Monday, December 31, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
Luther, Lewis & My Sunday School Teacher
How do you invite the Lord as a co builder of your family? Start with searching the scriptures for his design for holy matrimony. God's will for marriage is ignored and trashed today, with devastating consequences for all of society. Commit yourself to God's design. Trust and wait for God's blessings. Let your home be a place where God's Word is heard, where prayer and singing abound, and where the peace of Christ rules. Treat your spouse the way God treats you, with patience, humility, and forgiveness. Love your family the way God loves you.
My Sunday School Teacher
That's what I said!!
Yesterday's post (which coincided with my wedding anniversary) tried to convey these same sentiments. Marriage, at it's most basic level, is about honor & respect. Men & women are called to submit to each other in this ordinance. How do we defend marriage? Practice good marriage.What's that you ask? What about love? Love grows. I could say it no better than the immortal C. S. Lewis, so I leave you with this quote:
Thursday, December 20, 2012
4 More Years!
"It's political, obviously!"
Esqueleto
I have been married to my lovely wife, +Erin Jimenez for 4 years today. Specifically, the time of this post (12.20 PM) will coincide with the beginning of our wedding ceremony 4 years ago.
Given the fact that this was an election year, I have been reminded of the uniqueness of our original wedding year in 2008. It was a leap year, Olympic year & Election year. Add to that, the year a dynamic duo joined marital forces.
This year, we also weathered the storm of a leap year, Olympic year & political year--all of which should probably give us a few months of extra marriage credit, no? I guess everyone goes through the same things.
What does all that have to do with Theology? Nothing. It has to do with Christian Living. Is marriage a political football? Yes! There is a thick, smarmy political fog embracing the marriage debate. It is a bumper-sticker fest of accusations, "stats, damnable stats & lies." (Samuel Clemens) Anyone who needs a platform can find a home on either side of the debate.
Am I, as the male Christian husband to my female wife, called to yell & scream with the loudest of them? Perhaps God requires me to engage in Facebook Faux Debates with friends who make abiblical assertions, burned bridges be damned.
No. My job is to be a good husband to my wife. I am to honor her & respect her & love her as Christ loves me. In doing so, I become an example to the doubting, unbelieving world. In this period of reflection on our marriage, I know that it has not been perfect. I know that I have failed her at points. But I'm glad that her heart is full of grace & forgiveness.
I am glad for the past four years.
I look forward to future blessings.
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Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Stone cutters are important too
Reading: 2 Kings 12:9-16
I spent my 12/12/12 running a 12K, soaking in a hot tub for 12 minutes & eating a dozen doughnuts from Krispy Kreme. I also included a little but of spirituality in the mix with the passage above.
2 Kings is the twelfth book of the bible. Chapter twelve and verse twelve are smack-dab in the middle of the selection. Given the fact that I simply opened up to this passage, I have no immediate familiarity for the context.
However, it does make me think of the camp song, "If he Lord makes you a plumber, be a plumber for he Lord." The point is, anything we do has the capacity to be a ministry.
Further, The Lord always takes note of things done for him. He took care of the stonecutter and other craftsmen who worked for him here in his passage, and he will do the same for the faithful here in modern days.
God never promises material riches or excess wealth, but He does offer satisfaction. May we be found godly and content.
I spent my 12/12/12 running a 12K, soaking in a hot tub for 12 minutes & eating a dozen doughnuts from Krispy Kreme. I also included a little but of spirituality in the mix with the passage above.
2 Kings is the twelfth book of the bible. Chapter twelve and verse twelve are smack-dab in the middle of the selection. Given the fact that I simply opened up to this passage, I have no immediate familiarity for the context.
However, it does make me think of the camp song, "If he Lord makes you a plumber, be a plumber for he Lord." The point is, anything we do has the capacity to be a ministry.
Further, The Lord always takes note of things done for him. He took care of the stonecutter and other craftsmen who worked for him here in his passage, and he will do the same for the faithful here in modern days.
God never promises material riches or excess wealth, but He does offer satisfaction. May we be found godly and content.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Judgment & Provision in the Advent
I spoke last Sunday night on a couple selections from Advent Liturgy & how they cause us to think of the first coming of our Lord. It's good to be reminded that the first Advent did not end with a baby in a manger, but goes beyond that, culminating in Christ's sacrifice.
The audio will be posted shortly HAS BEEN POSTED on the BT sermons page. Read up below!
http://jmnz.us/USblA8
Firstborn of the Three
Godliness to Us
The audio
http://jmnz.us/USblA8
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First Christmas PostFirstborn of the Three
Godliness to Us
Monday, December 3, 2012
First Christmas Post
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| First Christmas Candy Cane |
I end with the fact that this may not actually be a factual story. Regardless of whether it is true or not, the fact remains that everywhere we look, we are reminded of God's great gift to man during this season. Merry Christmas!
Friday, November 30, 2012
Thankful for Holy Things
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| My personal favorite Autumn / Winter fragrance. I'm Thankful. |
Getting over the Fall
Another month, another roundup of popular posts. If you're new to the blog or just haven't been following too closely you can definitely get up to speed by reading these posts. For those of you who are only interested in brand-new stuff, it will interest you to know that this is the first time that you cannot read every popular post. A few of these are podcasts that can only be listened to. So enjoy, & be thankful for some holy things!November Posts
All-Time Posts
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Richard Dawkins & Alister McGrath Debate
Apologetics FTW (For the Win!)
I was recently asked to recommend reading for an intellectual & to be honest I was not sure where to begin. I asked a few of my trusted thinkers & they directed me to Alister McGrath. After a quick Google search I found this series of videos documenting a debate between he and Richard Dawkins (I put together a playlist & am pretty sure I successfully embedded it here). I like the way McGrath comported himself & delivered succinct answers to all of Dawkins' questions. It even appears that McGrath was able to earn Dawkins' respect, which is the ultimate skill for a debater.
As for the content, there are several places where Alister McGrath delivers excellent points. There are also several weak areas where he could have directed the conversation differently for maximum effect. I suppose this happens to everyone when engaged in a discussion. You know, on the way home you remember something you should have said that would have been a better point. But, alas, the discussion is over & you're talking about how awesome the Miami Heat are or something.
In addition to McGrath's responses take note of Dawkins' concerns. He is not an idiot, & raises several valid questions. I think there's a lot that can be learned from this debate--from both sides.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Experience His Goodness
He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
Jeremiah 40:29-31
This text captured my attention for the second time this week & I wanted to share it with my readers. Remember to experience God's goodness today & every day!Every morning when you get up, remember that God's loving kindness and compassion toward you are new and fresh today. God is ready to meet with you and renew you spiritually and cleanse you. You are His son or daughter. You may have offended Him deeply, but you are still His child and He wants to renew the closeness of your walk with Him. God is reminding you today that whatever you wake up to, you can "hope in Him." If you will once again "wait for Him" and "seek Him," you will once again experience His goodness.--My Sunday School Teacher
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Grunt Work
Labor of...
It's been a while since I volunteered for an event and had no creative control over it.- 6+ years of directing a week of camp
- Leading & planning youth group
- Teaching Sunday School
- Christmas play writing
I'm used to creative control in ministry. That's why this weekend was an eye opener for me.
I volunteered to help staff a race last Saturday called Pretty Muddy. I had no idea what to expect or what I would be doing. I was completely at the mercy of the organizers.
My first job was to welcome guests & make sure they got answers to their questions. My second job was to hand out free t-shirts at the registration table.
Handing out shirts was the worst.
I was getting yelled at left & right. "Size large! Size XL! Size small!" And I had to shag down the right size for the right person. There was no room for creativity. No room for innovation.
Oh, my mind wandered towards innovation. I wanted to make the process more efficient. But my rank (grunt) did not permit me to act on my brilliance.
This weekend taught me a valuable lesson about humility. It reminded me of my roots & the things I have come to take for granted. There is value in simply doing as you are told & letting others plan the event. Remember that whatever you so, it is for The Lord & focus on that fact.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Not Many Masters
Meeting Notes
Check out my meeting notes from last night's message. It is hosted on Evernote, a great note taking application that I recommend for everyone who wants to remember anything. The topic was "Be Not Many Masters" in the Challenge of the Double Portion section of our Passing the Faith Along Series at Bible Truth Chapel. The passages suggested for this study were James 3 & Galatians 2. I used the SCORRE Worksheet to express my thought process & organize them.
I know, that was a mouthful.
Some Highlights
For those of you who just want the highlights, here they are.
- We focused on the Responsibilities of a Teacher / Master & how those responsibilities relate to James' statement that there should not be many teachers.
- We stated that every teacher should be fully aware of their responsibilities because they are subject to a higher standard.
- We emphasized that the teacher is subject to a higher standard because God is specifically interested in what His people are being taught.
- We answered the question: Does this passage mean there should be only a small number of good teachers?
- We explored the question: What happens when we drop the ball?
The evening's message was recorded & I expect any gaps in the study can be understood by listening to the recording. It should be up in a couple weeks. If you have a pressing question, leave me a comment & I will gladly respond. Or hit me up on Twitter!
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Monday, November 5, 2012
Interview with Glenn Craig of YFC
In preparation for the 3rd Annual Miami Youth For Christ Wild Walk, I sat down with the Greater Miami Youth For Christ CFO & director of the Juvenile Justice Outreach, Glenn Craig.
During this podcast, we discuss the following topics:
- YFC's mission & goals
- YFC's philosophy towards youth ministry & relevancy in current culture
- What to look for in a youth leader
- How to handle discouragement & remain faithful through trials
- What to expect at this Saturday's Wild Walk
Follow the Show!
| Click on the image to join my team! |
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Is Natural Love Created Equal?
With this political atmosphere I have been forced to consider sin & it's manifestation in the human race. Namely, is sin natural or unnatural?
We have no definitive statement either way. Sometimes scripture talks about how men would be given over to their natural desires. Other times, sin is described like an alien invasion. What is true?
The importance of this discussion seems monumental. "It's natural" serves as a justification for a lot of things. But what does the Bible say?
I feel that the Bible leans more towards acknowledging that these things are natural--even if you describe it asan alien nature, it is here with us now.
Would I be surprised if scientists found a homosexual gene or mental wavelength? No. Not one bit. And my faith would not be shaken.
You see, scripture says we naturally sin and must supernaturally over come it. Scripture assumes we are liars and tells us to be truthful. Scripture assumes we are murderers and tells us to love. Scripture assumes us to be lustful and tells us to be pure. Therefore, it follows that when scripture talks about homosexuality, that trait is natural and it must be overcome.
These things are not easy or nice to hear. But I cannot see around it. Just because something is natural does not make it right. I am not advocating hate crimes or prejudice, I speak only theologically in this article. The Christian response to this issue is as it always is, to live one another.
We have no definitive statement either way. Sometimes scripture talks about how men would be given over to their natural desires. Other times, sin is described like an alien invasion. What is true?
The importance of this discussion seems monumental. "It's natural" serves as a justification for a lot of things. But what does the Bible say?
I feel that the Bible leans more towards acknowledging that these things are natural--even if you describe it asan alien nature, it is here with us now.
Would I be surprised if scientists found a homosexual gene or mental wavelength? No. Not one bit. And my faith would not be shaken.
You see, scripture says we naturally sin and must supernaturally over come it. Scripture assumes we are liars and tells us to be truthful. Scripture assumes we are murderers and tells us to love. Scripture assumes us to be lustful and tells us to be pure. Therefore, it follows that when scripture talks about homosexuality, that trait is natural and it must be overcome.
These things are not easy or nice to hear. But I cannot see around it. Just because something is natural does not make it right. I am not advocating hate crimes or prejudice, I speak only theologically in this article. The Christian response to this issue is as it always is, to live one another.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Elijah & the Double Portion (First Guest!)
Podcast: The Christopher Jimenez Show
I am joined by my first guest on the show ever: Steve Slusser. Steve holds degrees in Nursing from the University of South Florida & Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. He is currently the Director of Camp Horizon & my father in law. You can find his blog at A Word With Friends.In this podcast, Steve lays a foundation for understanding the double portion as it is intended in 2 Kings 2 & throughout the Old Testament. In addition, he gives us a few principles that can be translated into our lives as we seek to be used as tools for God's purposes.
Outline
- Who was Elijah?
- What was the inheritance of the Levite?
- What about the law concerning the inheritance of the firstborn?
- How do these elements relate to the double portion?
Watch on YouTube
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
An Oktoberfest of Holy Posts!
For those of you who only care about the stuff other people liked, here are the most popular posts for last month followed by my five most popular posts of all time.
October Posts
All-time Posts |
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
The Starving Fruit Picker After Harvest
How miserable I am!
I feel like the fruit picker after the harvest
who can find nothing to eat.
Not a cluster of grapes or a single early fig
can be found to satisfy my hunger.
I feel like the fruit picker after the harvest
who can find nothing to eat.
Not a cluster of grapes or a single early fig
can be found to satisfy my hunger.
The godly people have all disappeared;
not one honest person is left on the earth.
They are all murderers,
setting traps even for their own brothers.
Both their hands are equally skilled at doing evil!
Officials and judges alike demand bribes.
The people with influence get what they want,
and together they scheme to twist justice.
not one honest person is left on the earth.
They are all murderers,
setting traps even for their own brothers.
Both their hands are equally skilled at doing evil!
Officials and judges alike demand bribes.
The people with influence get what they want,
and together they scheme to twist justice.
Even the best of them is like a brier;
the most honest is as dangerous as a hedge of thorns.
But your judgment day is coming swiftly now.
Your time of punishment is here, a time of confusion.
the most honest is as dangerous as a hedge of thorns.
But your judgment day is coming swiftly now.
Your time of punishment is here, a time of confusion.
Don’t trust anyone—
not your best friend or even your wife!
not your best friend or even your wife!
For the son despises his father.
The daughter defies her mother.
The daughter-in-law defies her mother-in-law.
Your enemies are right in your own household!
The daughter defies her mother.
The daughter-in-law defies her mother-in-law.
Your enemies are right in your own household!
As for me, I look to the Lord for help.
I wait confidently for God to save me,
and my God will certainly hear me.
I wait confidently for God to save me,
and my God will certainly hear me.
- Micah 7:1-7 NLT
Micah certainly felt like he was alone. He took a stand for God and now feels like no one is following. While that may feel depressing, know that God's backing is superior to any earthly support you find on your own. -- Note on YouVersion.com
That feeling in your gut
Feeling alone is a painful thing. Sometimes it can feel like your life is the butt of a You're so stupid... joke. Kind of like the beginning of this passage: You're so stupid, you can't find anything to eat in the middle of a free buffet. Clearly, Micah came to the conclusion that he was the only one who believed in God & took His words seriously. When your opinion is not the popular opinion, it makes you feel like you've been taking Mugatu's crazy pills.
Et tu, Brute?
The poor guy even started to grow weary of his own family. He questions his best friend & wife--the people closest to him. I tend to bounce a lot of my ideas off my family as a barometer for my eccentricity. We never argue, but I can definitely tell when my thoughts stray from the mainstream. Sometimes I feel lonely. Sometimes I try to agree. Sometimes I simply chalk it up to the process that God is taking me through.
The language of feelings
I love how the NLT presents this passage. It is clearly a piece of poetry, where the poet laments his potentially exaggerated feelings. This section would fit right into the Psalms of David, where he imagines himself sitting at the gates of hell. Was he really knocking on the doors of Sheol? No! Is Micah really the only person who believes in God in the entire universe? I doubt it.
Our sensitive parts tend to run away from us sometimes. We feel like everyone & everything around us is corrupt & self-centered & we are the only generous people around. Know that we are not. Know that you are not the only person who is faithful to God nor are you the only person who feels like they are alone.
Also remember that God desires our honesty. He didn't strike down Micah for being a self-absorbed little cry baby. He didn't blow up David for his pity parties. God was even lenient towards Job during that ordeal. Perhaps these feelings of loneliness were intended to draw us closer to God. Perhaps we are supposed to develop intimacy & trust as we cling to Him & He proves to be faithful.
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