Did anyone see that TV special last week on the National Geographic Channel, called “The Testosterone Factor?”  

It was extremely interesting to say the least.

I, for one, have never bought too much into of this sort of thing, and am usually suspicious, by nature, of scientists and their “findings” anyway, due to their a prioris and extreme bias.

But this time it was different, at least to me.

They showed how scientists/researchers have done tests in regard to patterns of behavior-prediction, based upon testosterone levels in both animals and humans.  

The challenge was to study the effects of testosterone apart from preconceived or societal-/environmentally-induced reactions. 

They put optical scanners on human, male and female infants, and then monitored their respective reactions to side-by-side pictures of so-called “masculine images” (trucks), and “feminine images” (dolls). The tests showed that the male babies’ eyes were first drawn to the masculine-oriented images, while the female babies’ eyes were first drawn to the feminine images. The majority of their ensuing attention also followed this pattern. 

They tried this with male and female monkeys. When trucks and dolls were placed in the cages, all the male monkeys gathered around — and began to handle — the truck, while all the female monkeys gathered around and handled the doll.  

Also, they observed similar findings in fish. When “alpha male” fish were removed from their aquariums tanks, the previously subordinate/passive fish immediately began to produce more testosterone and soon became dominant. The color of the fish even began to change, and grow more colorful — all within just a few minutes of the removal of the alpha fish. Amazing. 

Then, they put these men inside of MRI monitors and were able to scan, and then show, how their levels of testosterone fluctuated based upon reading visual conversations which manifested either threatening or non-threatening scenarios. When the guys read "threatening" material, their collective testosterone levels immediately (and of course, subconsciously) shot up drastically.

Men who were owners of their own companies were found to have higher testosterone levels than men who were "merely" employees, and that men who were blue-collar workers had higher testosterone levels on average than males who were white-collar workers. (Did I mention I am a blue-collar worker?)

They ended up concluding that heightened testosterone levels could perhaps explain differing social strata, and what we observe as drive and ambition — the entrepreneurial mindset if you will — as well as pre-determined patterns of dominant/aggressive behavior.    

I’m not sure what all this means, or its ramifications. Nor less yet what it has to do with this blog. 

I just have the vague feeling it may help to elucidate some of the previously unexplained, erratic behavior patterns in my youth.  

Or, even current ones.

-joe

P.S. This post is proof positive that cat needs to get back to posting, ASAP.

In our continuing effort to remain as journalistically accurate as possible, we offer the following correction:

GORBACHEV DISPELS 'CLOSET CHRISTIAN' RUMORS; SAYS HE IS ATHEIST 

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev made clear this past weekend that he is an atheist after European news agencies last week claimed that he had confirmed his Christian faith during a visit to the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi in Italy. 

Gorbachev, the last communist leader of the Soviet Union, confronted speculations that he had been a closeted Christian during an interview with the Russian news agency Interfax. 

"Over the last few days some media have been disseminating fantasies – I can't use any other word – about my secret Catholicism, citing my visit to the Sacro Convento friary, where the remains of St. Francis of Assisi lie," Gorbachev said, according to an Interfax article posted Friday. 

"To sum up and avoid any misunderstandings, let me say that I have been and remain an atheist,” he stated. 

Rumors for decades had circulated that Gorbachev was a Christian after he moved to loosen restrictions on religious worship and expressed to a party congress a year before the communist state dissolved that “spiritual rebirth is as essential to society as oxygen,” according to the Chicago Tribune. 

As a result, media agencies had jumped to conclusions when Gorbachev visited St. Francis’ tomb last Wednesday and was seen kneeling for half an hour in silence at the tomb. 

But Gorbachev, who was baptized Russian Orthodox as a child, explained that his visit to the tomb was as a tourist and not a pilgrim. He acknowledged the important role religion plays in society and said he looks forward to visiting Orthodox churches in Russia, Catholic and Protestant churches in the United States and Europe, synagogues in Israel and mosques in the Arab world, according to Interfax. 

"But all these years, it has never occurred to anyone to list me among followers of any faith on that basis," Gorbachev noted. 

Back in Russia, the Russian Orthodox Church seemed unimpressed with Gorbachev’s visit to St. Francis’ tomb. 

"In Italy, he spoke in emotional terms, rather than in terms of faith," a spokesman for the Russian Orthodox patriarch Alexei II told the Russian media. 

"He is still on his way to Christianity. If he arrives, we will welcome him." 

Sorry, Gipper.

Will Hillary make a similar clarification in August after she loses?

Rumor has it that may not be the only thing she'll clarify.

-joebib   

This one's just in from The Christian Post:

OBAMA SUGGESTS JESUS CHRIST NOT THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN 

Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama suggested Wednesday that Jesus Christ is not the only way to heaven during a campaign event in North Carolina. 

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., speaks at a town hall meeting in Greensboro, N.C., Wednesday, March 26, 2008. While answering a question about his Christian faith, Obama said he believes that Jesus Christ died for his sins and through God’s grace and mercy he could have “everlasting life,” according to the Los Angeles Times. 

But he also believes Jews and Muslims and non-believers who live moral lives are as much “children of God” as he is, according to The Associated Press. 

As an example, he spoke about his late mother who was “not a believer.” 

"[S]he was the kindest, most decent, generous person that I have ever known," Obama said, according to the Times. "I'm sure she is in heaven, even though she may not have subscribed to everything that I subscribe to." 

Obama’s response came amid the recent controversy surrounding his former Chicago pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, who made inflammatory remarks about race and America in sermons he delivered many years ago. 

The Illinois senator, who has made religion a cornerstone of his campaign, has denounced the comments – which included “God damn America” for its racism – but refuses to distance himself from the pastor, whom he compares to an uncle. 

During his response on Wednesday, Obama praised his church, Trinity United Church of Christ, especially its choir, and said it was very warm and welcoming and is like any other church in America in that it exists to praise God. 

Obama also said he believes in putting the Gospel to action here on Earth and treating people with “dignity” and “respect” as children of God, according to the Los Angeles Times. 

Currently, Obama is leading the Democratic race with 1,622 delegates compared to Hillary Clinton’s 1,485, according to CNN.

That's just great.

(And just when I thought I had this whole thing figured out…)

-joebib  

I don’t know. Maybe I shoulda never cancelled my Sacramento Bee subscription. I'm always the last one to find these things out.  

But, in the wake of my “Gorbachev A Christian?” post, now comes news that I must perhaps address Ms. Rodham-Clinton as “sister!” 

This is starting to get difficult. 

I guess I need a scorecard. Let’s see, first it was Charlie Sheen, then Stephen Baldwin, then Barack Obama…and now Hillary. I mean, who’s it going to be next, Bill Clinton? Hey! That's not a bad idea. At least then, husbands, fiancés and boyfriends all across the U.S. could sleep nights. 

If this is true, one wonders…can Osama bin Laden be far behind?

-joe

H/T: Albino Hayford

I came across this article under the Q & A section of John Piper’s excellent blog.

Inasmuch as "the homosexual question" just won’t seem to quietly go away from the lofty threads of C-BUS-C — see the debate under the Obama And Same Sex Union thread — I thought Dr. Piper's take on the matter, this aspect of negative/positive confession, was interesting. 

In the original article, he provides a link to a position paper he helped draft on homosexuality, which I have appended. It all runs rather long, and will perhaps be a bit tedious to some, I still think it's some good food for thought. At the very least, it will help keep us occupied till Cat gets back and starts earning his pay again.

I just hope I’m not in violation of any copyright laws in cutting and pasting this stuff here.

{{Shudder}}

“How can we help Christians who are struggling with homosexual desires?” 

(By John Piper January 16, 2008.) 

(The following is an edited transcription of the audio.)  

How can we help Christians who are struggling with homosexual desires?  

I would encourage them to be careful not to define themselves as "homosexual." Don't say, "I am gay," or "I am a homosexual." Say, rather, "I struggle with homosexual desires." That's a very small—and huge—distinction.  

There was a Christian brother in our church who had AIDS due to his history in the homosexual lifestyle. The Lord wonderfully saved him from that, and he taught me so many things over the 10 years or so that we were together. He also helped me draft a one-page statement of conviction and compassion with regard to homosexuality.  

He, Joe, said to me: "Don't ever let any man tell you he is a homosexual. Always correct his vocabulary, because in Christ Jesus that is not who I am. In Christ Jesus I am a new creature."  

Just like John Piper is a new creature in Christ, even though he still struggles with the sins of impatience, lust, and pride, Christians who struggle with homosexual desires are not homosexuals. In Christ they are new creatures who struggle with the temptations of homosexuality. And I just want to come along side them and say, "Get that as your paradigm, and let's struggle together in chastity and in purity until we're dead."  

Who knows how much healing may come? There is an article I read recently in Christianity Today about Exodus International ministries. It talks about people experiencing true change, healing and victory over homosexual temptations. It doesn't mean that those feelings go away entirely, but many in time are able to enjoy heterosexual lives or lives of contented, chaste singleness despite a history of homosexual sin.  

I don't want to create the impression that this is a taboo subject at my church or that I won't be patient and compassionate with those who are struggling with it. They have enough burden of their own.  

I just heard of another young man who is suicidally depressed because of who he thinks he is. Everything in me wants to say to him, "I'll stand by you all the way to my grave or your grave, but don't give up this battle and don't think God doesn't have you here, with this struggle, for a purpose that you can find and flourish in."  

Bethlehem's Position on Homosexuality

(By John Piper August 6, 2003)   

In view of the recent actions of the Supreme Court in regard to Sodomy laws, and the controversy over actively homosexual bishops in the Episcopalian and Anglican denominations, it is important to bring forward again the position of Bethlehem Baptist Church which the Elders established in the fall of 1992. I drafted this statement with the help of Joe Hallet who came out of the homosexual life by the power of Christ and lived faithfully with AIDS, and eventually with his wife, until his death in 1997. 

Beliefs about Homosexual Behavior and Ministering to Homosexual Persons

Our affirmation that the Bible is the infallible Word of God with "supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct," and our affirmation that "a Christian should live for the glory of God" include the following six beliefs about heterosexuality and homosexuality: 

1. We believe that heterosexuality is God's revealed will for humankind and that, since God is loving, a chaste and faithful expression of this orientation (whether in singleness or in marriage) is the ideal to which God calls all people. 

2. We believe that a homosexual orientation is a result of the fall of humanity into a sinful condition that pervades every person. Whatever biological or familial roots of homosexuality may be discovered, we do not believe that these would sanction or excuse homosexual behavior, though they would deepen our compassion and patience for those who are struggling to be free from sexual temptations. 

3. We believe there is hope for the person with a homosexual orientation and that Jesus Christ offers a healing alternative in which the power of sin is broken and the person is freed to know and experience his or her true identity in Christ and in the fellowship of his Church. 

4. We believe that this freedom is attained through a process which includes recognizing homosexual behavior as sin, renouncing the practice of homosexual behavior, rediscovering healthy, non-erotic friendships with people of the same sex, embracing a moral sexual lifestyle, and in the age to come, rising from the dead with a new body free from every sinful impulse. This process parallels the similar process of sanctification needed in dealing with heterosexual temptations as well. We believe that this freedom comes through faith in Jesus Christ, by the power of his Spirit. 

5. We believe that all persons have been created in the image of God and should be accorded human dignity. We believe therefore that hateful, fearful, unconcerned harassment of persons with a homosexual orientation should be repudiated. We believe that respect for persons with a homosexual orientation involves honest, reasoned, nonviolent sharing of facts concerning the immorality and liability of homosexual behavior. On the other hand, endorsing behavior which the Bible disapproves endangers persons and dishonors God. 

6. We believe that Christian churches should reach out in love and truth to minister to people touched by homosexuality, and that those who contend Biblically against their own sexual temptation should be patiently assisted in their battle, not ostracized or disdained. However, the more prominent a leadership role or modeling role a person holds in a church or institution of the Conference, the higher will be the expectations for God's ideal of sexual obedience and wholeness. We affirm that both heterosexual and homosexual persons should find help in the church to engage in the Biblical battle against all improper sexual thoughts and behaviors. 

Pastor John

Late note: I just noticed Cat also posted something by Dr. Piper — his tirade on the Prosperity Gospel — and all I can say is…Cat and I apparently think very much alike.

-joebib

I just read the following article on the web this fine Easter morning, and was wondering what thoughts everyone might have on it.

I found particularly interesting former President Reagan's suspicion — apparently gleaned from their various closed-door tête à têtes — that Mr. Gorbachev could have actually been a Christian all along during those tension-filled days in the 80s, when I for one followed very closely the unfolding (almost nuclear) showdown between the US and the USSR.

I realize that the media labels all sorts of people as "Christians," and while I had never heard these rumors about Gorby before, still — if true — who wudda thought?

Here are the main points:   

EX-SOVIET LEADER GORBACHEV ADMITS HE IS CHRISTIAN

Mikhail Gorbachev, the last communist leader of the Soviet Union, admitted publicly for the first time on Wednesday that he is a Christian. 

Rumors had circulated for decades that Gorbachev was a “closet Christian,” but it was only confirmed yesterday when he made a surprise visit with his daughter Irina to pray at the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi in Italy. The former communist leader spent half an hour on his knees in silent prayer at the tomb. 

Until now, Gorbachev had only expressed pantheistic views such as “nature is my god,” according to the U.K. newspaper. 

Gorbachev, 77, was baptized into the Russian Orthodox Church and his parents are Christians. Moreover, the parents of his wife, Raisa, were devout Christians who died during World War II for having religious icons in their home. 

Many had suspected that Gorbachev was forced to hide his faith because of the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics)’s official stance as an atheist state. 

Former President Ronald Reagan had allegedly told close aides that he suspected that his opponent during the Cold War was a “closet believer,” according to the Telegraph. 

Besides praying at the tomb, Gorbachev during his Assisi visit also toured the Basilica of St. Francis and asked the monks there for theological books to help him understand the life of St. Francis. 

“He seemed a man deeply inspired by charity, and told me that he was involved in a project to help children with cancer,” reflected (Father Miroslavo) Anuskevic. 

 -joebib

I was interested in this article from yesterday's The Christian Post, and I must say I agree with the majority of it. The "foolishness of the Cross" refers to Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 1:17-25 regarding what our emphasis is to be in presenting the Good News of Jesus to the world.

I can't remember the last time I was in an IC that didn't preach a seeker-friendly, purpose-driven, watered-down, I'm-OK-You're-OK "gospel." 

Conversely, neither can I recall the last time I heard a sermon on the Cross, on Hell, or on the sinfulness and depravity of man, holy living, coming Judgment, man's need to repent, or even self-sacrifice — unless it was sacrifice in regard to the giving of money to that particular IC. 

Don't get me wrong…I'm not saying every sermon has to be on the aspect of all this gloomy stuff, as my flesh doesn't enjoy it any more than the next person does.  I, too, prefer to hear about all the good stuff, the blessings, benefits and rewards of serving Jesus.

But as I have sat week after week in various LCs over the years, I've noticed their slow and subtle movement toward preaching only that which offends no one, but instead strokes the hearers…

³ For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; 

⁴ and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths. (2 Timothy 4:3-4, NASB)

I am reminded that the one Person who spoke more on accountability, punishment, and Hell than anyone else in the Scriptures was none other than the lowly, love-filled Jesus. In fact, according to scholars who pay attention to these things, preaching on Hell was Jesus' #1 favorite subject.

Apparently to Him, warning others of impending judgment constituted the highest manifestation of love for mankind.

Here are the high points of the article:

Many Christians will arrive at Easter this year celebrating only half of what the holiest day in the Christian calendar signifies. "

Easter Sunday is not only a most appropriate occasion for celebration, but it also serves as a yearly sobering reminder of a topic that many people work hard to avoid – the harsh reality of death," said C.J. Mahaney, president of Sovereign Grace Ministries. 

Mahaney was speaking to hundreds in Orlando, Fla., this past weekend at Ligonier Ministries' annual national conference, which concluded Saturday. 

Death is a topic most people like to distance themselves from, Mahaney told the crowd on Friday, including during the Easter celebration. On Easter Sunday, when churches expect fuller pews and higher attendance numbers than usual, people expect to hear messages that are cheerful in tone. 

But that's not what Easter is only about. 

"If we don't understand the harsh reality or theological significance of death, we will never truly celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ," Mahaney stressed. 

Just ahead of the start of Holy Week, which marks the last week of the earthly life of Jesus and is considered the most important week of the year for believers, speakers at the Orlando conference spent three days expounding on Scripture passages that spoke of the cross and resurrection of Jesus. 

Bluntly stated, the cross is bloody, it's an offensive message and it's a shameful death in the ears of the world, said Steven J. Lawson, senior pastor of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, Ala., during the Ligonier conference. 

The word of the cross is foolishness. In other words, it's nonsense, pointless, idiotic, and mindless. "That is what the cross is to the natural man," Lawson noted. 

Even though foolishness to many, a straightforward delivery of the message of the cross and the crucifixion of Jesus is power to those being saved, and it is desperately needed in the church today, he added. 

"It is a distasteful announcement that the herald brings and yet, he is responsible to God to discharge his duty to bring the entirety of the message," Lawson said, noting that heralds are marked by the straightforward delivery of the message regardless of what the results may be. 

"We need heralds. We need to come back to the foolishness of preaching," he emphasized to hundreds as he denounced modern trends of replacing theology with theatrics and expository preaching with entertainment. 

Ligonier Ministries president and founder R.C. Sproul believes many churches are following modern trends and that the church has failed to preach the biblical Gospel. 

"Instead of preaching about mankind's depravity and the truth that citizenship in the kingdom of God comes only by the imputation of Christ's righteousness, we hear about a powerless and insipid Creator and the cheap grace He lavishes upon all," he said in an introduction statement for this year's conference, which was aptly themed "Evangelism According to Jesus." 

And the result of failing to preach the biblical Gospel is evangelism that introduces people to the wrong Jesus, Sproul noted. 

I love Sproul, and "the wrong Jesus" he refers to is doubtless the man-made, Santa Claus "Jesus" of the WOF/Prosperity Movement that wants to give you any- and everything your covetous little heart desires, from a nice big house to expensive, fancy cars in the driveway, and designer sunglasses and clothes, all in exchange for — and dependant upon — you giving all your money to the Senior Pastor's latest monument to his pride, otherwise known as the "building program."

Which is not unlike, it seems to me, the pyramids in Egypt, constructed for the sole purpose of memorializing the Pharaoh-kings who had them built on the backs of the over-burdened people. 

Gone are the sermons of yesteryear Pastor Lawson mentions which actually used to contain biblical theology and expository preaching from the Word, as we see exemplified in the Book of Acts.

I really wonder how many Local Churches will preach a message this Sunday that actually resembles anything Jesus and the Apostles would recognize as glorifying the Cross and His Resurrection? Oddly, one would probably have to go to one of the much vilified, mainline, "high churches" to hear such a sermon.

-joe   

 So, has anyone seen the latest on Obama?

Here are the highlights. Pretty interesting stuff…

Barack Obama defended same-sex civil unions Sunday by referring Christians against the practice to look at Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, which he contends supports gay civil unions. 

"I believe in civil unions that allow a same-sex couple to visit each other in a hospital or transfer property to each other," Obama said, referring to unions that provide all the legal benefits of marriage but the title, according to Christian Broadcasting Network. "I don't think it should be called marriage, but I think that it is a legal right that they should have that is recognized by the state. 

“If people find that controversial, then I would just refer them to the Sermon on the Mount, which I think is, in my mind, for my faith, more central than an obscure passage in Romans,” the Democratic presidential candidate contends. “That's my view. But we can have a respectful disagreement on that." 

Media agencies speculate that Obama was referring to Matthew 7:12: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” 

Obama was responding to a question posed by a local pastor during an appearance in Nelsonville, Ohio. Pastor Leon Forte had asked the candidate how he plans to win the support of evangelical voters who disagree with him on moral issues. 

But not all Christians were happy with Obama’s use of the Bible to defend civil unions.  Pastor John Barner, manager of pastoral care at Focus on the Family, said: 

"We are always saddened as evangelical Christians when others who identify themselves as Christians do not have the high view of Scripture that we believe is so important. We believe isolated portions of Scripture should not be used to justify a personal preference or a social position that goes in a different direction than the overall message of Scripture.” 

The FOTF pastor said the Scripture is “pretty clear” in defining and affirming that marriage is “an exclusive, lifetime relationship between a man and a woman.” 

“The compromising positions of these candidates are a disappointment to us as evangelical Christians,” he added. 

Sen. Hillary Clinton has also expressed her support for civil unions. 

“It’s a personal position,” she said in August, according to FOTF. “I am absolutely in favor of civil unions with full equality.” 

Denny Burk, professor of New Testament at Criswell College in Dallas, also criticized Obama for insinuating that the Sermon on the Mount should be given greater emphasis than the teaching in Romans about homosexuality. 

"The fact is that Jesus appointed Paul to bear his name before the Gentiles (Acts 9:15), many of whom were living in homosexual sin (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)," Burk said, according to the Baptist Press. 

"The passage in Romans condemning homosexuality was not obscure to first century readers living in the Roman Empire. It’s only obscure to modern readers when they are looking for biblical grounds to justify that which God condemns,” the New Testament professor argued. 

“As a matter of public policy, the best way to honor God’s intention for marriage and human sexuality is to keep monogamous, heterosexual marriage privileged in law,” he said. “Unfortunately, the policies of Senator Obama fall far short of the biblical ideal." 

Amid ongoing questioning about his religion, Obama defended his personal faith while responding to the Ohio pastor, saying: 

“I am a Christian. I am a devout Christian. I’ve been a member of the same church for 20 years. I pray to Jesus every night and try to go to church as much as I can.” 

The Illinois senator explained that he hasn’t been home on Sunday for several months now.

-joe 

My sister up in Oregon sent this story to my wife, and I thought it might encourage some of us. I know it did me.  

17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was, What Was Heaven Like? Brian later told his father, Bruce: "It's the best thing I ever wrote."  It also was the last.  

Brian's parents had forgotten about the essay when a cousin found it while cleaning out the teenager's locker at Teary Valley High School. Brian had been dead only hours, but his parents desperately wanted every piece of his life near them…notes from classmates and teachers…his homework.  

Only two months before, he had handwritten the essay about encountering Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing every moment of the teen's life. But it was only after Brian's death that Beth and Bruce Moore realized that their son had described his view of Heaven.

"It makes such an impact that people want to share it…you feel like you are there," Mr. Moore said.  

Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed, but stepped on a downed power line and was instantly electrocuted.  The Moore's framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room.

"I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it," Mrs. Moore said of the essay.

She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. She said, "I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in Heaven. I know I'll see him."  

Brian's Essay:  

THE ROOM

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in The Room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that lists titles by author, or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read: "Girls I Have Liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one! And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was…  

This lifeless Room with its small files was a crude catalog system for My Life.

Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories, others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.

A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I Have Betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird: "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed At."  Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've Yelled At My Brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done In My Anger," and "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath At My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.  

Often, there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes, fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the Life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands, or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each one was written in my own handwriting. Each was signed with my signature.  

When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I Have Watched," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file! I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.  

When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.  

I felt sick to think that such moments had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them! In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards! But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.  

Feeling defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.  

And then I saw it…the title bore "People I Have Shared The Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on just one hand.  

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room! I must lock it up and hide the key. But then, as I brushed away the tears…I saw Him.  

No! Please! Not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus! I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.  He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes.

Why did He have to read every one?

Finally, He turned and gazed at me from across The Room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word…He just cried with me.  

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of The Room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His Name over mine on each card. No!, I shouted, rushing to Him. All I could find to say was No! No!, as I pulled the card from Him. His Name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive.

The Name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His Blood.

He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file, and He walked back to my side.  He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up, and He led me out of The Room.

There was no lock on its door.  

There were still cards to be written.

 -joebib

I just came across this insightful article from the Christian Post that talks about how, according to a new Barna study,  a majority of Christians now believe in the validity of worshiping God in non-traditional church settings. It states: 

“'Often, people feel as if their worship and ministry are confined to what is routinely done because those patterns have a biblical basis or mandate,' explained George Barna, co-author of the new book Pagan Christianity? Exploring the Roots of Our Christian Practices.'

'But when you research the origins of church practices, and study the practices of the early church, you discover that most of our current church practices have ancient cultural origins, with no biblical basis.' 

Six alternatives were considered by most adults to be ‘a complete and biblically valid way for someone who does not participate in the services or activities of a conventional church to experience and express their faith in God.’  

Non-Church alternatives include engaging in faith activities at home with one’s family (acceptable by 89 percent of adults); participating in a house church (75 percent); watching a religious television program (69 percent); listening to a religious radio broadcast (68 percent); attending a special ministry event, such as a concert or community service activity (68 percent); and participating in a marketplace ministry (54 percent).  

In the past month, the study found that while 55 percent of adults had attended a conventional church, 28 percent of all adults who did not attend a conventional church did, however, participate in an alternative activity to express their faith in God.” 

I found particularly interesting the part that mentions how a majority of IC Pastors of Protestant churches remain opposed to house churches, specifically those Pastors who: earn more than $75K per year, are African-American, or are Charismatic/Pentecostal. 

I guess these SPs haven't seen Acts 8:3, 20:20; Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 16:19; Col. 4:15, etc.

Pretty interesting stuff.

The entire article can be read HERE. 

-joebib