I know I am American when...

1. I feel paralized without my car.

and

2. I feel "hungry" three hours after I had my last meal.

Two times in the last two weeks my car has been at the mechanic. The joys of having an old car! Two weeks ago the clutch finally gave out. It was a good clutch. It had been faithful for 12 years and 150,000 miles. It cost me almost $1,000. ::GULP:: When I write checks like THAT I always remind myself, "You have no car payment, you have no car payment, you have no car payment." Sometimes that type of "self-talk" works and other times it makes me roll my eyes.

Anyway, yesterday, when I was already running late for work, I jumped in my car and it would not start. So, I took mom's mini van to work and tried to stay positive. Could be the spark plugs, $15 repair. Could be the timing is off, cheaper repair than some things. Could be the fuel injector, lets not think about that price. My dad looked at everything, made sure I had fuel (I have yet to run out of gas, thank you very much!) and he could not figure it out.

We had Dick, our trusty neighbor who has every gadget imaginable and knows how to fix any problem, look at it. He thought it was the timing belt or the fuel injector. He said, "Well, I cannot fix that, but let's tow it to the shop." So he gets out his towing stuff and we push the car up the hill. The boys pushed me down the hill, onto the towing trailer (which I thought I would drive up and over because of how fast I was going!) and we head to Johnny Good, Inc. We unloaded my truck and dropped the key in the box.

Now I wait. Wait to hear the fate of my faithful, beloved Isuzu Trooper. This morning when I got up I was reminded that someone had to take me to work. I feel like I am being a bother and in a way I feel paralized. I had some errands to do today. My brother has to come get me with the kids in tow. My dad had to drop me off. Someone will have to go with me to get the car at the shop.

Now, what does THIS have to do with being American? EVERYTHING. Why in the WORLD do I feel paralized without my truck? It is a luxury that I take for granted EVERY day. I hop in, drive around and think nothing of it. Until I am reminded of what I have seen all over the world. How about the 50 Africans in the mini bus all hanging out like clowns in a circus van to get to the next village? How about the thousands of bicycles that are used every day in Amsterdam to get people from one place to another? How about the African women who walk mile upon mile from home to the store in 120 degree weather to buy flour? No plush seats, sleak sports cars, massive SUVs, air conditioning, heater, CD player, radio, massager or rest for their feet.

And I feel put out that I am carless for a few days? Actually, I am not completely carless, which makes this all the more convicting. I have acess to three other cars. Each driver in my household has a car. I can use any of them. How pathetic. Now, I am not against owning a car. I am just trying to tell myself how pathetic my feelings of frustration are! I am so blessed to own a car. I am blessed that I can use it to see the world, minister to others and accomplish even the most basic tasks.

So there. That is what I learned today.

As for number two, getting "hungry" when I have not eaten for a few hours. I think, for us Americans or anyone in a developed country, eating is a habit. We eat because it is "time" not because we are truly nurishing our body or hungry.

Anyway... I could say more about being American. I love it. Yet, I am beginning to see how much God requires of Christians in America because of what He has given to us. I am learning that my FIRST citizenship is in heaven and I must think and act like God's subject. His lows, rules, commands and mindset must overrule my American heritage. I must make my American mind conform to God's. There, a car is a blessing and not a right. There, a meal is a gift and not a habit.

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things That Produce Thankfulness 1. My Bible- oh, what would I do without the life giving, conviction producing, love story from God!?!? It sustains, comforts, enourages, strengthens and revives. I praise God for the men and women who sacrificed time, money and their very lives so that I might read God's Word in my own language. Now for the 4,000 languages left to translate... 2. My family- How I love them! They remind me constantly that I am loved, that I am not perfect and that God is in control. I learn so much from living and growing with six other people. God was good to me when He gave me this community where I belong and feel secure. 3. My friends- God has blessed me with amazing and Godly friends. I am a person that cherishes a good friend... and I only need a couple. I do not need dozens of people around me all the time, although I don't mind that either. I value loyalty, companionship, laughter, Godliness and honesty. I love you, friends! 4. My toothbrush- Yes, it is true. I am thankful for my toothbrush. I do not have the same affections for it as my Bible, family or friends, but I like clean teeth. :-D 5. The sun- Can you imagine life without the sun? I am thankful that I live in a place where the sun shines almost every day! It reminds me that God holds all of life together by the Word of His mouth! 6. Books- I'm a geek. You already knew that, though. I LOVE a good book. I wish I had more time to read. My favorite subjects are theology, philosophy, homeschooling, child birth, child training and Beverly Lewis' Amish Heritage novels. Told you I am a geek.... :-) 7. Knowlegde of God- I do not deserve knowledge of God; I deserve condemnation from God. The fact that He opened my eyes to the Truth is a gift that none other can match in this life. Earth has nothing I desire except Christ, being like Him and having depth of knowledge of Him that produces Christ-likeness! 8. Health- When I see people who are suffering with cancer, AIDS, malaria, constant hunger, blindness, etc. I am grateful that I, for now, have a healthy body. Lately I have been challenged with this simple thought: When God gives much, He requires much. What am I doing with my health that a sick person cannot do in their sickness? Am I using my health to the full extent to glorify God? 9. Flip flops- Although I do not like flip flops as much as my dear brother, I am thankful for them! (and shoes in general...see my quote from yesterday!) 10. Airplanes- What an amazing invention planes are! I am thankful for the technology that has allowed me to journey around the world many times in a fraction of the time that people were able to travel a hundred years ago! There is no excuse for not reaching the ends of the earth with the gospel of Christ... 11. Computers- I am thankful that I am able to find information, type papers, send emails, play games and download digital pictures. 12. The number 12- I am thankful for this number. It reminds me of four things: the twelve tribes of Israel, the twelve disciples, the twelve foundational layers of the New Jerusalem and my little sister. The first three are obvious. Why does it remind me of my sister? When she was about five years old she was listening as a group of my friends discussed children. We were talking about homeschooling and wanting to have many children. Victoria, quite seriously, voiced, "I think I would like to have ten children because twelve is too many." Hahaha... 13. Last, but certainly not least: I am thankful for The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. Ben and I have been listening to Focus on the Family's radio theater production of the series on our drive to and from Ft. Collins every Sunday. Katie bought me the entire set for Christmas. I have been learning so much about God through these stories. Weird, maybe, but I don't care. It is AMAZING how much indepth theology and philosophy Lewis intertwines throughout the series. Everything Aslan says is so powerful! Each book can relate to a different aspect of my life and relationship to Christ. And it is fun because it is a story!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

Words and their meanings...

What picture, idea or thoughts come to your mind when you hear the word "spiritual" ? If you would, please give your answer in comments.

Thanks!

Everyone complains they do not have shoes

until

they meet someone who does not have feet.

The Power of a Name

"Jaclyn," the small African man called, pronoucing my name with his Swahili accent which sounded more like Jaci-Lynn, "please come over here to meet my wife." I turned around to face a beautiful African woman. "This is my wife, Redempta."

Redempta. Redempta. Redempta.

The name rang in my ears like a cymbal as I shook her hand, African style. Redempta.

"Hello, my name is Glorious."

"Jaclyn, Ben, I am Unity. This is my wife Grace and my children, Witness, Amen and Glory. This is my niece Gladness."

"These are my brothers, Revival and Redemption."

Redemption. Redempta. Unity. Glorious.
Glory. Amen. Witness.
Gladness. Grace. Revival.

Are these mere "spiritual" words? No, these are names of Christians I met in Tanzania, Africa. If you did not have a characteristic name, you had a Biblical one.

Zacharias. John. Samuel. Peter.
Timothy. Josephine. Naomi.

In the homeschool circle I have heard names such as:

Justice. Peace. Providence. Purity.
Honesty. Courage. Summit.

My precious friend, Dawn, became a mother on Friday and her son's name is Judah. Each of these names, whether African, Biblical or characteristic, have rich significance and meaning. In the African Christian culture if you become a follower of Jesus as an adult and do not already have a Biblical name you change your name. If you are born into a Christian home you will, more than likely, end up with a name like "Revival" or "Amen." The Bible makes it clear that names have power, significance and heritage. Many mothers groaned or rejoiced while naming their children and this affected the name the baby received! Imagine Jabez, which means, "I bore him in pain." Jabez even sounds like the Hebrew word for pain! How about Samuel, which means, "I have asked of him from the Lord" or "the Lord heard my cry." There are numerous other examples I could give.

What about the names of Jesus? Can we list them all?

God

Savior

Prince of Peace

Knowledge

Majesty

Perfection

Messiah

Redeemer

Friend

Father

Creator

Judge

Grace

Love

Mercy

And the list could go on... look up the times when "name" is mentioned in the Bible- especially in reference to God. You will be amazed at what you read!

Crossing Cultures Weekend Whirlwind

Q: What do you get when you combine a brother and a sister, and a brother and a sister? What do you get when the sisters are the oldest children and the brothers are second born? What do you get when both families have more than 5 children? What do you get when both of their fathers turn 50 this year? What do you get when their fathers were both pastors and are no longer? What do you get when the girls love missions and the boys love music? What do you get when one of the girls is taking the mission class "Perspectives" that the other girl did last year? What do you get when the girls and one boy went to Africa together? What do you get when one sister and one brother are homeschool graduates and the other brother and sister are soon to be homeschool graduates?

A: Jaclyn and Ben; Shannon and Caleb!

Part One

Little Mexico in Denver: A Struggle with Prejudice

Shannon and Caleb arrived at our house while the sun was rising (7:00am) on Saturday morning. We loaded the car and embarked on a grand adventure! The adventure? A seminar, of sorts, called Crossing Cultures. We found the host church, on the other side of town, with 15 minutes to spare! We were the first ones to arrive... and the last ones to leave. (Once a pastor's kid, always a pastor's kid... always early whether you want to be or not! Always the last one to leave because you HAVE to talk to everyone, you know?)

Crossing Cultures is a one day class that encourages, teaches and challenges people (mostly "Americans") to cross cultures in their own sphere of influence with out ever leaving "home." The morning of the class is information and traning. The afternoon is hands on in the community. You spend several hours walking the streets and talking with people of different ethnical backgrounds, asking them questions about their home country, languages and any stories they want to share.

Anyway, the seminar started and we eagerly soaked up the information. Most of the material was basic, but the activities were fun and the people were friendly. I learned that the fourth language spoken in the Aurora Public School District here in Colorado is a dialect from Ethiopia called Amharic. English is first, Spanish second, (cannot remember the third... Russian?) and Amharic. Amazing! I also learned that there are 60,000 Mongolians living in the Denver Metro area. There is one small, but thriving, Mongolian church.

Most large cities in America have become the home to hundreds of different peoples (nationalities). Close your eyes and picture the people you see on your drive to work. List the people you interact with at work or because of work. Who do you see in the grocery store? Walmart? Dry cleaner? Here is my list of people who I KNOW are first generation in America that I interact with on a regular basis: Hispanic, Ethiopian, Ghanaan, Polish, Swedish, Irish, Kenyan, British, Australian, Iranian, Korean and French.

Our location for the hands on assignment was a small Mexican bus station in downtown Denver. First, finding this place was quite difficult. One because it was in a rough part of town and two because some city streets were blocked for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. I found it eventually. None of us had been to this part of Denver before. My guard was on high as we stepped out of the car. The four of us looked around and glanced knowingly at each other. Where were we? Where we in Denver, Colorado or Juarez, Mexico? The streets were dirty; the buildings were run down. The people stared at US like we were out of place. And we were. We were white and young.

We stood across from the Guadalajara bus station and stared. We confessed to each other that we felt a slight tinge of prejudice rising from somewhere within us. Why did we have a desire to talk with the African, the European or the Asian? Why were we, four pretty outgoing people who LOVE different cultures, finding this so hard? We walked by the bus stop and, not seeing anyone in there, went instead into what I thought was a Mexican grocery store. It was not. It was a restaurant. They stared. You could almost hear them thinking, "What are they doing here?" We stepped out and walked over to a run down store. The same question was obvious on the faces of all the people inside the store: "What are these young, clean, white Americans doing in our Mexican shoe store?" Shannon and I talked with the young girl at the counter while Ben and Caleb approached some teenage boys. The girl was about twelve years old and had been in the United States only four months. She learned most of her English by reading Harry Potter. She was shy and struggling to communicate, so we courteously bought a treat and said farewell!

The "treat" we bought was what we affectionately titled a "candied yam." It was sweet, sweet, sweet, stringy inside like a squash and sweet! We couldn't have chose the pink fluffy treat or the cookies, huh? We had to pick the most unfamiliar looking one. Well, what got what we asked for by doing a thing like that! It was edible, but I would not spend a $1 on another one!

We decided to complete our "assignment" and go in the bus stop. I cannot explain what I was feeling and what I was sensing were the feelings of my brother, Shannon and Caleb. This was hard. I do not think it would have been difficult if I was in Mexico or Brazil, but why was it here? We walked across the street, took a deep breath and ventured inside. Besides one man reading a newspaper, who did not look interested in company, and the man at the counter, the bus stop was empty. Ben enthusiastically greeted the man. He was slightly handicapped and appologized for not knowing English. Ben tried to sum up our mission in simple words but the gentleman did not understand. We waved goodbye and made our exit.

We stepped out onto the street and all sighed. What made that so difficult? Feeling frustrated with our attitudes of prejudice and "unsuccessful" journey we headed back to the car. We discussed our feelings and what we would like to differently next time. Why were we nervous and why did these people throw up a wall when we appeared? We finally agreed that there are definately different cultural barriers to cross with Hispanic immigrants. First, there are a lot of them in Denver. Second, many come illegally and are nervous when asked questions. (The immigration service has spies to do the exact thing we were doing... but for a different purpose! Part of our training was how to ask questions in a way that sets the person at ease and exlains what we are doing. We are wanting to learn about their culture NOT see if they have a vaild green card or visa!) Third, many Hispanics, not all, are prejudice against Americans because of racial discrimination. Fourth, many do not speak English. All of these reasons are real and cause cultural barriers when trying to talk with them!

We all agreed that we were not expecting to face the emotions we had experienced. We all agreed that we would like to break down those walls- for the Hispanic and for ourselves. We all agreed to head back towards our class and stop at another place along the way! We prayed and drove off...

Sample Introduction:

-Example: In a store, "Hi, my name is Jaclyn. I was curious about this (imported product). Where is it from? How is it used? I am learning about different cultures today, do you have time to answer a few questions?

Sample Questions:

- Where are you from? (If they say Kansas or something, ask about family heritage!)

- What language(s) do you speak? Can you teach me how to say "hello" and "goodbye" in that language?

- How long have you lived in the United States?

- What types of food do you eat in (country)?

All of these questions are good ice breakers. The more open-ended the questions the longer a conversation will last! Most foreigners are anxious to talk about their home country that they miss! Try it sometime and see what people say! I specifically seek foreigners out for cashiers. It seems to brighten their day when you take personal interest in them! I have even said, "Glad to have you in America." The girl, from the Ivory Coast, Africa, smiled with eyes bright!

....Crossing Cultures Weekend Whirlwind TO BE CONTINUED.....

Part Two Preview-

International Food Market: An Interview with a Muslim

Part Three Preview-

Chinese Sea Food Restaurant: A Lesson in Chopsticks

Introducing............

A new blog:

Getting past triage...

by my long-time friend, Jake Mentzel. Only read Jake's blog if you are prepared to be convicted, have time to read and want to think past the common cliches of "Jesus Loves Me." Jake will challenge the core of your beliefs! Make sure to read his very first post to understand what the title "Getting past triage..." means.

Enjoy!

Relinquishing All to Follow Him

Last night I had a crisis in my soul. I was frustrated at myself, my sins and my lack of self-discipline. I spent a long time praying, confessing and listening to God. I asked God to change me. The surface level attempts I make are not sticking. I asked God to transform me, my mind, my perspective and my beliefs. God answered my prayer. And fast. I laid down my journal and began reading:

My Utmost for His Highest

Oswald Chambers

March 8

"I am crucified with Christ." Galatians 2:20

"No one is ever united with Jesus Christ until he is willing to relinquish not sin only, but his whole way of looking at things. To be born from above of the Spirit of God means that we must let go before we lay hold, and in the first stages it is the relinquishing of all pretence. What Our Lord wants us to present to Him is not goodness, nor honesty, nor endeavour, but real solid sin; that is all He can take from us. And what does He give in exchange for our sin? Real solid righteousness. But we must relinquish all pretence of being any thing, all claim of being worthy of God's consideration.

Then the Spirit of God will show us what further there is to relinquish. There will have to be the relinquishing of my claim to my right to myself in every phase. Am I willing to relinquish my hold on all I possess, my hold on my affections, and on everything, and to be identified with the death of Jesus Christ?

There is always a sharp painful disillusionment to go through before we do relinquish. When a man really sees himself as the Lord sees him, it is not the abominable sins of the flesh that shock him, but the awful nature of the pride of his own heart against Jesus Christ. When he sees himself in the light of the Lord, the shame and the horror and the desperate conviction come home.

If you are up against the question of relinquishing, go through the crisis, relinquish all, and God will make you fit for all that He requires of you."

::Sigh:: More thoughts to follow....

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen places I would like to visit... For Vacation: 1. Prince Edward Island 2. New Zealand and/or Australia 3. Hawaii For Mission Adventures: 4. India- I don't care where geographically, but would want to work with the Dalit people. 5. Back to Tanzania 6. Iraq 7. Pakistan 8. Turkey 9. Ecuador 10. China 11. Israel 12. Sudan 13. Back to Romania

Dreaming of Tanzania

Yesterday Ben and I recieved an email from our friend inviting us to be apart of the team (most of us who went last time) going to Tanzania in January 2007. Oh, how I long to return to Africa.

Two "problems." One, my dad does not have a steady job. Two, can I commit to spending $2,500 while my dad is essentially jobless? Where would I get $2,500 ($5,000 total for both)? I know that God is big. He is bigger than money and controls money. Still, Ben and I need wisdom as we think about the possibilities. Please pray that we would have discernment and direction as we pray. Please pray that my dad gets a job... not so I can go to Africa, but so that he has a job! The team leader needs to know a final decision by May 1st.

Mungu ne mwema

Mungu ne mwema

Mungu ne mwema

Ne mwema kwan gu

God is so good

God is so good

God is so good

He's so good to me

Eight Miles

Last night I went to Katie's house for a Jaclyn and Katie night. (Picture at right is from Thanksgiving at my grandparents.) We started our chicken boiling and headed over to the apartment complex gym. She ran on the treadmill. I did the bike. We exercised for 35 minutes, her running four miles and I biking eight. I even threw in a hill or two!

We have an exercise bike at home that is from the stone ages. It squeaks. It grinds. It clunks. Basically, it discourages you from wanting to bike. If I had a good bike, I could become addicted to it. I feel so refreshed, so energized and ready to go ride ten miles!

We walked back to her apartment, passing the hot tub that looked very inviting, and began fixing our dinner. We prepared my mom's famous Hawaiian Chicken: rice topped with chicken in a chicken gravy/ pineapple sauce and garnished with fresh pineapples, tomatoes, green peppers, green onions, cheese, coconut and almonds. It was delicious! I was going to take a picture of it, since it has quite the colorful presentation, but forgot.

While playing rummy we ate Dark Chocolate Pecan Cookies and talked. Katie won rummy by 150 points and was quite satisfied with herself. It was a wonderful, relaxing evening and I praise God for giving Katie to me. She is an amazing friend, co-worker and companion in the faith. Thanks, God!

Thursday Thirteen

Dawn and her sister, Autumn, have done these "Thursday Thirteen" things. I thought I would give it a try. You may learn some new things about me!

Thirteen Things about YOUR NAME: Jaclyn Ann 1. I was named, essentially, by my grandpa. 2. I was named after Jaclyn Smith, actress (Charlie's Angels) and model. 3. "Jaclyn" means "harvester, protector and guide." 4. "Jaclyn" is French. 5. "Jaclyn" is the female form of "Jacob." 6. "Ann" is my middle name. 7. "Ann" means "gracious." 8. "Ann" is Hebrew, coming from "Hannah." 9. My last name is German. 10. My last name means "anger or justice." 11. People have spelled my name in every possible way: Jacklyn, Jacquline, Jaqueline, etc. 12. I love my name. 13. The nickname of "Jaclyn" is Jaci (some spell is Jackie or Jacky).

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

God's Judgement

Yesterday I listened to this sermon by John Piper. I would love to give more comments later, but for now will just say, "WOW!" If you have an hour sometime soon, you should listen to it. You can find it here:

We Will All Stand Before the Judgement of God

OR you can read it here: (I suggest listening to it, though, because the manuscript cannot convey as much passion as Pastor Piper's voice!)

We Will All Stand Before the Judgement of God

"When your life extends and channels the forgiving grace of God in Christ to others, it’s plain that you are the recipient of the forgiving grace of Christ (Luke 7:47-50; Ephesians 4:32). The merciful will receive mercy in the judgment, not because mercy earns mercy, but because treating others with the mercy of Christ shows you have received and trusted the mercy of Christ." John Piper

A rough week has past...

It is good to have times of trouble. It is good to cry. It is good to face opposition. It is tempting to reach the point of despair. It is easy to give in to worry, fear and self-pity. I read these precious verses yesterday:

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him,
my salvation and my God.
My soul is cast down within me;
therefore I remember You.
Psalm 43:5-6

There is a cure. Hope in God. David encourages us to remember God when our souls are weary and troubled. What should we remember? God's faithfulness in the past and present as assurance for the future: He never has and never will abandon us. God's sovereignty: He is in control. God's love: He knows and does what is best for us.

Last week was rough. It was not the "worst" week I have ever had, but it was challenging. My family faced a myriad of new circumstances. My dad started an assistant manager position at Walgreen's. (Refresh your memory and read this post) He has strange hours. We are a family that ardently guards our family dinner time. Family dinner, I think, happened once this past week. Physically, we have been recovering from colds. Emotionally, several people contacted us from our old church with questions on why we left.

Personally, I was faced with a wave of sadness. Sadness for the church. Sadness for the pressure and stress that I saw my dad facing. My soul, in many ways, was downcast. Monday morning and these verses were a beautiful thing! There is reason to hope! There is a reason to sing!

God is faithful. He is Good. He is still on His throne. Nothing is bothering Him. He is not surprised. He is not puzzled. He is God. In THAT I place my hope when life's circumstances press in around me.

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world.
And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who
believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
1 John 5:4-5

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6 The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his acts to the people of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
14 For he knows our frame;
he remembers that we are dust.
Psalm 103:1-14

Grace to You

Last night I was talking with a friend who mentioned John MacArthur. I have not read MacArthur's work for a long time, so I decided to find some of his recent articles online. The website, Grace to You, is full of sound Biblical teaching, online sermons and daily devotionals. Here is the first article I read. Oh, how I praise God for men like MacArthur who are not ashamed of the message of Christ and are willing to proclaim the Truth! Please read: (bold emphasis mine =)

A Clarion Call to the Modern Church
by: John MacArthur

Christians historically have understood that their calling is to be in the world but not of the world. As Os Guinness pointed out in a perceptive series of articles on the church-growth movement, traditional evangelicalism not only resisted worldly influences, but also used to stress "cognitive defiance" of the world spirit.

Now, however, "the world has become so powerful, pervasive, and appealing that the traditional stance of cognitive defiance has become rare and almost unthinkable" ("Recycling the Compromise of Liberalism," Tabletalk [May 1992], 51.). At some point, evangelicals decided to make friends with the world.

Guinness pointed out that although we are called to be in the world but not of the world (John 17:14-18), many Christians have reversed the formula, becoming of the world while not really being in the world. They did this by allowing cable television, VCRs, radio, and other forms of communication to infuse worldly values into their thinking, while isolating themselves from any personal involvement with the people in the world who most desperately need the gospel.

"Evangelicals are now outdoing the liberals as the supreme religious modernizers-and compromisers-of today," Guinness writes (Ibid.). The market-driven philosophy so popular among modern evangelicals is nothing more than "a recycling of the error of classical liberalism" (Ibid.).

The reason most evangelicals were caught unaware by modernism a hundred years ago is that liberals rose from within evangelical ranks, used evangelical vocabulary, and gained acceptance through relentless appeals for peace and tolerance. New church-growth movements are following precisely the same course, and that tactic has taken evangelicals by surprise once again.

Most of the market-driven megachurches insist they would never compromise doctrine. They are attractive to evangelicals precisely because they claimed to be as orthodox in their doctrine as they are unorthodox in their methodology. Multitudes have been sufficiently reassured by such promises and have simply abandoned their critical faculties, thus increasing their vulnerability. Unfortunately, real discernment is in short supply among modern evangelicals.

Like the modernists a century ago, churches in the user-friendly movement have decided that doctrine is divisive-peace is more important than sound teaching. Wanting to appeal to a modern age, they have framed their message as a friendly, agreeable, and relevant dialogue, rather than as a confrontation with the gospel of Christ.

The relevant issues of our modern age-radicalism, abortion, feminism, homosexuality, and other politically charged moral issues-pose the most obvious threat for user-friendly churches. Their undefined theology and seeker-sensitive philosophy do not permit them to take a firm biblical stance on such matters, because the moment they defy the spirit of the age, they forfeit their marketing appeal. They are therefore forced to keep silent or capitulate. Either way, they compromise the truth.

If a church is not even willing to take a firm stand against abortion, how will it deal with the erosion of crucial doctrine? If a church lacks discernment enough to condemn such overt errors as homosexuality or feminism, how will it handle a subtle attack on doctrinal integrity? Many evangelical churches have wholly abandoned strong preaching about hell, sin, and the wrath of God. They claim God's primary attribute is benevolence-one that overrides and supersedes His holiness, justice, wrath, and sovereignty.

Rather than addressing humanity's greatest need-forgiveness of sins-modern sermons deal with contemporary topics, psychological issues (depression, eating disorders, self-image), personal relationships, motivational themes, and other matters a la mode.

The market-driven philosophy of user-friendly churches does not easily permit them to take firm enough doctrinal positions to oppose false teaching. Their outlook on leadership drives them to hire marketers who can sell rather than biblically qualified pastors who can teach. Their approach to ministry is so undoctrinal that they cannot educate their people against subtle errors. Their avoidance of controversy puts them in a position where they cannot oppose false teaching that masquerades as evangelicalism.

In fact, the new trends in theology seem ideally suited to the user-friendly philosophy. Why would the user-friendly church oppose such doctrines?

But oppose them we must, if we are to remain true to God's Word and maintain a gospel witness. Pragmatic approaches to ministry do not hold answers to the dangers confronting biblical Christianity today.

Pragmatism promises bigger churches, more people, and a living church, but it is really carnal wisdom-spiritually bankrupt and contrary to the Word of God.

Marketing techniques offer nothing but the promise of popularity and worldly approval. They certainly offer no safeguard against the dangers of the down-grade toward spiritual ruin. The only hope is a return to Scripture and sound doctrine. We evangelicals desperately need to recover our determination to be biblical, our refusal to comply with the world, our willingness to defend what we believe, and our courage to defy false teaching. Unless we collectively awaken to the current dangers that threaten our faith, the adversary will attack us from within, and we will not be able to withstand.

Yet, surely, there must be some who will fling aside the dastard love of peace, and speak out for our Lord, and for his truth. A craven spirit is upon many, and their tongues are paralyzed. Oh, for an outburst of true faith and holy zeal! (Charles Haddon Spurgeon)

Adapted from Ashamed of the Gospel, © 1993 by John MacArthur.

Marvelous Muffins!!!

I tried the muffin recipe that I posted several days ago. They were delicious and a hit with the family. Here are the pictures:

My little "helper." He loves helping me "cook a muffins fer brekafast."

Roller Blading Pictures

My beautiful sister, Victoria.

Timothy and I, ummm, "roller blading."

Timothy, Samuel and Victoria

Yesterday it was beautiful outside! Compared to our -17 degrees last week, the 55 degree temperature yesterday was a SERIOUS heat wave! We were out enjoying the sunshine, barefooted, roller blading and walking in the remaining snow in our yard to cool our feet. My dear friends in California might be mortified... tee hee hee!

Cutie boy at the park!

Samuel and I went to the park a couple weeks ago. I thought the pictures were too adorable to keep to myself! He is getting soooo big. He is working really hard at putting sentences together. The other day we were eating lunch and dad said he could not have a cookie until he ate two more bites of sandwich. He proceeded to do so, with quite some fuss, and received his cookie. Once he had consumed the cookie he started retelling the drama by saying, "Can't eat cookie 'til meat is all goooooooone." It was hilarious!

Berry Cheescake Muffins

INGREDIENTS:

1/3 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup sugar

2 eggs

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/3 cup milk

CREAM CHEESE FILLING:

2 packages (3 ounces each) cream cheese, softened

1/3 cup sugar

1 egg

3/4 cup fresh or frozen raspberries

3/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

STREUSEL TOPPING:

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon cold butter

DIRECTIONS: In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs; beat well. Combine the flour, baking powder and cinnamon; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups half full. For filling, in a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and egg until smooth. Fold in the berries. Drop a rounded tablespoonful into the center of each muffin. For topping, combine the flour, brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl; cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over batter. (Muffin cups will be full.) Bake at 375° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Serve warm. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.

I will be trying this recipe either tomorrow or Friday morning. I will post pictures of my muffins then! They look sooooo yummy!