Its a love/hate relationship

I love the suspense created by the TV series by FOX titled '24.' My wife and I rented the first season a couple of years back and I've continued to watch them oft and on. Each season consists of 24 episodes of consecutive one hours time periods about one day, each ending as a cliff hanger for the next of course. If you want to find out more about it, Wiki-pedia can tell you all you want to know and more.
I both love and hate the main character in the series, Jack Bauer. He is a hero of the grandest of sorts, willing to sacrifice his own life for the life of one and for the sake of country. He is courageous, tough, smart, and seemingly unstoppable. On the other hand, he is also a villain. All to often he shows no regard for due process, the law, the bill of rights, or the constitution. His motto seems to be, 'the end justifies the means.' In other words, if you can save a nation of 'innocent' civilians by murdering one innocent person, like Jack did with his boss in season two or three, then its okay because the result out weighs the cost, even if the cost is evil like murder.
I disagree with such thinking out right. It is this sort of thinking that ends up 'justifying' the most heinous of acts. Let me say that the end does not justify the means. I can not nor never should I, determine the rightness of an action based on the outcome of the circumstance. For one, that leaves one guessing about ethics and eventually leads to the idea of might makes right, who ever wins and accomplishes the results they desire must have been right. That kind of thinking would have declared Hitler right if he had won.
When our founding fathers wrote the constitution and the bill of rights, they had seen the abuses of large government with little concern for common man. They had seen the corruption of government and governing officials and the injustices that resulted. It was through those struggles and observations that the ideas of limited government and personal liberty found their way into our constitution and bill of rights.
If those rights are taken away from any one individual, then all of us are in jeopardy of loosing the same rights. Benjamin Franklin once said "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." (here is a great article relevant to today's world)
And now, for some more important reading. :)
Bill of Rights
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.

Someone elses thoughts on the election

THE 2008 ELECTION…AS I SEE IT

by Ron Merryman

November 9, 2008



A number have asked me to comment on the recent election in the U.S. Here is how I see it.



Americans Voted for more Centralized Government



First & foremost: Americans, Christians and non-Christians, voted for larger, more centralized Federal Government, i.e., for more socialism. Why? Simply put: they have gullibly put their faith in the power brokers in WASHINGTON D.C.



The predominant concern in this election was the economy. Most people voted for the candidate(s) that promised to give them the most… more benefits, more federal moneys, more health care, more and better retirement programs. In other words, less personal responsibility for one’s security in life; less need for hard work; less need to save; less personal concern to plan – all these motivated Americans to vote as they did.



Secondly: Please understand that the results of this election indicate what the majority of Americans BELIEVE: they believe that the Federal Government will take care of them better than an economic system in which they take care of themselves, the best proven system ever for fair economic opportunity. Our Founding Fathers must have rolled over in their graves!



The Economic Crisis: A Faith Tester



I find it extremely telling that the current international economic crisis hit in full force about 8 weeks before our major election. [Sarah Palin was not the cause of McCain’s defeat; if anything, she revived true conservatism in the Republican Party. Americans’ knee-jerk reaction to the economic crisis insured Barack Obama’s election.]



Crisis is often God’s way of testing and teaching believers where and in what their faith really is. This is illustrated again and again in the Bible. The candidates in this election continually (perpetually!) reminded us that we are to trust them; that is, to believe that they will straighten out the greed and corruption that got us into this mess.



Get the picture: two Senators, both part of the Congress, a major, major, source of our economic woes, promised to straighten out the source of which they are a part. Do you, did you, REALLY BELIEVE THEIR MESSAGE? Have you put your faith in that which cannot and will not deliver, the power brokers in Washington, D.C.? GOD OFTEN USES CRISES TO TEACH BELIEVERS WHERE OR ON WHAT THEIR FAITH RELIES!



If you think the Federal Government is going to take care of you, visit an Indian Reservation sometime. America’s original inhabitants were sold the same bill of goods years ago.



Government & Economics



Are you deceived about the Federal Government’s capacity to create wealth or prosperity? The Federal Government neither produces nor markets any product. The only way it can get moneys is by taking it from us. If you voted for more economic distribution from the Government, where will they get the moneys? They have only two sources: taxation and inflation (inflation is simply printing more money thus making what you save worthless, another form of stealing).



By the way: State Governments CANNOT print money. I have read little about the disastrous effects of our fiscal crisis on State Governments. Think on this: there is less and less state- sales-tax revenues because Americans have quit spending; the States will receive less and less federal funds because the Federal Government is bankrupt; the States will receive less and less income tax from residents because unemployment is skyrocketing.



So expect State officials to get in line with those already there looking for Federal funds: AIG Insurance Co., General Motors, our major banks and lending institutions, ad infinitum, ad nauseaum.



Our Federal Government is a fiscal Titanic that has already hit the iceberg. It runs on foreign funds invested in fed-funds: China is a major investor as are the oil rich Arab states. What happens if (when) the American dollar deflates and these foreign powers call for their cash?!?



THE CONGRESS OF THE USA IS A MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO THIS PRESENT FISCAL CRISIS: how in the world can an informed American have confidence in their handling of OUR money? Congress will not and cannot balance the national budget because they do not want to, yet they have convinced good Americans that they are economic messianic deliverers. Woe is me.



Listen closely: if your government gives you anything, it is only because they took it from someone else!



A Closing Exhortation



We in the United States enjoy more freedoms than in any other country in the world. This has prompted many of our citizens to encourage elected officials to steal from our own neighbors; that is, to redistribute wealth that belongs to someone else (as happened in Russia via the communist revolution after 1918: consider what has happened economically to Russia since!). There is such prosperity in America that a majority of our people are overweight and lazy. We have all the food we desire; ditto for energy (electricity and gasoline), yet our greed and consumption demand more and more. The United States of America is on a path of self destruction due to personal greed, envy, jealousy, and animosity- all mental attitude sins that manifest themselves in evil, pernicious, and destructive acts.



Barack Obama has led Americans to expect positive change via government. But we who are Christians know that outward institutions (governments, schools, philanthropic organizations, even churches) cannot affect quality and permanent change. True positive change can only occur through a person’s submission to God, our Creator, and by living dependently upon the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The change needed for our day is a change of heart that can only happen through the transforming power of our Christ. There is no other way. Do understand that there is no other way. Do put your trust, your belief, in the Person of Christ for what is necessary to live successfully in this world and in the next. Faith in any other guarantees failure.



You have only a short time in this world. Use it wisely. Use your resources wisely. See that your sphere of influence directs men and women to Christ, our only Messiah and Savior. Give men the Gospel. When all is over and this stage of our life is past, all that will remain is our personal relationship with the Lord. Nourish it; grow in grace and knowledge of our wonderful Lord. And let your light shine in this dark period of American history.

BILD

Our church has recently started getting involved in a discipleship series published by BILD (Biblical Institute of Leadership Development). One of the neatest things about BILD is that is local churched based. The stuff is produced by a local church for use by local churches. Often times while attending Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, I asked myself why I had to go to college to learn this stuff. Why wasn't it taught in a local church? Of course, along with most problem that I observe, I'm fairly content and don't offer much in the way of solutions. Now, I have seen the that my questions, all though probably never voiced were great questions and deserved an answer. So here is what I believe to be the answer. It wasn't taught in the local church because most of us in the local church thought it couldn't be or shouldn't be taught in the local church and that true training for ministry must happen at a Bible college or other school of higher learning. The reason it wasn't is that it long hadn't.
God left his church here to accomplish great things and most of those great things should be accomplished through the local church. I'm hoping to start leading some BILD material with our next generation leaders at the Kerkhoven Evangelical Free Church. And I'm excited about it.

Top 10 Predictions No Matter Who Wins the Election

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.

2. Prayer will still work.

3. The Holy Spirit will still move.

4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.

5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.

6. There will still be singing of praise to God.

7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

8. There will still be room at the Cross.

9. Jesus will still love you.

10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.

AND God approves this message!

ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS REALLY IN CHARGE?

Limited Government

This was a letter I sent into our local newspaper in response to an article written about the "illogilcal" idea of limited government. It seems to have been well received.

To the editor: In reference to last weeks "Ted Here"
The Democratic Party's belief in limited government.
Democrats believe that the government should be limited. They believe that the government should be limited how it can spy and upon whom it can spy. They believe that the government should be limited in various techniques of 'interrogation'. Democrats believe the government should not have the authority (should be limited, in other words) to say who can and who can't get married. Democrats believe we should limit our government's say in choices involving women and pre-born children. I believe Democrats want nogovernment when it comes to the funding private religious schools. Democrats speak of limiting the government's involvement in the country of Iraq. I even believe that Mr. Almen wants limited government when it comes to the press and the media. "A free press is the light that shines on the free people!"

The Republican Party's belief in limited government.
Republicans believe that government should be limited in... at least they used to think that it should be limited in controlling speech, religious activity, taxing, education, the economy and others (However, it is my opinion that it has been awhile since they've actually practiced such beliefs).

Really the question is not about limited government. We all want government and none of us want an all powerful government. The question then is this, "how much should we limit the government and in what areas?" What is the role of government? Is it the governments job to take care of us? If so, how and to what extent? Should we have a nanny state or should we have a responsible citizenry?

In what areas should it govern? And in contrast, in what areas should there be freedom? Said another way, "In what areas should we limit freedom (by having government)?"

"He who governs least, governs best." Thomas Paine

"A government that is big enough to do everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything that you have." Gerald Ford (Ronald Reagan repeated this often)

"Were we to be directed from Washington when to sow and when to reap, we should soon want bread." Thomas Jefferson

"Man will ultimately be governed by God or tyrants." Benjamin Franklin

"Power over a man's substance is power over his will." Alexander Hamilton

"State or government is the social apparatus of compulsion and coercion." Ludwig Von Mises

Thanks for pondering these things with me,
Micah Driscoll

Focus

So tomorrow I'm heading up to Camp of the Master for our churches youth group yearly camp weekend. This will be my 10th year there, speaking all but twice. Our theme this year is 'The 2008 Olympiad' to go along with this years summer Olympics in Beijing, China. I will be speaking about various 'spiritual disciplines' that we as believers must have in order to more effectively 'run the race' that Our Father has laid out for us.

The first, and most important, 'spiritual discipline' we will look at will be 'focus.' I do not doubt that many Buddhist's monks, Islamic clerics, Tribal Witchdoctors, Jewish Rabbis and Hindu Brahmins are very disciplined in their spiritual fields. Many of them meditate, pray, read and/or study their sacred writings, fast, teach, care, and discipline themselves for the sake of their god, their religion, or their ideas. The weakness or strength of these practices lies not in the practice itself. Rather, the strength or weakness lies in the focus of the mind, the heart, and the soul during each discipline. It would be extremely difficult to walk in the light if one's meditations were on darkness. If you focus on evil, where will you drift. A person paddling a kayak learns very quickly the importance of focus. If you look on way or the other, pretty soon you are way off course. Focus is also the reason you'll often hear on our church bus, "Micah, watch the road!"

In I Cor. 9:24-27 Paul talks about running, but not as with out aim and boxing, but not as with not as beating the air. If one wants to train correctly, focus is important. If you want to run a sub 3 hour marathon, you have to train with that in mind. You can't just run when you feel like it, whenever you feel like it. If you want to win the gold at the Olympics in the marathon you have to focus even more. It must almost become your singular focus. If you want to be the heavy weight champion of the world, you must watch what you eat. You must run, lift, jump and hit. You must learn to lay blows on the body bag with power not just a lazy jab into the air. A few years ago, Carrie Tollefson from Dawson MN was training for the Olympics in Athens Greece. In her runner's log, published in the paper, she spoke often of her training schedule. She trained twice a day! None of this go out for a run in the morning or evening and call it good enough stuff. She had grueling workouts twice a day. That's focus and it's the same kind of focus we need in our 'spiritual disciplines.' If we want the prize, we must focus correctly.

So, I'm ready to compete. I'm ready to focus my heart, my mind, my soul. I'm ready for the training. I'm ready to discipline myself. What should be my focus? Should I focus on world peace? What about the security of my homeland? Should my mind rest upon the teachings of Joseph Smith or Buddha? Should I empty my mind and seek a mystical enlightenment? The answer to each of these is of course no. We are told by the author of Hebrews, in 5 simple words, what the object of our focus should be. In Hebrews 12:2 he states, "fix our eyes on Jesus." Jesus is our focus. He is the author of our faith as well as its protector. Can we, without the vine, accomplish anything, let alone press on for the prize? He, because of the joy set before Him (His goal?) endured the cross, looking down upon the shame and sat down at the right hand of God because He accomplished the goal. The author of Hebrews has already told us in Chapter 3 verse 1 to consider Jesus and now he tells us again in 12:3. Jesus, endured this hostility, and the mere focusing upon Jesus and what He has done for us, on our behalf, should quicken us and strengthen us for the race. Is this fixing our eyes on Jesus, this focus not the same as waiting upon the Lord?

Scripture is replete with the motivation for Godly living, i.e. the Gospel. Titus 3:8 tells us the motivation to do good works comes from a confident (and I would say constant) proclamation of the Good News of the Gospel. If we forget the Gospel, if we forget what our Savior has done for us, if we fail to remember from what we were saved and the cost it took to get us home, then we will often forget to train with purpose if we even train at all.

Don't run with out aim. Don't box by beating the air. Fix your eyes on Jesus and run the race with endurance. Get rid of the sin that trips you up. Cast of the baggage that's slowing you down and run. Run with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. FOCUS! Spiritual Discipline #1

Let your vote send a message!

A GRAND IDEA (in my opinion)
I hope everyone reading this understands the electoral college, at least a little bit, you know the people (electors) that we elect to represent us and select the president. Its not exactly democratic, in that he/she with the most general public votes wins. Anyway, let me explain what happened in MN last presidential election cycle. George Bush one the Presidency 286 to 252 according to the electoral college. 10 of those votes for John Kerry came from MN. MN only has 10 electoral votes to give and John Kerry got all 100% of them even though he only had 51.1% of the vote. George Bush received 0% of MN's 10 electoral votes even though he received 47.6 percent of the public vote. (There were about 100,000 votes between the two).

One could say that all of those who voted for George Bush 'wasted' their vote because none of their votes counted in the end. George Bush didn't stand a chance of winning MN. As a matter of fact, one could say that every presidential, general election vote for a republican in the last 50 years (except for the roughly 900,000 cast in 1972 for Richard Nixon because he carried the the state that year) was a 'wasted' vote.

(Side note -- Let me clear that I don't believe there is such a thing as a wasted vote. Every vote counts for something, its just not always counted for in the electoral college. I also strongly support the electoral college because it is just one more way in which the constitution limits power and authority by providing for checks and balances between the populace and the states.)

So, now on to 2008. Mr. Obama and Mr. McCain have clear differences on some issues yet similarities on others. I'm not writing to address those issues, their strengths, weaknesses, differences, nor similarities. The purpose of this writing is to address the ever leftward march of the Republican Party and the opportunity to send a clear message in your presidential vote with out it effecting the overall results. Please hear me out.

Current MN polls show Mr. Obama leading in MN anywhere from 8 to 15 percent. The 'chances' of John McCain winning MN are slim to none. Therefore, it seems apparent that 100% of the 10 electoral votes granted to MN will be alloted to Obama. That means that those who would vote Republican in the Presidential election this fall (in MN) could use their vote strategically to send the message to the National Republican Committee and Party and say,

"HEY, our vote matters! We're tired of you assuming that we have to vote Republican because your our best shot. You adhere to the constitution and our platform and stop this pandering to the left for votes or risk loosing us as a voting block."

There are two other viable parties (on the right) that have a nationwide presence. The first and most well known is the Libertarian Party and the second is the Constitutional Party. Each of these one could say are more Republican than the Republicans and actually made up primarily of former Republicans. Watch the polls this fall. If it's clear that McCain doesn't stand a chance in your state, vote your conscience, for the candidate that is most in line with your thinking about government, liberty, justice, and the constitution, no matter what party they belong to. Or you could write in someones name even. The point being, that Republicans could no longer take your vote for granted.

"Always vote for principle,
though you may vote alone,
and you may cherish the sweetest reflection
that your vote is never lost."
John Quincy Adams

Thanks for considering my 'GRAND' idea. Hope you see the logic in it. It makes a lot of sense to me.

Some important reading

We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their CREATOR, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate, that Governments long established, should not be changed for light and transient Causes; and accordingly all Experience hath shewn, that Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the Forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a Design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their Right, it is their Duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future Security.

and now for some less important reading. (micah's meanderings)
Ecc. says there is a time for war and a time for peace. Jesus said to give to God what is God's and to Caesar what is Caesar's. Paul spoke of Governments baring the sword for a reason. In II Kings (I believe) we learn of the crimes committed by the head of a state - taking what was not rightfully their own (actually we can see that in David as well). I was talking the other day with an acquaintance of mine about the need for Christians to me more involved in political discussion and debate, not merely voting republican. And although he agreed with the later statement, he disagreed quite strongly with the first. He believed our political problems were the result of unsaved and corrupt politicians and our responsibility was to proclaim the Gospel, not debate politics. Now I would agree that we have a very many corrupt individual 'working for us' in DC and many state capitols AND that our primary responsibility is to teach that which is of first importance, the gospel as the power of God for those who believe, through the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. However, i would say that to neglect to teach our churches and children the whole of scripture would be a disservice to our proclamation of the Gospel. How is an individual, saved and growing in God's grace, and called into public political service to act or govern? How am a I as a private citizen to give Caesar his due if i don't know what is his and what is God's? When is it the time for peace talks and when is it a time to shun peace talks and wage war? These are all important questions that the Bible answers. Let us be students of the whole counsel of God because He is involved in all the affairs of men.

Jus Ad Bellum (Part 4)

As you can probably tell by the title, this is my fourth entry about the Justice of War. The last post primarily dealt with the spheres of authority and how some nations view it as within their realm of authority to exercise control or dominion over other countries. The objection I often get to this is that Saddam was a terrible man, did great evil to his people and meant for great evil in the area and the world. In this post, I would like to offer further clarification of MY OPINION (which I happen to believe is based on scripture)

I liken the above scenario with Saddam to a more domestic situation (and objectors tend to agree with this likening). Lets us suppose my neighbor and his wife have not been getting along. Then let us further suppose that I see bruises on her face someday and she confides to me that she has been beaten by her husband. What moral authority do I have in this situation? Do I have the moral authority to stop it and keep it from happening again? If so, what measures are appropriate? Do I have the moral authority to punish the man?

Scripture clearly teaches that we are to care for the oppressed and to help them and love them. As a neighbor, I have a moral (and probably legal) obligation to see that this situation is rectified, that the woman is protected, the man is punished, and that it the situation does not repeat itself. Justice demands it and justice must be served. BUT, Justice will only be served justly. If I attempt to serve justice in an unjust manner, then justice will be demanded for me.

If I went into the man's house and gave him bruises in the same way and manner he gave them to his wife, that would be clearly wrong. Why? Paul tells us in Romans, that God has given the sword (and perhaps we can also add the whip) not to men as individuals, but to those who govern. The governing authorities must intervene in the lives of their 'subjects' to protect and punish as is their responsibility. God has granted that authority to the state/nation/governor. It is my responsibility to assist them and notify them and even to hold them accountable.

Now, how does this relate to sovereign nation/states? When a dictator or regime or political system of a nation/state commits wrong or evil upon its own citizenry, what is the responsibility of the neighboring states/nations (in our small world, its an easy case to say all nations neighbor each other)? In the domestic situation described in the previous paragraphs, the neighbor had the responsibility to care for the oppressed and assist her in her plight. The neighbor also had the responsibility of entrusting the matter to the governing authorities. So also in this case. The difference, however, is that the governing authority here is the One who is sovereign over all creation, the One who establishes nations and their boundaries and their governing authorities. The neighboring countries must offer shelter to the oppressed and then entrust the matter to the vengeance of God.

Let me conclude with this small note. When the authorities of a sovereign nation commit a crime against another nation or its citizenry, then it is the responsibility of the victimized nation to retaliate and punish and perhaps even conquer the guilty country. The extent of the punishment must be fair and proportional, worth the money and lives/blood spent, and must be carried out by the proper channels of authority. This however is another subject for another time (known as Jus In Bello as opposed to Jus Ad Bellum).

The point of this post, and the previous, was to show from a biblical perspective the unjustness of the current doctrine of foreign policy of the United States, i.e. that of intervening in the internal affairs of other nations. It is not about the justness of the current conflicts in Afghanistan or Iraq. We did not go to those countries, as some claim, to settle their own injustices, nor would it be right for us to have done so. Our reason for going to Iraq was altogether different, but I disagree with that reason also and will blog about it another time.

Busy

I've been planning on blogging for quite some time now about several different things and finally have the time and can't remember what i was going to say :S

i guess i'm getting old. I will share some exciting news. The Driscolls are now debt free. I paid off the house Monday! :) Now where going to use all that extra money to fix the house we own.

I am also excited about starting to get back into shape. I went running for the first time in 7 or 8 months yesterday. I believe that to be the longest 'no run' spell of my life. I ran two miles in 14:31. i'm happy with it, but i'm sore today. i over stretched and strained a back muscle. another hint at the old thing.

Also, i should be receiving my new (to me) road bike in the next hour or so. hope to get into shape on that thing as well.

This has been an unusual 2 weeks for me. i met with my dad about two weeks ago and we talked and he gave me this simple little prayer that i believe God has been answering positively in my life. That is, "Jesus, help me to live out the fruit of the Spirit who lives in me with the fruit of 'self'-control. needless to say, its been a much better two weeks as far as my self discipline has gone. i've been reading some history, theology, and/or missiology almost everyday and my prayer time has been more intimate and growing as well.

So that's my life lately. Had a great Good Friday/Easter weekend with my church family and my extended (in-laws) family. Driving track bus often and planning for an olympic themed Camp of the Master this year.

i hope i can blog more later
Micah

The Blah Blog

Yesterday, i got hit with a bug that took me out. today, its still hanging around but i think i got it licked. My wife says she's been feeling some of the effects of this for the past couple of days as well. Enoch has seen the most damage from it, actually loosing his breakfast Tuesday AM. Hopefully we're all finishing up with it now. JT has a wrestling tourney tomorrow and i hope he's well enough to go. He missed the last one because he was sick with a cold and there is only one more yet this year. Soo.... i feel blah, hence the title of this post.

article viii

Article VIII of the EFCA statement of faith states that we believe "that the true Church is composed of all such persons who through faith in Jesus Christ have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the Body of Christ of which He is the Head. Here is the first draft of my ordination/licensing paper about this point.

The word church has several meanings in the English language. On the other hand, in scripture there is only one meaning, that is ‘called out ones for the purpose of assembling.’ The use of this word sometimes is different in its scope, but not in its meaning. In the larger sense of the word, church refers to the body of believers in Jesus Christ, not subject to a particular location (Matt. 16:18, Acts 9:31, Col. 1:24). The Church consists of all those that are born again (Tit. 3:5), being redeemed of God (Acts 20:28), saved from His wrath by their savior Jesus (Eph. 5:23). The True Church is all believers, everywhere. This understanding has often been called the true Church, the universal Church, the catholic Church, or the worldwide Church.

In scripture, there are several metaphors used to describe The Church, however, two are primary. The first it is the Body of Christ and the second is the Bride of Christ. The Church, as The Body, belongs to the Head, which is Christ. He, Christ, being the Head, has authority and control over the Body, His Church and the Body has its whole being through the Head (Eph. 4:16, 5:23-24). This is also true for The Church as The Bride of Christ. As the husband is the head of the wife, so Christ is the Head of the Church. He loved the Church and gave Himself up for her on the cross. The Church then is subject to Him as a wife is to her husband (Eph. 5:22-32).

The True Church is one with each other and with Christ. He, as the Head, has called us out from the darkness to assemble together in His marvelous light (I Pet. 2:9). The unity of the Church is spiritual (I Pet. 2:5), yet real, and only because of Him. There is only one body, one Spirit and one Lord. He prayed for this (John 17:22) and presumably still does (Rom. 8:34).

The True Church is central to God’s plan. It is the tool by which God has chosen to make known His manifold wisdom to the rulers and authorities of the heavenly realms (Eph. 3:10). It is the pillar and support of truth (I Tim. 3:15). In Colossians one, Paul lists attributes of the supremacy of Jesus Christ. One item in this list is that Jesus is head of the body, the church (Col. 1:18). The Church is the means by which God wants missionaries commissioned (Acts 13:1-14:28), leaders trained (II Tim. 2:2, Tit. 2:1-5), believers encouraged (Heb. 10:25), and instructed in sound doctrine (I Tim. 4:13, Tit. 1:9).

The early church was devoted to the apostles teaching (i.e. the scriptures, both old and new) and to fellowship (the sharing of material things as well as spiritual encouragement), to the breaking of bread (the celebration of the Lord’s Supper) and to prayer (Acts 2:42). The Church is God’s temple (I Cor. 3:16), consisting of individual living stones being built up into a spiritual house (I Pet. 2:5). Jesus said that God’s house should be called a house of prayer (Mark 11:17). As the church is central to God’s plan, prayer, scripture, fellowship and communion must be central to the Church.

Quote on authority

Government Authority Limited by God

"Because all things do not fall under the authority that God gave to government, it has limited powers and cannot interfere with those things which belong to the church, the family or the individual (I would add 'or other nations' here). A candidate who does not understand God's ultimate jurisdiction over government will tend to allow government to infringe upon the realms of the church, the family and even the individual, resulting in tyranny." Judge Roy Moore

Friendship

Recently, actually, just two days ago, i had one of my best friends for the last 9.5 years tell me he was through with me and never wanted to talk to me, see me, or hear from me again. I was completely shocked. I admit, I wasn't a very good friend lately and last time I spoke to him, it was kinda out of turn, but i didn't expect this. I apologized and said i wish i could take it back, but this friend reiterated that we were through.

This got me to thinking. I have had several other friends lose friends like this and now i understand a bit of what they are going through. Hopefully, that person will forgive me someday and we can continue our friendship. Meanwhile, i guess, i'll keep praying for that fried of mine, not so much that we'll be friends again (although i would love that) but that he will continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

He's a great guy, would give you the shirt of his back a thousand times and he's in a really rough time and place, and i didn't care enough for him during this time. I only occasionally left him notes and never wrote a letter. Not until this happened did i realize my mistake and how hard it was for this person right now. I talked to a family member who explained a lot and made me realize, that part of being a Christian, is not just loving the people in front of you, but also reaching out to those who are far and being disciplined in contacting them regularly. That's probably what the apostle Paul did with Timothy and Titus and in the rest of his letters. He maintained communication and kept encouraging them.

Father, help me to focus on You and not be so self oriented. May I love as You have loved. May the knowledge of Your Son Jesus overcome me and my friends.
Amen

Jus Ad Bellum (Part 3)

This is the third time i have addressed this subject this month I believe. But i have more information or scripture actually that i wish to put forward. You can find my first entry here and my second entry here.

One of the biggest objections I receive, and one of the most common misunderstandings of the doctrine of just war, is the idea of unjust dictators/regimes like Saddam Hussein or President Robert Mugabe or President Omar al-Bashir or Kim Jong-il and what moral responsibility we have as the United States (the most powerful nation on earth) to unseat them or cause regime change. (Notice, I didn't say the 'greatest' nation on earth, although there may be a case to make for this as a separate issue, but the most powerful, which is relatively undisputed).

I finally found some beneficial reading on this subject, not online, however, but on paper of all things, and from a great Bible teacher and scholar of the real sorts, the Rev. Dr. Ron Merryman.

The question about moral responsibility can really be brought back to the question of authority. The question would then be phrased, "Do we, the United States of America, have the authority to say who can govern other nations, what territory those nations can govern, and what system or style of government they can have? Can any nation dictate to any other nation these things?

The history of Israel in the Old Testament gives some background on this. First, we notice that in order for Israel to become a nation, God planned (not just allowed) for them to be subject in Egypt. He then also caused their own destruction by the King of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar. One does not have to read too carefully to realize that neither of these rulers where just or righteous, yet God used them to accomplish His purposes. From this we see that unjust rulers have their place, not that they are to be desired or sought after, but rather, God, in His sovereignty, appoints them for certain times, places and peoples to accomplish His purposes (2 Chronicles 36:20-21).

Did Nebuchadnezzar have the authority to take over the nation of Israel? Was his conquering and war with Israel just? The answer is no, but God used him to bring Israel to justice for neglecting the ordinances of God. This is where the real difficulty lies. Was it a just war or not? It brought justice to Israel, but through an unjust ruler/nation.

I believe the solution is fairly simple and easily discernible in scripture. Jesus said in Matthew 28 that all authority had been given to Him. He then delegates certain authorities to certain social spheres. For example, the family has the responsibility/authority for procreation and the up-bringing of children, their social, educational, spiritual, and physical formation. These areas of responsibility are often times usurped or re-delegated but nonetheless, belong to the family. Other areas of where authority is given are the church (I Tim 5:17), the individual (II Peter 1:6), and also the state or civil government (Romans 13).

These social institutions are limited in their authority because Jesus alone has been given all authority. When a nation starts to restrict a family on the education of their children, that nation is over stepping the bounds of its authority and the family can justly disobey (and face the consequences). It is unjust of the one autonomous institution to exercise power over another autonomous institution because by doing so, they are overstepping the bounds of their authority, which was given to them by God and did not originate with them.

An example of this would be if my neighbor came into my home and started saying i had to buy this car, and plant this tree, and paint my house this color, and pray this way. That neighbor is clearly overstepping the bounds of the authority God has given him of his own home by trying to do the same over mine. (One could address the idea of civil codes and laws here but that is not the point of this post). The same principle in the example above can be applied amongst sovereign nations. We as the US can not dictate to other nations their system of government, their boundaries, nor their leaders. We have tried to do this with money, calling it foreign aid, and guns, calling it a peace keeping mission. This is an arrogant position and an attempt at playing the part of God. It is not in our jurisdiction to tell the Iranians what to do and what not to do. We can talk to them. We can encourage them. We can trade with them. But we cannot boss them around like some playground bully and not expect retaliation. {As an aside, this is known in the political world as blowback. (Here is an excellent video describing that idea)}.

i think thats all for now, if anyone reads this and has comments for discussion, please post em.

Jus Ad Bellum (Part 2) - more a rant than thoughtful dialog

Recently I blogged about jus ad bellum here and have continued to read and study the issue, specifically as it relates to the current (beginning 2003)war in Iraq. What I find interesting, or maybe troubling is the comments of several Christians who discussed this very issue but before the invasion. I guess it's not their comments so much as change in their thinking that has happened since that time. For instance, Chuck Colson, wrote that preemptive strikes do meet the requirements of the Christian Just War Doctrine.

It is interesting to note that in Colson's article and in this article there are several assumptions made about Iraq and also several statements beginning with the word if. Now, of course, it has been shown that those assumptions were false and the "ifs," were not met.

Yet, in spite of this, many Christian leaders today still hold that the war was just, However, their reasons for declaring it so are different. Primarily, the cruelty of Saddam Hussein to his own people is laid out as worth the invasion and secondarily, his harsh vocal critiques of the US is also given as a support for the supposed 'justness' of the Iraq war.

The second should be thrown out with the trash because harsh critiques are (probably) never deserving of punishment nor do they constitute any real threat. The first, although grave and terrible, also falls short of meeting any criteria laid out in the doctrine of Just War.

As one evaluates the proponents of this doctrine laid out by Christians before the war began, one finds that today's knowledge and circumstances ALL point to the unjustness of the Iraq war, not one of the criteria for a war to be just was met. In other words, this war has failed to meet the guidelines set ahead of time and as a result, many Christian leaders have changed the guidelines. I find this political pandering to the republican party, distasteful. I am a republican based on principles of limited federal government, individual freedom, states rights, and local control. If republican no longer believe in such things, it is not me who left the party, but, as has been said many times, the party left me.

I've rambled quite a bit. I hope all this makes sense.

You can find several of the proponents of the Just War Doctrine in the articles linked above.

ouch

yesterday was one crazy day. We had to wake up early and leave for Fargo to get fingerprinted for the adoption. We tried to leave at 6:30 but didn't get out of town till just after 7. and that with a low tire. i had tried to air it up at the gas station but their air chuck was frozen. We drove to the next town and they didn't have air so we drove another 30 miles on a very low tire. tried to air my tire up in glenwood and their air chuck was frozen so all i did was let still more air out of my tire. i forgot to say it was 25 below our with a slight wind chill. I decided that we couldn't leave glenwood with that little air pressure so we drove to yet another gas station as found one more frozen air chuck. however, they nice lady working there directed us to a tire shop about 3 blocks away and they served us up right. Finally on our way. NOPE, by this time Karna was car sick so we had to sit on the side of the road for a bit so she could recover and not loose what little she had already eaten. Once we got going, the rest of that trip was fine, actually good, met a bosnian family working on LEGAL immigration and got to take shelly J out for lunch. then the 3.5 hour drive home, if you include my little cat nap on the side of the road.

now for the really painful part. trying to get the fire going when we got home, i had a heavy log spring loose and roll over on my thumb, momentarily trapping it against the side of the steel furnace door (not hot yet) and creating a 1/2 dime size blood blister under my thumb nail. Then we went to youth group and i left right a way for a serious head on car accident about a block or two away. One fellow was trapped in his pickup and not doing well at all while the other driver was suffering from painful but minor injuries. After that, i got back in time to say good bye to the youth group kids as they went home, and i was starting to get sick from being out side with out a hat.

so anyway, where your seat belt!

Burr...

It's cold outside. 13 below with winds at 23 mph for a feels like -41 F. Ouch. and tomorrow my family and i are to drive off at 6:30 AM for the north (Fargo) to get fingerprinted. I really hope my van starts.

Jus Ad Bellum

My mind has been racing much lately regarding the ancient Christian Doctrine (teaching) of Just War. Now, I want to reiterate my belief that not all ancient Christian Doctrine is right nor Biblical but neither is it all wrong. So with that, I will attempt to, in brief, formulate a simplified version of the history and the teaching as far as my limited understanding currently grasps.

First, the teaching was the result of Augustine of Hippo, in the late 4th and early 5th centuries wrote what we know as The City of God. (I have not read this nor do i think i could comprehend it if i did so the following comments about it are really my thoughts about other peoples thoughts about what Augustine wrote.) In this book, he explores the blame placed upon Christianity and it's pacifistic teachings upon the fall of the Roman Empire. In the work Augustine is seeking to lay out a philosophical balance between the imperialism of Rome and the pacifism of Christianity.

Thomas Aquinas, in the 1200's, also contributed much to the substance of this teaching in his writings. I believe that most modern discussions regarding Just War rest upon his writings.

It is clearly evident from any study of the Old Testament that God has used and has allowed wars to accomplish His purposes. Many may well argue that because the Old Testament is primarily about the nation of Israel war was part of the discussion but in the New Testament, there is a much clearer message of peace and peacemaking and this is directed to God's new instrument upon the Earth, no longer a nation, but the Church which consists of all peoples, nations, languages and tribes. With that being said however, there are passages within the New Testament (and passages in the Old Testament that can be argued to apply today) that paint a different picture of Justice and the role that the state should play in such. Some of these passages include Romans 13, I Kings 21, Daniel 2:21-23, Ecclesiastes 3:8, and I Peter 2:13-14.

Here is a simpleton's understanding. God is the one who grants/gives authority to kings or rulers. These rulers are His servants. They represent Him amongst the world. They exist to reward and to punish. If Joe Man has committed a crime against me, then the ruling authorities have the responsibility of justly avenging me. Now, suppose Joe Nation has wronged me, or us as a nation. It is then that our state/ruler has the responsibility of avenging the unjust nation for its wrong done to our nation. Of course as in local instances of crime, the punishment must fit the crime and of course a crime must have been committed before punishment can be inflicted. These crimes could be invasion, broken promises/treaties (lies), theft of property abroad (private or public) and/or kidnapping or jailing people unjustly (as was the case with the pirates of Tripoli back in the early 19th century).

That's all the further my thoughts have taken me although that surely is not the end of the road. Hope you enjoyed.

Too cold, Too spendy, or Too Busy, I Don't Know.

Well, today was our official KMS ministerial ski trip day to Andes Tower Hills. We were suppose to meet at 10AM and no one showed except yours truly. I guess I'm just a die hard. I spent about 90 minutes getting the bus ready to go and then another 30 minutes cutting firewood for the day so our house woodn't (sorry) go cold. I don't think its that cold out. Of course the wind chill makes a bit of a difference but if your dressed warm, no biggie. For the record, the temp is -2F with a wind chill of -30. Sigh. Hopefully, I can get a group of home schoolers to go next week when its a lot cheaper and a bit warmer.
that's all for now

Spiritual Motivation

In the last couple of weeks, i've been a bit more determined to focus on the things of God and not be distracted so much by the things of this world. Unfortunately, things have not gone as good as i had hoped. Of course that should have been obvious but maybe not. It seems when I was younger, i was much more easily moved to change and more diligent about it, but as i've aged, i believe i'm more stuck in a rut. i try to change, but habits die hard and the emotional charge isn't has driving for some reason. I think about the truth of the gospel and my emotions aren't effected as much as they should be. my mind grasps it but almost distantly and unpersonally. I suppose that's a result of time spent in rebellion or drifting and the result is a few callouses on my heart.
Oh joy to my soul that God is in the business of softening hearts. Father, may mine be softened and made to do Your will. May i love mercy, act justly, and walk humbly before you, knowing that the only salvation i have from my sin and misery is through the death and resurrection of Your Son from the dead.
"Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin. Therefore
there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 7:24-8:1

Presuppositions

Presuppositions are very important thing to understand in any conversation, dialog or debate. They are also, perhaps, one of the most neglected and misunderstood aspects of our relationships with others. Currently I'm reading a book titled The Dawkins Letters, Challenging Atheist Myths by David Robertson. He has written several open letters to Richard Dawkins pertaining to Dawkin's book The God Delusion. These letters, one letter in response to each chapter of the book, deal mostly with the presuppositions of atheists over and against, mainly, Christians (in the Biblical sense not in a political, ethnic nor religious sense). These letters were first posted on Mr. Robertson church web-site and then later were reposted on Dawkin's own web-site

It is interesting to note that the words fundamentalist, blind faith, intolerant, and irrational are used in this book to describe the responses of atheists to Mr. Robertson's letters. Mr. Robertson is merely trying to discuss the root of the belief system of Mr. Dawkins and has been vehemently opposed by some of Dawkin's disciples. Of course the point is noted that there are many Christians who resort and are guilty of the same thing.

One of my favorite things that David Robertson has said so far is that as Christians, we believe in the concept of absolute truth and that this truth is knowable. He then went on to say that as Christians, we believe that truth sets free and thus have nothing to fear from any of these debates and need not take up arms but openly and lovely discuss the real root of the issue, that is one's own presuppositions.

Firewood

Well, the MN winter is long and cold and i'm about 12 hours away from running out of wood to heat my house with. Fortunately, we can still heat with are propane furnace but that cost money and wood only costs me some time, some good old heart and lung exercise and of course a little money for fuel for the chain saw.
Did you know that heating with wood is very environmentally friendly. If a tree dies and then rots it releases the same amount of CO2 as if it is burned. Of course it releases it a little faster when burned but not near as fast as if you are burning coal, or other fossil fuels.
I think i have a place i can get some wood tomorrow but i'm not sure how much time i will have. Nor am i sure how much wood is there to get and how long it will heat my house for.
Oh well, best i get back to my studies.

fathering

i'm learning quite abit about myself as i watch my son JT grow up. He is like me in many ways and probably like his mother in many as well. As i've observed his actions, and attitudes i've come to see myself in him. This both pleases me and causes me remorse. I want so much for him and enoch and caspian to grow into godly men yet, i think, "how have i lead or encouraged this?"

One thing i observe is when JT wrestles, i remember doing the same things he does as i constantly lost. These things have not ever been taught to him by me nor by the coaches but he does them, just like I now remember doing them when i wrestled back in 2nd grade. Perhaps he'll stick with wrestling and learn from this or perhaps not. Just as long as he works hard and enjoys it, i'm fine with it. Also, as he is more involved in cub scouts, i see myself represented there as well. He has a keen understanding of those things, much like i did when i was young, yet i don't ever remember teaching these.

I guess we lean quite a bit more by osmosis then i've ever thought. now i have a new mission. paul tells his followers to follow him AS he follows Christ. I've never said that to anyone but now i realize my children will follow me as i follow Christ. So, how am I following Christ? Please pray for me.