students do "community service."
The arrogance of commandeering young people's time, instead of leaving them and their parents free to decide for themselves how to use that time, is exceeded only by the arrogance of imposing your own notions as to what is or is not a service to the community.
You can make anything an "entitlement" for individuals and groups but nothing is an entitlement for society as a whole, not even food or shelter, both of which have to be produced by somebody's work or they will not exist.
The most fundamental question is: What in the world qualifies teachers and members of college admissions committees to define what is good for society as a whole, or even for the students on whom they impose their arbitrary notions?
Supposedly students are to get a sense of compassion or noblesse oblige from serving others. But this all depends on who defines compassion. In practice, it means forcing students to undergo a propaganda experience to make them receptive to the left's vision of the world.
In other words, people on the left want the right to impose their idea of what is good for society on others-- a right that they vehemently deny to those whose idea of what is good for society differs from their own.
The essence of bigotry is refusing to others the rights that you demand for yourself. Such bigotry is inherently incompatible with freedom, even though many on the left would be shocked to be considered opposed to freedom.
Most people on the left are not opposed to freedom. They are just in favor of all sorts of things that are incompatible with freedom.
One of the most innocent-sounding examples of the left's many impositions of its vision on others is the widespread requirement by schools and by college admissions committees that students do "community service."
The arrogance of commandeering young people's time, instead of leaving them and their parents free to decide for themselves how to use that time, is exceeded only by the arrogance of imposing your own notions as to what is or is not a service to the community.
You can make anything an "entitlement" for individuals and groups but nothing is an entitlement for society as a whole, not even food or shelter, both of which have to be produced by somebody's work or they will not exist.
The most fundamental question is: What in the world qualifies teachers and members of college admissions committees to define what is good for society as a whole, or even for the students on whom they impose their arbitrary notions?
Supposedly students are to get a sense of compassion or noblesse oblige from serving others. But this all depends on who defines compassion. In practice, it means forcing students to undergo a propaganda experience to make them receptive to the left's vision of the world.
In other words, people on the left want the right to impose their idea of what is good for society on others-- a right that they vehemently deny to those whose idea of what is good for society differs from their own.
The essence of bigotry is refusing to others the rights that you demand for yourself. Such bigotry is inherently incompatible with freedom, even though many on the left would be shocked to be considered opposed to freedom.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Christmas Step Ideas
I got something interesting from my church in the mail today. They call it "Christmas Step Ideas". (Step is a kind of outreach thing at our church.) I thought I would pass them along to you (at least the summaries).
1. Go caroling in a neighborhood with your small group and tell your neighbors about Christmas services and special events (take your children with you).
2. Have a Christmas Dessert at your house for your neighbors. You will be surprised at how many neighbors will come to your house for desserts.
I (That would be the outreach minister) read a testimony recently in an outreach newsletter of one couple having a Christmas dessert open house from 6 PM - 8 PM on a Thursday night. They noted that people came and stayed for the whole time. They also noticed that many of them- even thought they had lived down the street from one another for 30 years- had never met! You can talk to the whole group and thank them for coming and invite them to the Christmas Eve service.
3. Instead of first figuring out how to get your neighbors to visit church, why one involve your neighbors as upfront willing partners in doing Kingdom work. Plan a food drive in your community. Maybe even start something long term that would bless your community throughout the year.
1. Go caroling in a neighborhood with your small group and tell your neighbors about Christmas services and special events (take your children with you).
2. Have a Christmas Dessert at your house for your neighbors. You will be surprised at how many neighbors will come to your house for desserts.
I (That would be the outreach minister) read a testimony recently in an outreach newsletter of one couple having a Christmas dessert open house from 6 PM - 8 PM on a Thursday night. They noted that people came and stayed for the whole time. They also noticed that many of them- even thought they had lived down the street from one another for 30 years- had never met! You can talk to the whole group and thank them for coming and invite them to the Christmas Eve service.
3. Instead of first figuring out how to get your neighbors to visit church, why one involve your neighbors as upfront willing partners in doing Kingdom work. Plan a food drive in your community. Maybe even start something long term that would bless your community throughout the year.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
OK I'm Ready
I got up this morning and put on my extra thick skin. So I here I am writing a likely controversial post in style.
While many of you will likely disagree with the point of this post, I want to start out with the stuff we likely agree on.
1. We are saved by grace through faith (an alive faith that is accompanied by action) not by works (trying to earn your way to Heaven).
2. We are saved only through connection to Jesus. Just because you are a good Jew or Muslim or Buddhist doesn't mean that you will go to Heaven when you die. Jesus Himself said that no one comes to the Father except through Him. He also said that no one is good.
3. There are no partially saved people. Though salvation is a journey, there must come a point in time where you go from lost and living a walking death to saved and living a new life.
So here comes the controversy. I believe that this point in time is baptism. Let me tell you why.
1. "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." (Galatians 3:26-27 NIV) The only way we can stand before a just God and survive is to be clothed in His Son. I believe that being clothed in Jesus is the point of these vereses from Matthew 22 (NIV) in a parable of Jesus. "10 So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11 "But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 12 'Friend,' he asked, 'how did you get in here without wedding clothes?' The man was speechless. 13 "Then the king told the attendants, 'Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' "
2. This is how we connect with Jesus' death and resurrection. From Romans 6 (NIV), "1 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 5 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin-- 7 because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
3. Forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. These verses are from Peter's first Gospel sermon in Acts 2 (NIV). 36 "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call." 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
This idea of forgiveness of sins being bestowed on us at the point of baptism is confirmed by Paul when he explains his own conversion story in Acts 22 (NIV). 12 "A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. 13 He stood beside me and said, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight!' And at that very moment I was able to see him. 14 "Then he said: 'The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. 15 You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.' "
Now I know that there will be some objections, so let me answer them as best I can.
1. Isn't baptism a work? I would say that it is less a work than praying. Baptism is something that one submits to. It is something done to you. I have never heard of anyone baptizing themselves. The work at baptism is all God's doing. We only submit to it.
2. What about Cornelius (Holy Spirit before baptism) or the Samaritans (no Holy Spirit until Peter laid hands)? These are exceptions in special circumstances not the general rule. Let's take an example from the Old Testament. (For the whole story, read 2 Chronicles 30.) Hezekiah led the Israelites in a Passover feast after they had neglected it for many years. They celebrate it on the wrong day and for two weeks (instead of one) and some of the people aren't properly prepared. Though God allowed this and was pleased with Hezekiah, it would be silly for future kings to have used this as proof that Passover could be celebrated whenever or without preparing. Exceptions don't negate the rest of God's Word. Throughout Acts baptism is the point of salvation. Even the exceptions mentioned were baptized.
3. Aren't you negating grace? I think that I have answered that in various ways above. None of us deserve to be saved. None of us can earn it. But that doesn't mean that there isn't a point in time where salvation occurs.
There are probably more which I am sure you will leave me in the comments.
While many of you will likely disagree with the point of this post, I want to start out with the stuff we likely agree on.
1. We are saved by grace through faith (an alive faith that is accompanied by action) not by works (trying to earn your way to Heaven).
2. We are saved only through connection to Jesus. Just because you are a good Jew or Muslim or Buddhist doesn't mean that you will go to Heaven when you die. Jesus Himself said that no one comes to the Father except through Him. He also said that no one is good.
3. There are no partially saved people. Though salvation is a journey, there must come a point in time where you go from lost and living a walking death to saved and living a new life.
So here comes the controversy. I believe that this point in time is baptism. Let me tell you why.
1. "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." (Galatians 3:26-27 NIV) The only way we can stand before a just God and survive is to be clothed in His Son. I believe that being clothed in Jesus is the point of these vereses from Matthew 22 (NIV) in a parable of Jesus. "10 So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11 "But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 12 'Friend,' he asked, 'how did you get in here without wedding clothes?' The man was speechless. 13 "Then the king told the attendants, 'Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' "
2. This is how we connect with Jesus' death and resurrection. From Romans 6 (NIV), "1 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 5 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin-- 7 because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
3. Forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. These verses are from Peter's first Gospel sermon in Acts 2 (NIV). 36 "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call." 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
This idea of forgiveness of sins being bestowed on us at the point of baptism is confirmed by Paul when he explains his own conversion story in Acts 22 (NIV). 12 "A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. 13 He stood beside me and said, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight!' And at that very moment I was able to see him. 14 "Then he said: 'The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. 15 You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.' "
Now I know that there will be some objections, so let me answer them as best I can.
1. Isn't baptism a work? I would say that it is less a work than praying. Baptism is something that one submits to. It is something done to you. I have never heard of anyone baptizing themselves. The work at baptism is all God's doing. We only submit to it.
2. What about Cornelius (Holy Spirit before baptism) or the Samaritans (no Holy Spirit until Peter laid hands)? These are exceptions in special circumstances not the general rule. Let's take an example from the Old Testament. (For the whole story, read 2 Chronicles 30.) Hezekiah led the Israelites in a Passover feast after they had neglected it for many years. They celebrate it on the wrong day and for two weeks (instead of one) and some of the people aren't properly prepared. Though God allowed this and was pleased with Hezekiah, it would be silly for future kings to have used this as proof that Passover could be celebrated whenever or without preparing. Exceptions don't negate the rest of God's Word. Throughout Acts baptism is the point of salvation. Even the exceptions mentioned were baptized.
3. Aren't you negating grace? I think that I have answered that in various ways above. None of us deserve to be saved. None of us can earn it. But that doesn't mean that there isn't a point in time where salvation occurs.
There are probably more which I am sure you will leave me in the comments.
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