Mile High Rev

REVrant 39.1 - Zondervan faces $60M federal lawsuit over Bible, homosexuality

Grand Rapids news - Zondervan faces $60M federal lawsuit over Bible, homosexuality.

If you don’t have time to read the link, the short story is that a guy named Bradley Fowler is suing Zondervan - a Christian publisher – because he claims that their translation of the biblical word – “homosexual” in I Corinthians 6:9 has caused him suffering.  His family’s pastor used that Zondervan Bible and because of it, his family “considered him a sinner and he suffered.”  He is asking for an apology and $60 million.  Why?  “20 years of emotional duress and mental instability,” according to Fowler.

Zondervan is passing the buck to the translators.  Fowler needs to sue the translators, says Zondervan, because the publishers simply rely on the “scholarly judgment of credible translation committees.”

A while back, I read about an “emergent” writer who made the comment that perhaps “we should declare a five year moratorium on saying anything about homosexuality until we figure out what the Bible really says about it!”  Perhaps this lawsuit makes sense to him?  NOT to me!

I suppose we should anticipate actions like this.  People have been trying to justify sinful behaviors since the beginning of time.  Remember Adam blaming Eve in Eden?

Mr. Fowler needs to read Romans 1:24–27 – “Therefore God gave the over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.  They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator – who is forever praised.  Amen.  Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts.  Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones.  In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another.  Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.”     

Lawsuit or not, this is the Word of the Lord!

REVerie - 35th Wedding Anniversary

On July 14, 1973, I made the best decision of my life – I pledged my love to Janice Ann Nicholson in the Cascades Baptist Church in Jackson, Michigan.  We dated for nearly three years.  I can still remember the first time I saw her standing in the choir at the church on a Sunday morning in August of 1970.  She was wearing a sleeveless yellow dress, was tanned from a summer in the sun, and had cute blond hair.  I couldn’t take my eyes off her.  I didn’t think there were Christian girls who looked that great!  After church I met her, and immediately fell in love with her smile and vibrant personality. 

 (Don’t laugh…it was the 70’s!)

Later in the month, we met again at college (Grand Rapids Baptist College), and I started pursuing her relentlessly.  I asked her out the first night.  We sat and talked for three hours.  I couldn’t get enough of her.  It took me a while to talk her into marrying me, but on February 12, 1973, she finally said yes.  My family loved her.  In fact, I’ve said through the years that I think they liked her better than me!  I understand why.  Clearly, I “married up!”  She is not only gorgeous on the outside, she radiates internal beauty the Bible talks about.  I’ve never met anyone like her.  She is the perfect fit for me!

Today, as I look back on our 35 years, the memories flood my heart.  We’ve loved and lived and served and suffered and played and prayed.  Jan has always been right at my side.  She’s never wavered in her encouragement and support of me. 

We’ve both been through some deep valleys with health struggles.  At certain points, both of us have ended up at Mayo Clinic, seeking answers to health riddles.  Our inability to have children has been, and remains, a heavy burden.  When we vowed, “in sickness and in health…” I’m sure we both anticipated more health than sickness.  But God has carried us every step of the way.  I believe we’re closer because of what we’ve faced.

Ministering together in two churches (7 years in Michigan, and 23 years in Colorado) has been a profound blessing.  It’s not easy to be a pastor’s wife.  Expectations can be stifling.  Jan isn’t a “take-over” kind of person.  She’s a kind, humble, supportive woman who loves to be in the background, praying and encouraging.  She’s also very gifted in music.  Piano, violin, and voice!  Her health challenges have kept her from significant involvement in church music for a while, but I benefit from her gifts in our home.  We actually love singing together, and haven’t stopped doing that in 35 years!

Serving the Lord is a blessing, but it can also be a tough calling.  We both know what it’s like to be in a deep pit, but we’ve also found (in the words of Corrie Ten Boom) that “there is not pit so deep but that God is deeper still!”  We absolutely love serving together.  Jan particularly loves moving into the lives of people in crisis to provide comfort, love, and hope.  In my view, she’s an angel in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospices.  We’ve been there hundreds of times…together.

On this, our 35th anniversary, I want to publicly declare my love for the “wife of my youth!”  Other than my salvation, Janice Ann is the greatest gift God has ever given me.  In fact, that’s what her name – JANICE – means – “God’s gracious gift!”  I love her…TODAY…and ALWAYS!  Happy Anniversary, my little wife!

      

REVved - Mount Hermon Afterglow

Amazing!  Stupendous!  Glorious!  Wondrous!  Heavenly!

We’re home after a week “on the mountain!”  Mount Hermon Camp exceeded all of my expectations.  From the time we arrived until the time we left we were convinced that this was a Divine Appointment!  As we said our final good-byes yesterday morning, I felt like a kid at camp who didn’t want to leave all of my new friends.  This was an amazing spiritual adventure.

One of the best parts of the week for Jan and me was the opportunity to once again minister with my friend, Dave Burns. (photo above) Dave and I served together at FBC for just over 6 years, and since his return to California he got married to Leslie (after the death of his first wife, Terri) and joined the Mount Hermon Staff.  He is the reason why this opportunity came to me.  Thanks Dave!  Dave’s band led the worship in each session.  I found myself regularly “lost in wonder, love, and praise!”  To reconnect and serve with Dave was simply too good to be true.

To top it off, I also had the honor of teaching the Bible alongside international evangelist, Luis Palau.  I taught in the morning sessions – a series from the Book of Job – and Luis handled the evening sessions - a study in Joshua.  Luis is not only a powerful teacher of the Word, he is hilariously funny!  We had fun playing off each other’s talks (if you were there, remember -> “wafting incense!”) and by the end of the week, it felt like we were life-time friends.  No pretense or pomposity with this amazing man of God.  He’s spoken in 72 countries to over 25 million and has seen over 1 million people respond to faith in Christ – and is one of the most humble men I’ve ever met.  He and his wife, Pat, accepted us and warmly welcomed us into the Mount Hermon family – and we’re forever grateful.  Their whole family was there and as an extra blessing, we got to meet all four sons and their families. (Kevin, Keith, Andrew, and Steve.)

Mount Hermon is situated among the towering California redwood trees.  The camp has created a one of a kind zip-line canopy course in the forest on their property.  It’s not open to the public yet, but to my surprise I was given an opportunity to try it out on Friday afternoon, with seven other people.  140 ft. high narrow platforms, speedy “zip lines” (the longest was 440 ft.), and stunning views of the redwoods from the “canopy” section was a life-time adventure.  The adrenaline was pumping like mad as we walked across a bridge and stood on that first platform.  Pictures don’t do it justice.  (I’ll include a few below to give perspective.)  My speaking was done by this point, so if I had become a fatality, it would have been OK, and Luis agreed to do my funeral if it was necessary!  (Ha!)  I can’t imagine I’ll ever again do something with a higher thrill factor than this!

 (Bridge)

 (Platform)

 (Me, arriving at end of course)

I’ve got so much more to write, but I need to keep this short.  Here’s a quick summary of some other highlights of the week: 1) The way the campers engaged with Jan and me – we had so many great conversations, 2) The fun connection with several Mt. Hermon staff, 3) The Opening Night “David Betterman Show,” 4) The piano/organ concert by Dave Talbott, 5) Visits by some of our FBC friends and some friends from our first church in Michigan, 6) blueberry scones, 7) Purell and plastic gloves – after a couple of cases of sickness early in the week, all campers were met at the door of the dining hall with Purell and required to wear plastic gloves in the buffet line at EVERY meal!  YES!, 8) Joking with Chris about “zip-zip” (<—you had to be there!), 9) Cotton candy on Friday night, 10) Capitola, Santa Cruz, and Monterey, and 11) Frogs!  Every night outside our room, we were serenaded by bass notes of the loudest frogs I’ve heard in my life!

 (A parting gift from one of the campers!)

You can probably tell, Jan and I had the “time of our lives” at Mount Hermon,  Although we arrived home tired, it’s a “good tired” - the sense that we were able to serve the Lord with all of our strength.  God stirred us all in some amazing ways.  Thank you Lord, and thank you Mount Hermon!

REVved - 4th of July 2008

As I hung my huge American flag off the deck this morning, I got a little lump in my throat.  I am an unabashed patriot and feel blessed to have been born in America. 

Sure, we have our problems.  Yes, I’ve seen decades of moral decay in my 58 years.  It’s not too difficult to identify things about the U.S. that concern and disappoint me (like California judges passing the gay marriage law recently…).  But despite the obvious challenges we have, I still believe that being an American citizen is a tremendous privilege.  One that I don’t take lightly.  On this Independence Day 2008, I declare my gratitude for this great nation.  I also thank the Lord for men and women who have been willing to fight to guarantee the freedoms I enjoy every day.

This makes me want to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner!” (Unlike the woman who was invited to do so at the Denver State of the City gathering led by Mayor Hickenlooper this week – she chose instead to sing a song referred to as the “black national anthem,” to the tune of the National Anthem.  She is defiant and said she would do it again.  Apparently, she doesn’t “feel like an American.”) Click on this link if you want to read more.

http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_9758376

I hope this is a day we can all set aside what we think is wrong with America in order to celebrate what we know is right!

REVved - 2008 Summer Break

Obviously, blogging has once again slipped to the bottom half of the priority list…July 1 launched our annual “summer break” month.  Jan and I are embracing the gracious gift our church leaders provided about five years ago.  For us, the month of July is a “mini-sabbatical” month.  We usually spend the month catching up on life and relaxation that eludes us for most of the rest of the year.  We rarely have two days in a row off.  “Weekends off” are scarce, due to our Saturday PM and Sunday AM schedule.  It is amazing how different it feels to have two days in a row, much less, a week or two.

I know this is going to strike some of you as odd, but one of the things I wanted to do in July was to “deep-vacuum” the house.  Yes, I’m a clean freak!  And, to top it off, we’ve been saving for a Dyson(www.dyson.com).  Get this – we found a clearance price on a Dyson DC18, had a 20% off coupon, had quite a bit of change we had saved in a jar over several months, and had a couple of gift checks from Christmas, that added up to the most reasonable price on a Dyson (VERY expensive cyclonic – never looses suction – vacuum!) that you could imagine.  Call me crazy, but I find vacuuming a spiritual experience!

 Dyson DC18

We leave on Saturday for a week at Mt. Hermon(www.mounthermon.org), in Northern California.  As I blogged a while back we will be teaming with Luis Palau (www.palau.org),  July 6–12. There are wildfires everywhere in N. Cal, but Mt. Hermon has been spared so far.  We fly into San Jose – saw a news item where they were telling people to stay inside in San Jose, due to the “particulate matter” in the air.  Maybe I will preach with a gas mask?  I’ll let you know how the week goes later.  Appreciate your prayers.

I just put a vacation notice on my email, since I’m not sure how “cyber-active” I’ll be during the month.  I may post from time to time, and I certainly hope to post your comments in a timely fashion, but I may be sporadic.  There’s still plenty of “blog-worthy” events occurring on a daily basis.  I hope to get to some of it, but plan to default to rest and relaxation!

REVrant 38.10 - Do They Think Jesus Was a Liar?

Do They Think Jesus Was a Liar? « FOX Forum.

Cal Thomas gets it right in this linked column.  Jesus wasn’t cryptic or confusing when He told His disciples HE was “the way, truth, and the life; no man comes to the Father, but through me.”  He didn’t leave room for other options.  There is only ONE way. 

But this idea is under attack WITHIN the church, as the Pew Forum study shows.  57% of evangelicals believe there is more than one way to heaven.  That’s scary!

Here’s how Cal Thomas puts it – “If there are many paths to heaven, Jesus suffered and died for nothing. He could have stayed in heaven, sent down a book of sayings and avoided crucifixion. Orthodox Christians have always believed – and their Bible teaches them — there is only one path to heaven and it is through Jesus Christ and him alone. One can believe whatever one wishes, but you can’t be considered a Christian without believing in this fundamental doctrine.”

I agree with all of this, but particularly, the final sentence.  If Jesus isn’t the only way, then in the words of Cal Thomas, “Jesus was a liar.”

In our post-modern world, “one way,” seems to convey something more like this…

REVved - Summer VBS at FBC

Yesterday, our DVBS (Daily Vacation Bible School) team launched our VBS 2008 with over 600 kids!  The theme is “Outrigger Island: Living God’s Unshakeable Truth!”  During services over the weekend, we commissioned our workers for this week of ministry to kids.  Tomorrow morning I will be sharing a brief devotional with all of our volunteers around the theme — “Wave 3 Truth” – Jesus is the Only Way!  I’ll also be praying during elementary and preschool rallies at 9 and 10 am, respectively.  I can’t tell you how excited I am that FBC has such a powerful summer ministry to kids.  It seems to get better every year.

Pray that God will touch these precious kids with the simple truth that Jesus is THE only way!  We’re hoping to see scores of kids respond with faith in Christ this week. 

REVrant 38.9 - Americans Believe "In Everything"

Survey Shows U.S. Religious Tolerance - NYTimes.com.

I’ve received several emails today directing my attention to the recently released U.S Religious Landscape Survey conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life.  Get this; although a majority of Americans say religion is “very important” to them, nearly three-quarters of them say they believe that many faiths besides their own can lead to salvation.  70% of Americans affiliated with a religion or denomination say they agree that, ”Many religions can lead to eternal life.”  And this statistic shook me to the core – 57% of EVANGELICALS agreed with the statement!

“It’s not that Americans don’t believe in anything,” said Michael Lindsay, assistant director of the Center on Race, Religion and Urban Life at Rice University. “It’s that we believe in everything. We aren’t religious purists or dogmatists.”

I’ve been warning our church family that this is the direction of our culture for the past few years.  John 14:6 not withstanding, the idea that Jesus is the “only way,” is quickly fading as a majority view, even among evangelicals!  This is shocking.  I used to wonder about the provocative Biblical question regarding the return of Jesus – “Will He find faith when He comes?”  The more I see and hear, the more I’m convinced that the number of true believers is shrinking…rapidly!

Matthew 24:10–11 – a great text on signs of the “end of the age” – came to mind as I read the linked article; “At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.”   We’re seeing it!

REVrant 38.8 - Obama Should Stick to Politics...Handling the Bible Doesn't Seem to be His Forte

My Way News - Dobson accuses Obama of 'distorting' Bible.

(Barack Obama)

As you’ll read in the linked article, presidential candidate Barack Obama is trying to show how sections of the Bible cannot be applied to contemporary life.  Using OT texts about slavery and eating restrictions regarding shellfish, he seems very confused about Biblical interpretation and application.  He does the same thing when he suggests that The Defense Department could not “survive the application” of the Sermon on the Mount.

Regulars at FBC will recall that I often say, “You can make the Bible say almost anything you want it to say.”  Obama seems to have succumbed to that temptation.  He cherry-picked a few texts out of their context and mocked the potential contrasting versions of Christianity that would be espoused by James Dobson or Al Sharpton.  His simplistically adds that, “Folks haven’t been reading their Bibles.”  In the words of Dobson, “He is dragging biblical understanding through the gutter.”  

 (James Dobson)

I have been reading my Bible.  In fact, I’ve been studying the Bible for over 50 years, both formally in two Christian colleges, and three seminaries, as a Bible college professor for two years, and as a vocational pastor who has preached from the Bible nearly every weekend for 30 years.  I don’t do politics.  But, I “do Bible.”  That said, I think that Mr. Obama needs to rethink his remarks.

He’s ignoring the historical and cultural setting of the texts he mentioned, in addition to ignoring the genre (type of literature) of the Bible books from which he is quoting.  God never mandated slavery.  He addressed a cultural institution (that often facilitated the literal physical survival of the poor) that was dissimilar in massive ways to the abusive and brutal slavery of blacks in America in our history. (I do not endorse in any way the history of slavery in America!) In fact, in the New Testament, God called for a higher standard in the treatment of slaves (employees) than was practiced by the pagan anti-Christian Romans and Greeks.  Additionally, while God did restrict OT Jews from eating shellfish for sanitary reasons, in the NT, He calls Paul to minister to the Gentiles and as He does, He declares that what were previously classified as “unclean” animals, were declared by God as “clean.”  Finally, Obama falls prey to ignoring the wider Biblical context when he intimates that the Sermon on the Mount suggests that there be no war. (See his reference to the Defense Department.)  He needs to read the OT calls God issues for “just wars” against the enemies of God and then consult Romans 13 for Paul’s description of the “authorities” as “agents of God’s wrath” to bring punishment on the wrong-doers.

Senator Obama, it’s probably best if you stick to politics.  Handling the Bible doesn’t seem to be your forte!

REVerie - Family Visit - Decreased Blog Activity

Decreased blog activity often signals that “life” is taking priority over blogging.  That’s what’s been up the past week.  Jan and I enjoyed a two-part visit from one of our nieces, her husband, and their two precious kids, ages 7 and 5.  They arrived last Sunday for a couple night stay prior to leaving on Tuesday for Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico.  They returned Thursday night, and left today, after the early service at FBC.

Among the many activities, we enjoyed a trip to the Denver Zoo and a bowling excursion at Lucky Strike.  It is amazing to experience the zoo and bowling from a kid’s perspective.  There is such a sense of wonder that many of us sadly lose as we age.  Their energy astounds me.  They keep going and going and going….yes, like the Energizer Bunny! 

Since we’ve not been blessed with our own children, our nieces and nephews are very special to us.  Thanks, Sarah, Lance, Isabella, and Micaiah, for including us in your vacation plans this summer.  We love you, and miss you already!

REVrant 38.7 - Everything seemingly is spinning out of control

Everything seemingly is spinning out of control - Yahoo! News.

As you read the linked article, you’ll note that there seems to be a growing sense of helplessness and hopelessness in our society.  Floods, tornadoes, global warming, gas prices, home values, air fares, college tuition, health care, and war – a partial list of the troubling realities that cloud the skies for millions of Americans.  Only 17% of Americans think our country is headed in the right direction.  The national mood is dark and depressive.  The article uses a stinging phrase to describe the national psyche – “dour powerlessness.”

Reading the link turned my heart to a Biblical text that always comforts me.  I hope it will do the same for you. 

Psalm 46

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.  Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the sea, though it’s waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.  There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the place where the Most High dwells.  God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.  Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.  The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.  Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought on the earth.  He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire.  Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.  The Lord almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (NIV)

As I survey the world scene, I can’t help but wonder whether the Lord is permitting all of these things in order to draw us to Him!  Our Fortress! 

Take some time when you read this to “BE STILL…and KNOW that HE is God.” And if you still need a little encouragement, perhaps a few lines from “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” would be in order!

REVrant 38.6 - Loss of Shame As California Legalizes Gay Marriage

Wedding bells chime for California same-sex couples - CNN.com.

Just looking at the photo (warning – it’s shocking) in the linked column of an 87 and 84 year-old woman kissing each other brought deep sadness to my heart.  The State of California has decided to affirm marriage between same-sex couples. Today, as they began to issue licenses, homosexual couples lined up for hours outside of county clerk’s offices to obtain documents that will permit them to marry.  I fear that this shameful pursuit is a bellwether for things to come in the U.S.  The loss of shame over such behavior echoes from both coasts (Massachusetts to California) across the heartland of our nation. 

This photo is no less shameful, but seems prophetic for the future of marriage in the U.S.

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” 

REVrant 38.5 - Male Priests Marry Each Other

Male priests marry in Anglican church's first gay 'wedding' - Telegraph.

S-H-A-M-E-F-U-L…

Romans 1:24 – “Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for degrading of their bodies with one another.”

REVealed - 'Meet the Press' Moderator Tim Russert Dies at 58

FOXNews.com - 'Meet the Press' Moderator Tim Russert Dies at 58

Being age 58 myself, this news came with a jolt today.  58 seems so young.  My Dad died at age 58 in 1980.  My sympathies go out to Mrs. Russert and their son, Luke.

Proverbs 27:1 came to mind today when I heard this news: “Do not boast about tomorrow for you do not know what a day may bring forth.”

REVved - Speaking at Mount Hermon

Mount Hermon's Summer Family Camps.

I’ve been given a wonderful opportunity this summer.  July 6–12 - I will be speaking at the Mt. Hermon Christian Camp & Conference Center.  Our former Worship Pastor, Dave Burns, is on staff at Mt. Hermon. He contacted me last year to see whether I would be available to speak at a 2008 Family Camp.  As you will see from the linked schedule, I will be there during Week 4.  And to my surprise, I will be teaming up with internationally known evangelist, Luis Palau.  I was humbled by the invitation, and then to learn that I would be there during the same week as Luis Palau…it almost seemed too good to be true!  It made me wonder how I ever got in on such a blessing.  God’s grace!  (It will also be fun to work with Dave again, as he will be leading the worship during the week.)

I’m really looking forward to this week in July.  Several years ago, I did a Men’s Retreat at Mt. Hermon in late January for Peninsula Bible Church.  While the experience with the guys was remarkable, it rained the whole time we were there – non-stop for three days.  I thought we’d never see the sun again.  Hopefully, Mt. Hermon in July will be a different experience. 

One more thing.  Kind of funny, actually!  Although they got my bio information right in the main brochure, they sent out a mass mailing with the schedule and speaker bios that listed me as “the former pastor of Foothills Bible Church.”  To set the record straight, I’m still at FBC.  (Unless they know something I don’t!)

REVrant 38.4 - Two Dinosaurs in the Garage

High Gas Prices Driving Midsize SUVs to Extinction - FOX Car Report.

Living in Colorado seemed to justify the decision(s) at the time.  Yet, reading the linked article about the “extinction” of SUV’s made me feel foolish.  You see, we have TWO SUVs - a 1998 and a 2004 Ford Explorer.  One for Jan and one for me.  The safety features in the 2004 model alone convinced me.  That’s the kind of car I wanted my wife to drive, since we live out here in the mountains!  Side air bags, anti-tipping technology, 4x4 for snowy roads, and impressive power for mountain driving.  And of course when I made these purchases (in the respective years the cars were released), gas prices were unremarkable!

It’s become apparent that Jan and I are now driving “dinosaurs.”  So much for “trade-in value!”  Maybe I should consider a car museum?  The 1998 has 82,000 miles and the 2004 has 54,000.  I think I’m probably stuck with them. 

 

The photo above and the photo below make me think of an inspiring Bible passage:  Colossians 3:1–2 – “Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your heart on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” 

By the way, please don’t email with the question – “Would Jesus drive an SUV?”  I don’t need any more guilt.

REVrant 38.3 - Shame on Colorado for "Bathroom Wars"

Bathroom Wars - Prison Fellowship.

In the linked Chuck Colson column, you will read about the recent action by the Colorado legislature to pass Senate Bill 200, which was also signed by Governor Ritter.  The bill essentially opens all public accommodations, including public restrooms, to anyone who wants to use them.  The rationale for the bill is that “transgendered” people should be able to use whatever restroom they feel most comfortable using.  Apparently this bill means that men can use a women’s restroom and women can use a men’s restroom, if they want to.  I can’t imagine there will be “transgender monitors” at the doors making sure it is only the truly “transgendered” who take advantage of this new law.

You don’t have to have too much imagination to envision what disgusting and dangerous events could happen in a public restroom as a result of this legal decision.  Colson talks very openly about it in his column.  One can only imagine the delight with which child predators, pedophiles, molestors, exhibitionists, and stalkers responded to such opportunistic “good news!”

I find it inconceivable to consider that the American people are asking for new bathroom laws.  (Colson agrees!) This kind of action is clearly the result of an effort by a small minority who are on a mission to ridicule those of us who still believe that there are only two sexes – male and female –and that they are NOT the same…and that there are very good reasons for gender-specific bathrooms. 

I’ve lived in Colorado for 25 years, and I am embarrassed by this ridiculous and shameful development.  We must get an initiative on the November ballot to reverse this deplorable decision.  God help us.

REVolting - Church Evacuation Over Noxious Odor

We had a bizarre experience at church yesterday.  What started out as a routine Sunday morning turned into a peculiar episode of cancelling a service and evacuating the building mid-sentence during a sermon.  The 8:45 service was uneventful, although Jan acquired a nasty headache and indicated that she had noticed an odd smell in the air. 

The 10:45 service began with more energy than the previous two weekend services, and I assumed it would be be the highlight service of the weekend for me.  The worship portion was energizing and paved the way for my final sermon.  I began as I had in the previous two sermons, by commenting about the subject matter – GRACE – and made a comment that came back to haunt me later; “The enemy doesn’t want people to hear about GRACE, he wants them to focus on works.”  Then, I added, “I’ve felt opposition the previous two times I preached this sermon.”

About 20 minutes into the sermon, I noted a few people to my left were stirring and a couple walked out.  Then another walked out. Then another.  I saw those same people standing in the lobby and it was obvious they were discussing something that was going on in the auditorium.  Initially, I thought it was something I said!  Then the two back doors opened, and one of our Elders (Thanks, Steve!) started walking toward the front, down the side aisle.  I literally stopped mid-sentence and asked, “Steve is there something I need to know about?”  He said that a few people in the area to my right had noticed a “strong odor of gas.” 

That’s all I needed to hear.  You don’t mess around if you smell gas.  Actually, I had noticed a strong smell a few minutes earlier, but assumed it was something they were cooking in the kitchen.  We’ve had some experiences recently with that, including one Sunday when the smell of cooking bacon was so strong I thought I was going to pass out!  It felt like I was preaching at the Country Kitchen!

I sensed an understandable uneasiness in the crowd when gas was mentioned, and immediately announced that I thought we needed to evacuate the room in an orderly fashion.  I asked the people to head to the lobby, or out to the front entry-way, and asked them to wait until we could assess what was happening.  The evacuation was flawless, and accomplished in less than 5 minutes.  I was approached at the front by some FBC members who are firemen and police officers and within minutes, the West Metro Fire Department was on scene.  While we were waiting for them to arrive, our Elder and Deacon Chairman and I huddled and agreed to release the people since we still didn’t know what was going on.  By then it was 11:45 and we assumed that getting everyone back in a reasonable amount of time would be virtually impossible…AND more importantly, we still didn’t know whether it was safe to be in the room.

I made a public address announcement telling the people that we thought it would be best for them to leave and made a brief announcement about an activity we had planned for last night.  Meanwhile, West Metro arrived and made an assessment of the room and facility for us.  This included a sweep of the building and a trip to the roof.  Their best guess is that the noxious odor was coming from the plumbing somewhere, perhaps because of a broken water seal in one of our many drains.  This made sense to me as my nose was telling me that the odor was likely a methane type of smell.

Several people reported headaches, nausea, and feelings of sick stomach during the morning.  I’ve received a few emails today with people reminding me of what I said about the “enemy” not wanting people to hear about GRACE; they saw this episode as spiritual warfare.  While we were waiting for the fire department, my state trooper friend told me of an incident in Kansas where agitators purposely released non-toxic malodorous fumes in a large church auditorium during a service to cause havoc.  I’ve also taken my share of kidding from people who think I wanted to get out early…and even some who delighted in telling me that was the shortest sermon they ever heard me preach.

Bottom line – My concern for the safety of the people came first!  If there was any possibility that being in the auditorium was dangerous, then it was time to get out!  So, we did!  Hopefully, they will all come back next weekend!

REVved - Cleanse Light™ - The Ultraviolet Sanitizer

Welcome To CleanseLight.com Cleanse Light™ - The Ultraviolet Sanitizer.

Some dear friends (thanks Ed & Joyce) have blessed me with one amazing gift!  It is an untraviolet sanitizing light.  Check it out at the link above.  After you turn the light on, you simply wave it slowly over the area you want to sanitize and it does the trick!  Here’s an excerpt from the promotional materials:

General Features

• Home, Business & Travel - Convenient size to carry along
• Helps eliminate: Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, Mold, Dust Mites, Odors caused by bacteria
• Ideal for: Tableware, Toothbrushes, Office Supplies, Bathrooms, Towels, Linens, Children's Toys, Baby Bottles & Environments, Telephones, Clothing, Remote Controls, Cutting Boards, Shopping Cart Handles, Door knobs, Shoes and Contact Lens Cases.

The Cleanse Light™ Portable Ultraviolet Sanitizer kills up to 99.99% of Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, Mold and Dust Mites on household surfaces, bedding and clothing is perfect for Home, Business & Travel usage.

Cleanse Light™ Employs the same UV technology currently used to sanitize work paces and tools used in laboratories and medical facilities. UV light at germicidal wavelengths has shown to be a highly effective method of destroying harmful micro-organisms such as MRSA, E. coli, Staphylococcus and Salmonella; as well as odor-causing bacteria, the germs that cause the flu and the common cold.

Can you believe it?  I’ve been waving the light over everything in sight.  I’ve been blessed with a powerful tool in my fight against bacteria, viruses and mold!  I’m not sure it gets any better than this…this side of heaven! 

REVrant 38.2 - "You Know You're Emergent If..."

Recently, I mentioned a book I’ve been reading, titled, Why We’re Not Emerging (By Two Guys Who Should Be), by Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck.  These are two guys in their 30’s who realize the magnetism of the emergent movement for many young evangelicals.  However, as they put it, trying to define “emergent” is like trying to nail Jell-o to a wall.  The “what” and the “who” of the movement are almost impossible to define.  There is no single spokesperson for the emergent conversation.  People who admit to being emergent like to clarify that they don’t necessarily endorse others who say they are emergent.  Great quote – “Emergent means a hundred different things to a hundred different people.” (p. 19)

I have some theological observations about terms emergent writers use (missional and incarnational, particularly) and ideas about the implications of the philosophical worldview (post-modernism) several emergent authors hold…but I’ll save that for another time.  One of the fun parts of the book is a section titled, “Are You Emergent?”  After these guys read 5,000 pages of emergent literature and engaged in discussion about the movement, they suggested that while “loosely defined” and “far from uniform,” the emergent Christian can be recognized by the following: 

“You know you’re emergent if you…” (from pp. 20–22) (kind of long..)

Listen to U2, Moby, Johnny Cash’s Hurt; use sermon illustrations from The Sopranos, drink lattes in the afternoon and Guinness in the evenings; always use a Mac; reading list is primarily Stanley Hauerwas, Henri Nouwen, N.T. Wright, Stan Grenz, Dallas Willard, Brennan Manning, Jim Wallis, Frederick Buechner, Lesslie Newbigin, Brian McLaren, Doug Pagitt, Rob Bell; your sparring partners are D.A. Carson, John Calvin, Martyn Lloyd-Jones and Wayne Grudem; your idea of quintessential Christian discipleship is Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, or Desmond Tutu; don’t like George W. Bush or institutions or big business or capitalism or Left Behind Christianity; political concerns are poverty, AIDS, imperialism, war-mongering, CEO salaries, consumerism, global warming, racism, and oppression and not so much abortion and gay marriage; are into bohemian, goth, rave or indie; talk about the myth of redemptive violence and the myth of certainty; lie awake at night having nightmares about the way modernism has ruined your life; love the Bible as a beautiful, inspiring collection of works that lead us into the mystery of God but it is not inerrant; search for truth but aren’t sure it can be found; loathe words like linear, propositional, rational, machine and hierarchy, and use words like ancient-future, jazz, mosaic, matrix, missional, incarnational, vintage and dance; grew up in a very conservative Christian home that in retrospect seems legalistic, naive and rigid; support women in all levels of ministry; prioritize urban over suburban, and like your theology narrative instead of systematic; disbelieve in any sacred-secular divide; want to be the church and not just go to church; long for a community that is relational, tribal and primal like a river or a garden; believe doctrine gets in the way of an interactive relationship with Jesus; believe who goes to hell is no one’s business and no one may be there anyway; believe salvation has little to do with atoning for guilt and a lot to do with bringing the whole creation back into shalom with its Maker; believe following Jesus is not believing right things but living the right way; are really bugged when people talk about going to heaven instead of heaven coming to us; disdain monological, didactic preaching; and…use the word “story” in all your propositions about postmodernism!

******* WARNING – Don’t use this list as a scientific diagnostic device – i.e. - “If anyone ever read a book by Henri Nouwen, then they are emergent!” (Because that would make ME emergent!)  Use it to get a flavor of the mood and vibe of the emergent community.  It’s coming your way if it’s not already there, and I assure you, it is not going away any time soon.

 If you’re read Rob Bell’s (one of the main emergent guys in the country) signature book – Velvet Elvis - you know why I used this graphic to end this post.  If not, I’ll explain it some other time!

REVrant 38.1 - Question for Barack Obama - "How do you dialogue with a guy like this?"

FOXNews.com - Ahmadinejad Calls U.S. 'Satanic,' Israel 'About to Die'.

Most of you have heard the comments from Barack Obama regarding how he – as President – would deal with terrorists and enemy nations – “sit down and talk with them.”  I’d love to hear how he might plan to dialogue with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad – who recently asserted that “Israel is about to die,” and refers to the U.S. as “Satanic.”  Not to mention he says the countdown to the time of our “annihilation” has begun.  Eavesdropping on a conversation between Obama - Ahmadinejad would be priceless!

REVved - Milestone 23

Yesterday – June 1 – marked the 23 year anniversary for Mrs. Rev and me at Foothills Bible Church. 

Seems impossible!  But, it’s true.  June 1, 1985, I started in my role as Sr. Pastor of a church of about 350 people meeting in a facility over on Belleview Avenue in Littleton.  I was the only full-time paid staff member.  We had a part-time church secretary and a part-time music director, and that was the staff.  Our church budget for the year was less than one month’s worth of our current budget.  Obviously, things were much simpler in those days.

The changes we’ve seen in 23 years are too numerous to record…in fact, just thinking about them strains my brain.  Of course there are the obvious ones - like moving into the new facility on South Devinney Way in 1997 (seating capacity went from 350 to 850), four three-year stewardship campaigns in a row, staff additions and “subtractions,” church people coming and going, and significant societal and cultural shifts (for example, we had –0– computers in 1985).  In those early days, we had one worship service on the weekend (we now have three, and at one time had four!), with a major emphasis on small groups which primarily met in homes during the week.  We had a box in the back of the church for “offerings” –didn’t pass an offering plate.  Music was quite traditional (and as usual, at times controversial!).  Supporting missionaries was a vital part of the church vision.  Faithful church members (volunteers) served at all levels in the life of the church.  One man couldn’t make it all happen, even in a much smaller church!

As I mused today over what has remained the same at FBC (besides me being there) a partial list formed in my mind.  I’m all for change (…it’s coming whether we want it or not…), but I also believe that there are some things that should never change.  With the advantage of perspective – 23 years worth of it – I want to celebrate 7 things that have NOT changed at FBC, and I trust they never will!         

1. Priority on the Bible – It’s in our church name – Foothills ”BIBLE” Church.  It’s also in our ecclesiological DNA.  As a new friend has been saying recently, “We do Bible at FBC!”  Many churches don’t.  We preach it, teach it, love it, and strive to live it. 

2. Plurality of Leadership – There has always been a plurality of Elders who make the final calls at FBC.  I’m one of them, but not the only one, and not the one who “always gets my way.”  I love serving in a team environment, with a united team, and a commitment to spiritual unity.  It’s not always perfect polity, but I believe it is as God intended.

3. Proclamation of the Gospel – As Paul wrote to “Pastor Timothy” – “Do the work of an evangelist.”  Whether I’m talking about Jesus during a sermon, or a teacher is sharing Christ with a kid, or a FBC missionary is planting a church in the two-thirds world…proclaiming the Gospel is seminal work for our church family.  We particularly honor those who have vocationally committed to do so as missionaries.  In fact, some of those missionaries will tell you no one honors them like the FBC team.

4. Progressive Discipleship – Salvation is step one. Then, the discipleship journey commences.  FBC has always had multiple forms through which we challenge people to grow in their faith.  Part of the growth is to connect with others in a church family.  Another part of the growth is to feed yourself.  We’ve always struggled with motivating people to avoid spiritual stagnation, but we’ve never stopped trying to help get them moving.

5. Passionate Worship – I sometimes chuckle about all the musical styles I’ve seen come and go in 23 years.  Everyone knows how controversial music can be (still is!).  But often in my time at FBC, I’ve been “lost in wonder, love, and praise,” as I’ve sensed pure hearts longing to glorify the Lord through music AND other forms of worship!  Gifted musicians and fervent worshippers have faithfully assisted in this quest.  When we are led by “a worshipper,” we’ve worshipped!  We’ve worshipped through pain, and loss, and death. and tragedy.  The goal?  That God will be glorified, no matter what.  

6. Plentiful Stewardship – I didn’t go back to add up all the money given to the Lord through FBC during my 23 years, but I might do it out of curiosity – our 2007–2008 budget is just under $4 million dollars.  I’m guessing that there’s been around $25 million given (probably more), including our four stewardship campaigns. (I may get back to you with a more accurate number.) The point?  People have given generously year after year.  NOT to fund the church – but to worship the Lord.  This has happened, whether we passed an offering plate or not!

7. Protection of the Flock – Paul warns the Ephesian Elders in Acts 20 that they will be required to “guard the flock” because of “wolves” who will come “from within” to lead people astray.  We’ve seen it happen in 23 years. (I like Haddon Robinson’s old adage – “Where there’s light, there’s bugs!”)  I’ve seen godly leaders stand up to the “wolves” in the interest of guarding and protecting the flock.  At times, it has brought tears to my eyes – tears of joy for courageous leaders who would not back down from the “wolves.”  I think this task is going to increase in intensity in the coming years.  I’m deeply grateful for the warriors who have faced the enemy in the past.  I don’t think I’d be here today if they hadn’t.  

Thinking about the things that haven’t changed at FBC reminds me of a Biblical text in Hebrews – “Jesus Christ, the same, yesterday, today and forever.”  What an inspiration!  While I don’t know how many more years the Lord plans for me at FBC, I DO know that He remains the same.  I pray that the FBC family will follow His lead on the 7 items above…with or without me!

REVrant 37.9 - Obama quits church, citing controversies

Obama quits church, citing controversies - CNN.com.

Good move.

REVrant 37.8 - Pastoral "Hall of Shame" - Moss, Meeks, Pfleger & Wright

 - Michelle Malkin » Greatest hits: All of Barack Obama’s men of bad faith; Update: Chicago archdiocese spanks Pfleger.

By now, most of you have probably seen at least one of the video clips – included in the link above at Michelle Malkin.  The four YouTube clips sample the preaching of Otis Moss (the new pastor at B. Obama’s church in Chicago), James Meeks (politician, preacher, and B. Obama supporter), Father Michael Pfleger (Catholic priest from Chicago – guest preaching at B. Obama’s church), and the legendary Jeremiah Wright (retired pastor of B. Obama’s church).  Buckle your seat belts.  These clips contain highly offensive language and reveal highly shameful conduct by four PASTORS.

Otis Moss, James Meeks, Michael Pfleger, and Jeremiah Wright

This shameful series of video clips turned my mind to a text in II Corinthians.  Paul is speaking about “false apostles” in the text.  I wouldn’t dignify any of the four mentioned above by referring to them as “apostles,” but I’m deeply burdened by such disappointing pastoral conduct.  I don’t know the hearts of these men.  But words betray what is in hearts.  And what I heard is angry, arrogant, and revoltingly racist.  All of these men have audiences who hang on every word they speak.  It’s frightening.  Perhaps Paul’s identification of false teachers in his day is relevant for assessing what is happening in our day?

“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.  It is not surprising then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.  Their end will be what their actions deserve.”  II Corinthians 11:13–15

One more thing – in this day of high-speed Internet access, cell-phones, video cameras, live-streaming video, and podcasting, every pastor knows that he’s going to be held accountable for every word.  Makes me wonder whether the four men mentioned above knew exactly what they were doing!  And enjoyed every minute of it. 

REVrence - Standing on THE Solid Rock

This has been one of those weeks…waves of news and multiple matters of concern that felt overwhelming at times.  I’d just hear about one crisis in a person’s life, and the news of another would be in the next batch of emails. 

Tragically, dear friends lost a ten week old baby to SIDS.  Two people had very serious eye surgery for retina problems.  A friend was rushed to the hospital with a high fever after a surgical procedure gone bad.  Shocking news of several leadership transitions…including news of a Dallas pastor caught in a sex scandal.  Then there were the “normal” distracting matters of daily life in church ministry.  It was just too much! 

Candidly, I felt completely overwhelmed a couple of times.  In fact, I mentioned to Jan that I felt like I needed to stand on “The Solid Rock” because it felt like everything else was “rocking.” 

Today, I thought of that familiar hymn –“My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name; On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.” 

That’s exactly what I chose to do this week.  Stand on THE Solid Rock – Jesus! Maybe you need to do the same.  Believe me, it helps!  And it’s the only safe place to stand!

REVealed - Midwest tornadoes kill 7, including toddler

Midwest tornadoes kill 7, including toddler - CNN.com.

Late spring seems to be prime time for powerful tornadoes across the mid-section of the U.S.  While many of us in Colorado are still focused on the devastation that occurred in Windsor last week, a new series of twisters has devastated communities in Iowa and Minnesota, killing 7.  “Lord, have mercy…”

(A scene in the aftermath of the storm in Hugo, Minnesota.  Note how two homes are destroyed and homes on either side seem relatively unscathed.)

REVered - Memorial Day 2008

People seem unusually confused this year about Memorial Day.  I mentioned it in services this weekend.  It’s not “Veteran’s Day.” (As important as that day is!)  Memorial Day is a day set aside to remember the men and women of the American Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives while serving in the military.  In each church service over the weekend, I asked any who had a family member who was killed while serving in the military to stand.  We also shared a moment of silence to honor these fallen heroes. (And during the last service, we even recited the Pledge of Allegiance!  I don’t equate being an American with being a Christian, BUT…I am deeply grateful to live in a nation whose founders considered it “one nation, UNDER GOD…!)

I hope you’ll take some time today to thank the Lord for our freedom.  You’ve probably heard the saying, “Freedom isn’t free.”  The freedom we enjoy in this nation is a special gift - and it comes to us because of the sacrifice of millions who paid the ultimate price!

President Bush placed a wreath at the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” in Arlington National Cemetery today.  I always find this moving.

We are honored to have a National Cemetery in our community.  If you want to be reminded of the significant sacrifice made for us, drive through Fort Logan National Cemetery – every time I’ve been there, I’m humbled.

REVered - Steven Curtis Chapman's Family Tragedy

FOXNews.com - Daughter, 5, of Christian Music Star Steven Curtis Chapman Killed by SUV Driven by Teen Brother.

The grief is overwhelming.  The older brother accidentally drives the SUV over his 5 year-old sister in the driveway at home.  The little girl is killed instantly.  It’s the family of Steven Curtis Chapman – a well-known Christian musician.   

Early in my pastoral ministry, something similar happened in one of our church families.  The little girl was barely 2 years old, and her teen-aged uncle was the one who backed the family van over her.  He was never the same.

My sympathy and prayers go out to the family, and particularly, to the boy who was driving the SUV.  This is one of those times when the “God of all comfort” is the only hope.

REVealed - Mile-Wide Tornado North of Mile-High City

Mile-wide tornado hits Windsor, Weld County - The Denver Post.

Late this morning, a powerful storm system spawned tornadoes that zeroed in on Windsor, Colorado.  Heaviest damage has been reported in Windsor, Greeley, and Dacono – communities located around 50 miles north of the Denver metro area.  As someone who grew up in “tornado country”  (southwestern Michigan), I could tell from the threatening skies this morning that this was not just a normal wave of thunderstorms.  Strangely, the storms came from east to west, which is unheard of in our region.  Almost all the weather flow is from west to east around here.  Local TV channels are reporting at least 3 fatalities and pre-empted afternoon programming to give live coverage of the devastating aftermath of the tornadoes.  I can hardly believe the images.

The power of this tornado is demonstrated by this snapped tree trunk.

Join me in praying for the communities hit by these spring tornadoes.  It will be a long time before things get back to normal in that part of Northern Colorado.  By the way, there is still a “tornado watch” here until 8:00 pm.

REVrant 37.7 - Pastors and Politics

McCain rejects Hagee endorsement - CNN.com.

I’ve said it over and over.  Pastors need to stick to their calling – which is NOT to endorse political candidates – but to point people to Jesus! 

The recent spat between Senator John McCain and Rev. John Hagee demonstrates my point perfectly!  It makes McCain look bad, it makes Hagee look worse, and it makes a mockery of the pastoral calling…once again.

Pastors, please stop endorsing candidates for political office.

You have a much higher calling!

REViewed - Why We're Not Emergent - A Book You Should Not Ignore

Thanks to the recommendation of a friend (Hat tip:JB), I’ve been reading a book titled, Why We’re Not Emergent (By Two Guys Who Should Be), by Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck.  If you’ve been listening to recent sermons of mine, you know that one of my hot topics is concern over the dangerous erosion of truth that is being caused by several from within what is referred to as the “emergent conversation,” or more popularly, “the emergent church.”  That a Senior Pastor in his late 50’s would take this posture on emergent thought is not surprising, I suppose.  But that these two young guys would land where I’ve landed is surprising and convincing.

De Young and Kluck are young 30–somethings who co-author this important book.  DeYoung is a Senior Pastor in Michigan and Kluck is a sportswriter, professional athlete, and Christian writer.  These guys are classic targets for “emergent” thought.  But they don’t buy it.  Here’s a quote – p. 23 – “The more we learn about the emerging church, the harder it is to swallow.”  In fact, they are speaking out against it.  They are well aware of what Doug Pagitt, Tony Jones, Brian McLaren, Donald Miller, Rob Bell, and Leonard Sweet have written and are saying.  And it’s not all bad, of course.  Here’s how one reviewer puts it – the authors have “given us a feel for what attracts some to emerging churches and thoughts about why that’s sometimes a very bad thing.”  They alternate in writing chapters.  Their research and exposure to emergent thought is extensive and probing. 

I’m not all the way through the book yet, but I’ve already decided that the next time someone asks me, “So what’s going on with this emergent church deal?” – I plan to recommend this book.  (It was published by Moody Press in 2008.)   

REVerie - It's DAVID...C-O-O-K!

American Idol Season 7 ended with the “Battle of the Davids.”  Contrary to my previous blog, it was David COOK, not David ARCHULETA, who won the coveted prize of “American Idol.”  I got it wrong.

 David Cook – Season 7 American Idol

Speaking of “getting it wrong,” this makes three seasons in a row of getting it wrong for me.  In Season 6, I predicted Melinda Doolittle (I know it was Blake in the final), rather than Jordin Sparks, and in Season 5, I predicted Katherine McPhee over Taylor Hicks.  For pure vocal talent, I still believe Katherine, Melinda, and David A. were musically tops in their respective fields.  But, the show is obviously not strictly about that.  It’s a popularity contest first.

So tonight, I’m pondering whether it’s going to be “three strikes and you’re out” for me and American Idol.

REVerie - David vs David

I know there are far more important issues in life than who will win American Idol 2008 tonight.  But they say confession is good for the soul – so, I need to confess two things; 1. I am a big fan of the show, and 2. I am an even bigger fan of David Archuleta!  (By the way, I’m sure that my wife shares in my confession!)

Both of the Davids (Archuleta and Cook) are massively talented, and I predicted a “David vs David” Finale months ago.  However, after their song selections and performances last night, I am convinced that the winner is…David A!

REVved - 60 Year Anniversary of the Modern State of Israel

One week ago, on May 14, 2008, Israel celebrated the birth of the  “modern State of Israel.”  I’m still amazed that one year before I was born, Israel became a sovereign nation for the first time in 19 centuries!

This is the May 14, 1948 edition of The Palestine Post.  The cover story that day was stunning – STATE OF ISRAEL IS BORN - including a remarkable reference to President Harry Truman being the first world leader to announce that the U.S. would “accord recognition” to the new State.  This was the beginning of a 60 year fight for the right to exist in the land God gave to the nation of Israel thousands of years earlier.  The fight rages on.  I’ve observed it to some degree or other as long as I remember. I’ve sensed it during my two trips to Israel – 1986 and 1999.  I’ve read political commentary about it for my whole life.

I still recall the prophecy conferences I attended in my teen years where the preachers would go on and on about the significance of Israel being a nation once again.  Many would point to this as THE sign that we were living in the “last days.”  I remember hearing one preacher (Jack Van Impe) declare that he was sure the Lord would return in his lifetime, “perhaps even tonight?”  I went to bed that night convinced that I would wake up to the “sound of the trumpet!”  I was positive that the existence of Israel as a nation was the definitive bellwether of the Lord’s return.  

Still, it’s been 60 years.  Will the Lord return in my lifetime?  I don’t know.  But the fact that Israel is in the land remains one of the definitive points for my belief that it could be.  Israel’s statehood is no small matter…politically or spiritually! 

That’s why on the occasion (belated…) of her 60th Anniversary of independence, I pause to ponder the mysterious ways of God with the nation He refers to as the “apple of His eye.” (Deut. 32:10)  Why Israel?  Good question.  I love how God puts it in Deuteronomy 7:7–9:

“The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples.  But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath He swore to your forefathers that He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharoah king of Egypt.  Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands.”

Israel’s statehood is far more than a political hot topic.  In my view, it is an essential ingredient in God’s plan for the end of the age!

REVealed - Health Matters and Blog Hiatus

Regular readers undoubtedly noted decreased blogging during the past week.  For good reason – I was ambushed by an acute intestinal malady 8 days ago.  This one was way beyond indigestion.  In fact, it called for a CT scan with contrast dye to rule out a more severe condition.  Thankfully, the scan did not reveal troubling news.  I’ve been on a 10–day regimen of antibiotics that served up some powerful fatigue, along with the bacteria-fighting punch. 

Today is the first day I’ve had a tiny taste of normalcy.  Hopefully, I’m back to blogging with more regularity.

(One of the main topics I missed during the hiatus was the 60th Anniversary of the modern State of Israel.  I hope to pick it up in a separate post.)

REVealed - Number of Dead/Missing in Quake Surpasses 70,000

FOXNews.com - China Struggles to House Homeless as Number of Dead/Missing in Quake Surpasses 70,000.

One week after the major earthquake in China, the confirmed number dead is over 40,000 and the number still missing is over 30,000.  5 million lost their homes.  A massive relief effort has been mobilized – donations total $1.5 billion…and counting. 

An event of this proportion has a way of putting life’s litle inconveniences into perspective.  Take a moment today to pray for the survivors of this cataclysmic event. 

REVrant 37.6 - California's Big Mistake

California Supreme Court overturns gay marriage ban.

“For this reason a MAN will leave his father and mother and be united to his WIFE and they will become one flesh.”  Genesis 2:24

As you will read in the linked article, the California Supreme Court – allegedly, among the wisest people in the State – has overturned the ban against gay marriage.  TV news coverage in the aftermath of this decision showed homosexual men and homosexual women embracing and kissing members of the same sex in celebration of the “good news.”

But this is not good news for California.  The State just made a decision to defy the law of God regarding marriage.  Since God is long-suffering and merciful, it’s is unlikely that there will be any immediate repercussions.  But this is not in the best interest of the State of California or its residents.

Conservative critics of the decision are quote