If you want to stay current on today’s issues from a conservative, apologetically minded blog, check out:
The Poached Egg Network is where Christian apologetics, history, philosophy, science, theology, and pop culture collide. Our goal is to help guide believers, seekers, and skeptics alike to the Ultimate Source of Truth and a better understanding of the Christian worldview.
I’ll be checking them out regularly and you should too!
Do you know why you believe what you believe?
According to Wikipedia, “Apologetics (from Greek ἀπολογία, “speaking in defense”) is the discipline of defending a position (often religious) through the systematic use of information.”
I am ok with that definition. “A systematic use of information”. That works. I believe most of the christians are not using (or aware?) of the vast wealth information that is readily available about the truthfulness of the christian faith. We need some people willing to take that next step and get serious about apologetics in our churches. If you are interested in apologetics you would find these links helpful. Also check out the blog links in the “Be Informed!” tab at the top of this page!
As we have all been aware of President Obama’s recent endorsement of legalizing same-sex marriage, we may not all be aware of the implications of such an action will have on all of us, even those who oppose it. I’ve already read many versions of “if you don’t like it, then don’t do it”.
Psychologytoday.com posted this article defending gay marriage and ended with this quote:
From my perspective, it comes down to common sense. If it helps some people and it doesn’t hurt anyone, why not let in happen. I think the comedian Wanda Sykes put it best, “It’s real simple. If you don’t believe in same-sex marriage, don’t marry someone of the same sex.” In other words, why not allow gay marriage?
Why not? There are many negative implications that must be considered! Marriage is the foundational institution of our nation. To redefine it changes the foundation and thus the trajectory we are headed as a nation. Marriage was instituted first by God himself, before sin came into the world, and defined as one man and one woman. To redefine that is to reject God’s design and plan.
If same-sex marriage is legalized will it really effect you and me? Yes. We are seeing this already in Massachusetts, the first state to legalize same-sex marriage.
This clip shows how the public schools are teaching same-sex marriage as “normal and acceptable”. I just registered my daughter for Kindergarten in our town literally last week. It scares me to think she will be exposed to anti-biblical, morally bankrupt lifestyles as “normal and acceptable”.
From kindergarten to high school, our children will be exposed to “tolerance” and “equality” as a way to impose an unbiblical worldview into their developing value system.
Whenever you hear the counter argument stating that “studies show” same-sex marriages do not have a negative impact on a child’s development, be ready to think rationally and critically. Do your research to find what “studies” have been done. We all know statistics can be used in a bias manner to prove anything.
In his blog article Same Sex Marriage: Good for Gays, Bad for Children, Dennis Prager quotes on this topic:
As Professor Don Browning of the University of Chicago recently wrote in the New York Times, “We know next to nothing” about the effects of same-sex parenting on children.” “The body of sociological knowledge about same-sex parenting,” he and his co-author wrote, “is scant at best. … There are no rigorous, large-scale studies on the effect of same-sex marriage on the couples’ children.”
With a sample size as limited and reclusive as practicing same-sex couples with children, even a non-scientific mind as myself sees a flaw in reporting any results as authoritative. Beware what the “studies show”, because the studies are extremely limited at best and conducted with bias at worst.
So lastly, what should Christians do and think about these issues in our day? It is good to remember that Jesus engaged His culture, not ignored it. We should take an active role as this is developing. We are blessed to be able to voice our opinions and vote accordingly. Start there. Also we need to think rightly about these issues. Here is a post a good friend of mine, Mark Moore, used to direct Christians to 5 good blog responses to the current debate. Read over these and know where you stand. There is some valuable wisdom written down here.
We know God is in control and trust Him through the thick and the thin. Be in prayer for our country and our leaders as we traverse difficult days. Teach the truth, even when it is not politically correct. 2 Tim 3:12-14 says, “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it.”
Let us continue in what we have learned, because we know where we have learned it, namely the Word of God.
Your fellow worker in the field, Adam
Check out this great article I came across via Trevin Wax.
Leo Tolstoy, a russian philosopher, best known for his novel War and Peace, pursued (unsuccessfully) moralistic perfection in his faith. Is this what we are really teaching? Do we teach the bible solely so we can be better people? The Gospel is about much more than fixing our behavior! The great misinterpretation of the christian faith, that Tolstoy also believed, is that we must try harder to be accepted by God!
“Children and students, indeed all of us, are incapable of living the Christian life in our own merit. We are utterly unable to transform ourselves. Because of this simple truth, transformation is not about trying; it is about dying. The apostle Paul knew that transformation occurs when we continually die to ourselves and trust the grace of Christ fully: “For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh” (2 Cor. 4:11).”
I love that sentence. “Transformation is not about trying; it is about dying.” Check out this article and see if you agree with the conclusions!
Lecrae’s new CD, “Church Clothes” was released today! As a bonus on the first day of release the full album is available for a FREE download. I just went there and got it myself, so this is legit.
Click HERE to be redirected to the download site. When I did it there was nothing to install or info to give, just a free copy of the album.
God Bless Lecrae!
Within the first 30 minutes of his release 80,000 people visited the website. You should too! -Adam
Crazy. CNN has even picked up on the MTD (moralistic therapeutic deism) terminology when most people in our churches are unfamiliar with this phenomenon. Check out the CNN article for yourself.
I will say this about the article. It clearly shows the infiltration of MTD into todays youth culture and contrasts that with a “committed” faith. So on that part I am thankful that even CNN recognizes the inadequacy of MTD as sincere faith. Unfortunately this picture of the truly committed Christian does not include Jesus Christ.
No matter their background, Dean says committed Christian teens share four traits: They have a personal story about God they can share, a deep connection to a faith community, a sense of purpose and a sense of hope about their future.
In this article you will find a level playing field for varieties of “christian faith”, Catholic and Protestant. I believe if you hone in on the evangelical, Gospel-centered denominations you will find more resistance to the infiltration of MTD. Yet the problem is present in all faith traditions. Even in the best churches you will find members, and particularly teenagers, who cannot speak accurately about the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and what that means for us today.
“If teenagers lack an articulate faith, it may be because the faith we show them is too spineless to merit much in the way of conversation,” wrote Dean, a professor of youth and church culture at Princeton Theological Seminary.
Not only parents, but churches receive the brunt of blame for this weak understand of christianity among teenagers.
Churches, not just parents, share some of the blame for teens’ religious apathy as well, says Corrie, the Emory professor. She says pastors often preach a safe message that can bring in the largest number of congregants. The result: more people and yawning in the pews.
Read the article and see what you think. It is from a secular perspective but has a fair treatment of MTD. It is my prayer that more youth leaders and parents will understand the reasons teens drift toward this watered down version of the Gospel, and then fight against it! We must teach and live the truthfulness of the whole counsel of God. We must understand it is not about us but about the Glory of God!
Your fellow worker in the field, Adam
If twitter was around in bible times this might be what you would come across.
@Adam: 1 rib + 1 nap = 2 gorgeous! #AdamlovesEve #GodreallylovesAdam
@Goliath: Am I being punked? Israel sent out some scrawny little kid to fight me! #CertianVictory
@Noah: Bummed I didn’t think to bring more chickens…really craving a drumstick!
@Adam: If a naked woman ever offers you something to eat – – RUN!
@Jacob: Worst. Honeymoon. Ever. #AlwaysCheckUnderTheVeil
@Boaz: You will never guess what i found at the end of my bed! #DreamsDoComeTrue
@James: I will scream if I hear mom say “your big brother is God’s gift to the World” one more time!
@Richyoungruler: So bummed. Totally thought Jesus was down with the prosperity Gospel. #KeepingMyTreasureOnEarth
@Peter: @Jesus nicknamed me “Rock”. Super cool. Just scared to ask if he thinks I’m “solid as a…” or “dumb as a…”
@Thomas: For real! I was ready to DIE with Jesus at Lazarus’ tomb, but folks only remember my moment of doubt! #FirstNameThomasNotDoubting
@LittleLad: Cant believe it. 5,000 men and I’m the only one smart enough to pack a lunch!?!
@Eutychus: I will NEVER fall asleep in church again! #Fell3Stories
Just keeping it on the lighter side today. Hope you enjoyed. If you want more of these tweets or want to follow them through your twitter account, find them at @realbibletweets. If you want to follow my twitter posts, feel free to do so. I’ll follow you back. Follow me @3bcadam. Hope you have a great day, filled with REAL connection with the Bible!
I love cars. My granddad worked for Ford Company most of his life as a mechanic and salesman. We’ve been a Ford family ever since. My dad would tell me stories of his 60s something Gran Tornio that he would burn the rubber off the tires in. I remember dad teaching me how to change the oil in cars, fix little things here and there, and most importantly just spending time together.
The History of Modern America in 15 Cars – cool link to see the changes in our nation through the lens of the auto world. This link got me thinking about things I want to pass on.
I bought a motorcycle in college. It was fun. I think I had it for a year or two. One day I saw an old Mustang sitting on the side of the road in a an out-of-the-way neighborhood. I mustered up some courage to knock on the door and talked to a guy about his car. Goodbye motorcycle. I bought a 1973 Mustang coupe with a 351 Cleveland V8 engine. That was my senior year of college, before marriage, before kids, before responsibility.
I hope to pass this car on to my kids one day. (I think my 3 year old son thinks Mustangs are the coolest, fastest cars on the planet…despite mine being pretty junky in the grand scheme of things.)
My car sits in my garage and once in a while gets a little attention. But its not about the adrenaline rush. Its more about the legacy. I want to pass on something worthwhile to my kids. Not just a physical thing either, but a mindset and sense of value. I want them to think about thier great granddad fixing this same style car. I want them to remember our times together learning how to change oil and spark plugs. Through building a car together I know I will also be building character into their lives.
In the same way, but infinitely more eternal way, we are to be passing down our faith to our families. God makes this passing of legacy a priority in His word.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
2 Timothy 3:14-15
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Proverbs 22:6
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Are you downloading your faith into the life of someone else? Especially your children or the children whom you have influence? What values, habits, and beliefs are you passing on? What is your legacy? I know my legacy of faith will long outlast a car or any earthly thing. Matthew 6:33 is a great reminder, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Let our legacy be rooted in His Kingdom first!
Your fellow worker in the field, Adam
In a brave new world of social media and wireless devices there are new rules of engagement for communication within the rising generation. Here are some trends that are developing with today’s teenagers. Click HERE for a link to Fuller Youth Institute article or here for the original article. Or just suffer through my commentary on these 7 points.
(FYI, this write up doesn’t even touch the dinosaurs known as landlines and email.)
1. Face to face communication is tops among teens.
Despite what you may think, real interaction is still the best get to know a teenager. And they seek it out with people who offer it to them. Will you offer?
2. They keep their phone calls brief.
Losing an understanding of the “unwritten rules” of the phone conversations, teens typically keep calls under four minutes. Voice calls are considered more appropriate for adults.
3. Video chats (facetime, skype, oovoo…) are becoming more popular.
From study groups, to roommates home on summer break, this is real face-to-face. Non-verbal queues are conveyed here making phone/text deficient.
4. Facebook and texting are important tools for dating.
The relationship status on Facebook is a public announcement of the beginning and end of relationships. Texting allows quiet communication in most any context. Beware.
5. Teenagers use Facebook emotionally.
Adults use it as just another (possibly lesser) avenue of communication, while teens see it as an extension of real relationships. The comments, statuses, and photos are a collective part of the relationships therein.
6. The most common Facebook activities are “liking” and creeping.
That means checking out other people’s profiles without commenting…
7. Mobile phones are the new smoking.
Not that phones cause cancer, but smoking was once a social tool for status and belonging, like your phone is now.
Why even bring up these trends in communication among teens? Because Romans 10:14-15 reminds me, “But how can they call on Him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who announce the gospel of good things!”
Are we doing all we can to effectively communicate the Gospel? Are we speaking their language?
Teenagers are natives to the digital age, adults are immigrants. Having been born and raised in a different culture, adults must intentionally learn how to relate to the natives we live among everyday.
Your fellow worker in the field, Adam
Today is Sunday. May the Lord Jesus be glorified in His bride today! Even in how we treat one another. We all are different and that diversity is one of the beautiful things about His Church. I saw this article and thought about the many people for whom this is life, every week. I hope I can be an encourager to all and respect the multitude of personality types present within my church today. The original article is posted here. Worth a read. 🙂
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5. “Welcome! Shake a hand, give a hug, share a name!”
In every church I have attended, this has been a precursor to the beginning of the service. What I want to know is why. There is no way that anyone is going to remember anyone else’s name in the 2.7 uncomfortable seconds it takes to say, “Good morning! My name is so-and-so. God’s peace.”
And has anyone considered what that is like for people who have never stepped foot in that church, or any church at all? I’ve been in church my entire life, and this entire process ties knots in my stomach. I understand the rationale behind it (we want to be a friendly, welcoming community), but isn’t this accomplished in a less forced manner before and after the service, over donuts and coffee?
Awkward encounters are so much easier with caffeine and sugar.
It is for this reason that I really love running slides or doing some other manner of work for the church during the beginning of the service. Can’t shake your sweaty hand if mine are busy doing something else.
4. “Chelsey, what do you think?”
Okay, look. I will tell you what I think once I want to say it. Trust me, I am very opinionated. Just because I am sitting quietly in this group of people, listening to all of them talk about their lives or this Bible passage or this idea, doesn’t mean I have a rock for a brain or that I’m too scared to speak up. Or, even worse: that something is wrong with me.
The worst offenders for this one are small group leaders and youth directors. And I know that for a fact, because I am one. Take it from me: if an introvert isn’t speaking, it isn’t because nothing is going on upstairs. It’s because they’re thinking. And once they feel comfortable enough, they will share. And yeah, that might take a couple minutes. A couple weeks. Maybe even a couple months. Their silence isn’t a reflection on your leadership! Leaders like me need to be secure enough in ourselves so that we can let the silence happen. It’s not “awkward” until you make it awkward.
3. “Let’s get into groups and pray aloud and/or tell each other our deepest, darkest struggles.”
At this point, you may be wondering if I actually like people. I like people. I really do.
Introverts tend to have deep relationships and friendships. They are often very few in number. Case in point: when planning our wedding, I told my husband Ted that I wanted three bridesmaids: my sister, my best friend, and his sister. He gave me his best puppy dog face and told me that he wouldn’t be able to go lower than 9 groomsmen. People just love Ted. I get it, obviously. (We ended up having 7 bridesmaids and 7 groomsmen, and I love and cherish every single one of them.)
At the church where I work, we meet weekly to pray over the prayer requests we receive as a staff. We separate into groups of 3 to 5, go to separate corners of the church, and begin to pray over the list. I have a mini-panic attack every single time. I hope I’m adept enough to cover it. I’m probably not.
2. Spontaneous Public Prayer
If you could see into my head while I pray aloud, it would look something like this:
“Dear Jesus: I am completely blanking right now. I know that when we usually talk, the conversation never ebbs, but all these people are looking at me and listening to me and I feel like I’m naked and I’m going to hyperventilate. If you love me – no, I know you love me – please give me something intelligent to say in front of all these people. That I work with every day. Who are expecting me to form a coherent sentence. If it’s fancy and a little theological, too, that would be great. Thanks a million. Amen.”
Recently, one of the pastors at my church gave a devotion about how people pray out loud. He said that if a person asks for things that God has already promised, like his presence or his faithfulness, then it’s foolish and they probably have a pretty weak faith.
Right. As if I wasn’t already self-conscious enough.
On Jon Acuff’s post about introverts, one very well-meaning woman tried to give an introvert some advice about praying out loud:
“Sometimes I have an apprehension of going to the bathroom in public with someone who is the in the stall right next to me. Sometimes it is really hard to avoid. However, I know I have to go, so what I do is close my eyes and just go with the flow. I would say the same to you the next time you are asked to pray out loud in front of others: Just close your eyes and go with the flow. He promises that as we open our mouths he will fill it with his words. I have found this to be true not only in my life, but also in the lives of others I know.”
I’m convinced that “go with the flow” is a distinctly extroverted phrase. Also, I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to use the phrase “go with the flow” again.
1. ”You should be more…”
Talkative. Friendly. Open. Or, my personal favorite: “You should be more like your sister.”
I once had a very influential camp counselor tell me that. My sister and I are very close now, and I would love to be more like her, because she is clearly cooler than I am.
When we were in high school, my sister was a beautiful, blonde, popular, fashionable, outgoing cheerleader. I was a somber, dark-haired band nerd who wore jeans and t-shirts and hated high school. Of COURSE I wanted to be more like her! Who wouldn’t?!
You would think that this sort of thing doesn’t happen to me anymore, but it does, actually. Even at 23, an age in which I am actually secure in my personality, this conversation takes place:
Me: “Yeah, I’m an introvert.”
The other person: “Oh, I’m so sorry.”
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God has created us all so beautifully and uniquely. There is no reason to apologize for that.
I am very sure that other introverts out there have had similar experiences. Please feel free to share, because I know that I shouldn’t be so presumptuous as to speak for all introverts everywhere.
But only if you feel comfortable enough.
adamlickey.com 