The Galloping Theologian

Let Me Vent

2011-12-30T16:03:00.000-06:00

Let Me Vent:

I wonder all the time if I have become irrelevant. (I did not say irreverent. I have always been that.) My episode of remorse has been a long time coming. If I do not say something, I will explode.

First, I must give a disclaimer. (I have searched in all my writings, for the place that I may exercise the term ‘mia coupa’. I always liked that car: My Coupe.)

I digress. My disclaimer is to all my friends, both close and a fire. Yep, purposely used. Most of the time, all friends are close. But some are so far away that you couldn’t find them with a cloud by day, or a fire by night.

My disclaimer is that for all whom I am intimate with (get your minds away from the gutter), I do not include you for my rant.

I am tired about the way sex is handled by the non-porn group. Couples live together, shack up, have friend with privileges, etc. Then after decades of decadence, they decide to make the world happy with their marriage. I ask you. Why get married? Is your guilt getting to you? Legal questions? One finally gives into the nagger. I do not think so. In fact, I really do not know the reason.

The reason for the rant is this. ‘Virginity’ has become a dirty word. Christians say, “I am saving myself.” Oh yeah, I know that verse. “Thou SHALL save thyself.” Many flippant Christians ‘tee hee’ about it. They hope the ‘Talk’ is sufficient. This is not that talk. It is the “make sure you have protection talk.”

Then, the parents send their children out with a ‘thing’ and a prayer. God, please do not let her come back with that ‘embryo thing’. Lord, please do not let him loose his responsible plans with irresponsibility.

If that is the scenario in a household, it comes to late. They already have had the talk from their culture and our society.

In the movie Young Frankenstein, there is a scene where the young Doctor is pressing the ‘Frau’ for her relationship with his father. She finally gives in and in her frustration yells, “Yes. Yes. He vas my boyfriend.” So, I end this diatribe by saying this about my wedding night, “Yes. Yes. Ve vere amateurs.”

Good night from London.

Veterans For Sale

2011-11-10T18:54:00.000-06:00

Have a can of ravioli and celebrate Armistice Day. What is Armistice Day? Why ravioli? Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day, came into being by declaration of President Wilson one year after the end of World War One. WWI ended on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of the year 1918. Toward the end of that war, President Wilson invited nearly 2000 veterans to the White House to enjoy a "home cooked meal" of ravioli cooked by White House chefs and the President himself. If the President had guaranteed the "War Bonus" for the troops, they would have enjoyed that and bought their own dinners. But a free meal by President Wilson became the start of a tradition. This tradition was one of paying off veterans with free food.

During the ensuing years, Armistice Day has changed in many ways. It is now Veterans Day. While once being a national holiday, it is a federal holiday. Great Grandfathers, Grandfathers, Fathers, Sons, and Grandsons have all joined the Fraternity of Freedom. From Flanders Fields to the defeat of Hitler and Japan, knee deep in the steamy jungles of Southeast Asia, then on the the deserts of the Middle East, generation after generation has paid the cost of liberty without even one "by your leave."

After WWII, the United States welcomed their heroes home to no jobs, no help, and a Holy place somewhere around the world left in many locations where they fell. Did any come home? Sure they did. Some walked with a limp, others had hidden places where they fought an enemy within the mind. Many more came home in a box to a closed casket homecoming. The remains were all there were. Identified by dental records or the DNA of some lump of remaining flesh.

Mothers, wives, sweethearts, and fathers take charge of what once a happy human being. They try to avoid all of the home town haunts where the young people were often seen and may have been happy before going to War.

Grand receptions have been planned for the Dough Boy, the greatest Generation, and the whole volunteer army in which we sent them for the purpose of defending the country. Not so for most of those who served in and in support of the Viet Nam War. While you cannot find many veterans who speak favorably about their return home, many are outspoken about the current volume of businesses that have gone out of their way to take advantage of this country's new found patriotism.

Why do many Viet Nam veterans feel a sense of betrayal? They are told and reminded often about having lost the first war in USA history. They suffer from diseases brought on by exposure to Agent Orange. PTSD is spoken of most often when a veteran's mental health is in question. Finally, a veteran sees his future with a sense of foreboding. Sometimes, out of anger, a veteran might rave at those who love him, or her. But this saying best describes how the veteran feels about the federal agency charged with a veteran's care. "Deny, deny, until they die."

With all of the above in mind, let those who have treated these vets and any other vets heed these promises and warnings. Do not call this holiday in memory of the beloved vet who bought freedom for our country. Do not sell products on the back of those who have carried this country, kicking and screaming into protection. Finally, there is not a veteran around who does not appreciate a free meal. But, remember this, our allegiance cannot be bought with a 'soft roll'. Oh, before it is forgotten again. To all those who have served this country. "Welcome home."

Who Died and Made Them Smart?

2011-07-06T19:41:00.000-05:00

I have wondered something for a long time. Most of you will are wondering about something yourselves at this time. you are wondering if I have gone completely mad, totally bonkers, wigged out to the point of baldness. I have been very careful not to write in the first person. Because of my anger, I have thrown everything out the window.

Whew! I bet you think I got it off my chest, or I am having chest pains. You do not even have any idea of what is wrong with me. Follow me, if you can.

Movie stars and actors have thought for a long time that they were intelligent. True, they know drama. They can become one character or another. They have meddled in politics. One of them has even killed a president.

This is not new. Actors have given their faces and voices to make the unwashed public to buy many ideas, positions, concepts, sciences, and onion choppers. Their complete knowledge is limited to the script from which they gain their character.

Now, they have become lawyers, judges, and experts on our society.

Please allow me to pause and catch my breath. I feel much better.

Yes, everyone has the right to have any idea and the opinion behind that idea. The problem is that their idiocy is hidden behind the gleaming smile, long wavy hair, hard body...Well, you know what I mean.

Here we go. Casey Anthony was found not guilty. Yes, not guilty. It was a verdict given by a jury of her peers. There was no hung jury. Although, there are many people who would like to hang the jury.
Obviously, the prosecution did not prove their case. Obviously, there was not "beyond a doubt." So where do these fake Mensa members, these non-graduates of Harvard and Yale, these entertainers, and beautiful people get the idea that this was a miscarriage of justice. They don't know. This is our system of law in this country. And, despite having a few warts, its is the best system in the world.

Thank you for listening. Goodnight all, and you too, Mrs Calabash, wherever you are.

Left Out In the Rain

2011-05-31T10:58:00.001-05:00

Especially on Memorial Day, the Star Spangled Banner must be heard, so that the sacrifice of many may be remembered.

Since World War I, the one thing held in common by all of the US servicemen is their hate of the extreme weather in which they served. The Doughboys of World War I, the soldiers and Marines of the World War II Pacific Theater, and the Vietnam Vet hated the rain and mud. Rain does so many bad things to any service operating in a tropic zone, or anywhere where it falls and does not freeze on the way down. It obscures vision, rots men’s skin and cloths, and presents itself as a fantastic breeding ground for disease carrying insects.

Bone numbing cold that penetrates you no matter how many layers you have on. At the Battle of the Bulge, the 101st Airborne deployed against the German Army with clothing unfit for cold weather. The worst winter storm in years swept in on the battlefield and brought sub-freezing temperatures leaving the paratroopers shivering at all times. And yet, the Marines and soldiers fighting in Korea along the Chosin Reservoir were fighting in temperatures of –22 below zero. Oil for the trucks froze solid and needed defrosting.

Through all types of weather, whether heat, rain, cold, and all the resulting difficulties created, the United States citizen-soldier has fought, and many times, made the ultimate sacrifice. But, support for them has been erratic. The dead are honored. Sometimes the active-duty is honored, but many times they are not.

Honoring the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Merchantmen, and all Reserve and National Guard:

How will these active-duty heroes be treated when they become veterans before they are the honored dead? Sadly, this country has a history, which could possibly demonstrate a future attitude towards its Vets.

In 1924, Congress issued bonus certificates to the veterans of WWI that would be redeemable for $1000 in 1945. The Great Depression took its toll on all the citizens of the world. The Doughboys, who participated in the “War to End All Wars”, wanted to receive their money early. Some 17000 marched on Washington DC in 1932, and camped out in various places to make their demands. The Republican Congress and President Hoover would not help. The Army was ordered to disperse the demonstrators. Disperse, they did. Douglas MacArthur, Dwight Eisenhower, and George Patton, heroes of WWII, used tanks, cavalry, and armed infantry, which fired upon the homeless heroes of WWI.

They are called the “Greatest Generation.” The veterans of a two-ocean war returned home as heroes. Were they successful? Yes. Did they have problems in reasserting themselves into society? Many of the injured returning Vets would not have survived in previous wars. The blind, the paraplegic, those with lost limbs, and many other disabled found it difficult to return to the stares of strangers, acquaintances, and families. The movie, “The Best Years of Our Lives”, was a realistic portrayal of this problem. In fact, an actual sailor, Harold Russell, played the role of Homer, the veteran with both hands missing.

The Viet Nam Vet and the veterans of the desert wars of the past 21 years have faced their own problems on returning. The former were demonstrated against during their service in the name of this country. They were called “Baby Killer” and spat upon. The soldiers of the latest wars are showing the wear and tear of combat, neurological maladies, and absence from home.

No matter the war, no matter the injury, the wounded Vet is finding no sympathy from the Veterans Administration. Every application for benefits is met with responses that seem to call the veteran a liar. That might not be true. But, the impression is.

What will happen if the veterans of the future find their return and care to be the same as the past? Will their patriotism begin to wane? Patriotism will still be a decision of the heart. But the hearts of this country must be ready to look at the veteran differently, before the veteran is the subject on Memorial Day. Hopefully, no more soldiers will be left out in the Rain.

Guess What. It did not happen!

2011-05-22T08:30:00.000-05:00

We're so sorry, Uncle Albert,
We're so sorry if we caused you any pain.
We're so sorry Uncle Albert,
But there's no one left at home
And I believe I'm gonna rain.
We're so sorry but we haven't heard a thing all day.
We're so sorry, Uncle Albert.
But if anything should happen well be sure to give a ring.

We're so sorry, Uncle Albert,
But we haven't done a bloody thing all day.
We're so sorry, Uncle Albert,
But the kettles on the boil and we're so easily called away.

Hands across the water. (Water)
Heads across the sky.
Hands across the water. (Water)
Heads across the sky.

Paul McCartney
http://youtu.be/ZWoGCdXT07g

What happened on May 21, 2011? NOTHING! This is not intended to be an episode of intense guffawing for those that were fooled by the great prophet, Harold Camping. He is a great prophet in his own mind.

Jesus told His disciples that in the "last Days" many would claim to know where the Messiah is (Matthew 26). This would include his programs and 'double secret handshake' with God.

Please Mr. Camping, do not besmirch Christian believers. This was his second time to miss a prediction. Maybe, if he tries it again, it will be his third strike. Remember, it is the true God who calls balls and strikes.

The King is coming. Just not on May 21, 2011

2011-05-06T14:35:00.000-05:00

The King is Coming
(Bill Gaither)
Praise God, He's coming for me
The marketplace is empty, no more traffic in the street
All the builder's tools are silent, no more time to harvest wheat
Busy housewives cease their labor, in the courtroom no debate
Work on earth has been suspended as the King comes through the gate
Happy faces line the hallway, those whose lives have been redeemed
Broken homes He has mended, those from prison He has freed
Little children and the aged hand in hand stand all a-glow
Who were crippled, broken, ruined, clad in garments white as snow
The King is coming, the King is coming
I just heard the trumpet sounding and soon His face I'll see
The King is coming, the King is coming
Praise God, He's coming for me
I can hear the chariot's rumble, I can see the marching throng
And the fury of God's trumpet spells the end of sin and wrong
Regal rolls are now unfolded, heaven's grandstands all in place
Heaven's choir is now assembled, start to sing "Amazing Grace"
Praise God, He's coming for me.

If a search of Christian history was made, it would be very difficult to find many years without the presence of controversy concerning the Second Coming of Jesus. Ever since Jesus proclaimed His return, many different people and groups have demanded that they have the true “skinny” on the exact time of the event. This claim can be compared to one of the greatest heresies against Christianity. Gnosticism is based upon a claim that there is a privileged few that know the secrets of God. They posses a special knowledge. Those who have said that they now can tell you the time would not like to be compared with the aforementioned heresy. But, they cause the same amount of confusion.

Paul’s epistles to the church at Thessalonica addressed some of the confusions about the return of Jesus. People were concerned about friends and loved ones, which had died before Jesus came back for His Church. Also, some in the church were sure they knew the exact time of the event. They had stopped living a regular life. They sold their possessions. They tied up all of the loose ends of this life and were now waiting for the Christ. In other words, they were so heavenly minded that they had become no earthly good.

From that time in early church history to the present, there seems to be no time in which the confusion of new apocalyptic theories did not torment the Church. People would like to think that apocalypticism has only been present in our civilization during the last two centuries. This is not true. And, since this is not a book or dissertation on this phenomenon, but just a short informational article, a cursory review of just a few examples will suffice.

There was a group that came to prominence in the New Age movement during the 12th century. The Joachimites believed that Joachim of Fiore had figured out the “nuts and bolts” of Christ’s return. His theory was based upon an interpretation of the Bible that revolved around a strange understanding of the Trinity. If the Old Testament was the time of the Father and the New Testament was the time of the Son, then there is a special history, which is the time of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit would act as a revealer of special information about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. And oh by the way, Joachim identified the Antichrist as the present or future sitting Pope.

During the early 16th century, Thomas Muentzer organized a poor peoples’ revolt. He felt that it would usher in the return of Christ. The princes and rich ones of Germany slaughtered him, and over 5000 of his chosen ones. Jesus did not come to their rescue.

In the early 19th century, a prosperous farmer of upstate New York, by the name of William Miller, told of the fruits of his Bible study. He began to teach to any and everybody that Jesus would return in, or before 1843. When the new year of 1844 arrived, it became obvious that he had made an ‘oops’. His followers were known as ‘Millerites’. From this group came two strains of apocalypticism. They are the Jehovah’s Witness and Seventh Day Adventist of today.

Sometime during 1988, there was a pamphlet written and published by Edgar Whisenant with the name “88 Reasons Why Jesus Will Return In 1988.” Although he had the credibility of being a NASA engineer, he lost that as a Bible scholar when 1989 arrived. Another movement met similar failure in 1993. David Koresh led his apocalyptic “Branch Davidians” in an attempt to usher in a new era. But, his predictions met the same fate as those before him who also were listening to the wrong voice, or voices.

Now, we are confronted with another prediction of future disaster on the Earth ushering in the Rapture of God’s people. Here we go again. Research into this movement shows that the main power behind this apocalyptic prediction is Harold Camping. Camping has managed to take the purchase in partnership of one radio station and build it into a worldwide network of over 75 media outlets.

Although there has been an attempt by Camping to hide his involvement in the “May 21, 2011 Judgment Day” movement, it is obvious from his latest publications that he and his worldwide media empire is the energy behind this enormous “Judgment Day” campaign. When questions arise about the origins of this apocalyptic event, those contacted respond with “It is a group of Bible students.”

There are a few giveaways about Harold Camping’s teachings that tie his movement with most of the earlier heretical theories about the Return of Jesus.
First, the leaders of these movements always claim that the churches of each era are apostate. Meaning that they all have stopped telling God-truth. (Gnostics anyone?) Secondly, these leaders announce that after many years of prayerful research God has spoken truth, a system, or a code by which they are able to tell, not predict, the exact time of the “Return” and the ”Final Judgment.” Finally, they preach a system of salvation that only applies to their followers. At this point it becomes obvious that the motive behind this campaign is one of power.

A few more topics in which Harold Camping departs from mainstream Christianity include annihilationism, the determination of true believers, and the ending of the Church Age in 1994. There are many other differences between Camping and mainstream denominations. But, it is that great number of apostates that have wandered off the “narrow road” not him. Who determined what the distinctions were and who was correct. It was not the Bible, nor Biblical scholars, or anyone other than Harold Camping. (How convenient!)

You may be asking what is the motivation of these people, and those to follow.
It is greed and power. Writing about the “Second Coming” is a billion dollar industry. Not all who publish are crooks and charlatans. But, these theological con artists write a major portion of this literature. Is there a better way to make friends and influence people? Claim that you, and you only, have the ear of God. There are plenty of people in this world who are clueless and helpless in any conversation about spiritual subjects. There are plenty of Oprah’s and Tom Cruise’s out there which have no clue themselves, but will always lead with a heresy, all the way to confusion.

A union with dour consequences: Theistic Evolution

2010-02-24T17:50:00.000-06:00

[First Man:] I think, I think I am, therefore I am, I think.
[Establishment:] Of course you are my bright little star,
I've miles
And miles
Of files
Pretty files of your forefather's fruit
and now to suit our
great computer,
You're magnetic ink.
[First Man:] I'm more than that, I know I am, at least, I think I must be.
[Inner Man:] There you go man, keep as cool as you can.
Face piles
And piles
Of trials
With smiles.
It riles them to believe
that you perceive
the web they weave
And keep on thinking free.
"In the Beginning" is a 1969 song written by Moody Blues drummer Graeme Edge

There is a story in the Old Testament where a prophet challenged the people of Israel. Elijah asked, “How long are you going to waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” New Living Translation, I Kings 18:21
This has always seemed to be the funny part of this story. In the language of the Old Testament, it seems to draw a picture of a person who is trying to decide in which direction to go, but winds up running in circles going no where. This seems to be a good example of those people who want to be a part of the Christian community, but cannot find themselves willing to be unsophisticated and not try to reconcile a Supreme Being and Darwinian evolution.
Why would anyone try to put these two in the same boat? Maybe it is to drown one of them while no one is looking. How could someone hope to put two eternal beings together? If matter is eternal, producing life from non-life, then why would there be a need for another eternal being to manipulate what the other god had created? That seems to be a conflict of interest. Wouldn’t these two be after each other to decide who was the best?
This is the problem facing those called Theistic Evolutionists. They seem to have difficulty in deciding what authority to believe and to base their worldview on. On the one hand they seem to want to believe in a source for which they can receive eternity. But, they struggle with the supposed truth of Darwinian Evolution. They see the obvious record of fossils and geology. They interpret this record in the supposed enlightened writings of a man dissatisfied with God and Christianity.
Because of this conflict between two sources, the Bible and Darwin, they have come up with an approach that will assuage guilt by totally accepting one of these competing paradigms over the other. God did create everything in its most primitive form, they say. He created natural matter and left it to develop at its own pace over billions of years. This is a good start by the Theistic Evolutionists. They do remove one of the competitors. Obviously, there must be only one God.
They leave the task of molding that created matter to lifeless, soulless natural processes. They have to give Darwin and the neo-Darwinists their due, even though they write and research with an anti-supernatural bias.
This is not all. Theistic Evolutionists must keep God involved, or someone might think that He is dead. According to them, God lets Nature (Should we say, “Mother Nature”.) run its course until it messes up. He then steps in with His creative touch, does a little correcting, and steps back again to allow His assistant to carry on. God, with His creative specialty, becomes “the God of the gaps”. What is this? This is a way to explain phenomena that cannot be explained by the prevailing scientific knowledge of the moment. The weakness in this approach is that God will surely loose His grip on this universe as more and more theories are conjured up to explain reality.
The real weakness in this approach to seating these two antagonists at the same table can be found in examining statements by a proponent of each position. We all have an idea of what Darwin saw and said. If life came from non-life, developed into man by fortuitous accidents (All species did), and mankind is no more special than any other form of life, then evolution must remain the only agent in man’s future (Man's future will eventually run out, but something else will be ‘King of the hill’).
Now let us see what the other witness has to say. Jesus said, “Haven't you read the Scriptures…They record that from the beginning God made them male and female.” New Living Translation, Matt. 19:4
It seems that Jesus believed the creation account of Genesis. If he believed that part of Genesis, then he probably believed that God created man from dirt. Jesus did not say that after the amoeba formed in the ooze, the fish climbed out of the sea, and the monkey climbed up in the tree, God stepped in and coaxed this being into man (Processes that took millions of years).
If this statement by Jesus from the Book of Matthew is not true, what else is not true? Can the Virgin birth, the Resurrection, or the Second Coming be true? Who decides? The revelation of God to man, as recorded in the Bible, must be all true. If there is any chance that Jesus was wrong, or misleading, mankind will find itself going around in circles, just as that prophet said.
Oh, yes! Just think of what this could do to Christmas. This could be bad for the season.

God, god, or gods

2009-09-14T16:01:00.000-05:00

God, god, or gods

One of the quickest ways to turn an audience into a crowd of very displeased antagonists is to begin speaking about the topic of theology. Most of the participants immediately understand this to be a moment of very boring conversation between a pointy-headed academic and a bunch of Good Ol’ Boys. The former uses a dictionary full of unimportant words. The latter understands not one bit of what is being said. Theology is for preachers, priests, and seminary professors.

This could not be further from the truth. No. It is true about the reaction that has just been cited. It is not true that theology is only for preachers, priests, and seminary professors. In fact, everyone with the ability to communicate has a theology. Theological opinions are as numerous as fleas on an outside dog, and as appreciated.

The word theology comes from two Greek words. ‘Theos’ means God. ‘Logos’ is the Greek word for word. Simply stated. The definition of theology is a ‘god words’, or a word about God.

Everyone has a word, words, or thoughts about God, god, or gods. They have a theology. Some theologies are more developed than others. Some are simple. Some can be so convoluted that they fill volumes. But whether simple or complicated, most of these theologies are added to each day by their advocates. A theology is like any individual thought system. From the moment of the initial thought rumination to the moment that life leaves that individual, theology is being developed.

Now a quick lesson in theology, if you please, is tantamount to understanding this argument about the universality of theology. First, there has to be a first point. Where does the pencil make the first point on the paper? Where is the starting point? What is the primary presupposition?

An atheist will start thoughts on theology by a very short and simple word, ‘No’. No, there is no god. An agnostic will say that there is no knowledge, or ability to know about God, god, or gods. ‘Gnostic’ means knowledge, and an ‘a’ before that knowledge negates it.

There are theologies built upon acquiring the knowledge of God, god, or gods from nature, animals, spirits, philosophic arguments, systematic arguments, and even from the Bible. Theology is not only Christian, but is Jewish, Muslim, hedonistic, animistic, or many many other flavors. Theology is everywhere.

Theology may begin with simple questions. Why am I here? Do I have meaning? Is there anyone or anything outside of this universe with an interest in what is going on here? When I die will I be like Rover? When he died, he died all over. Is there an afterlife? Is it possible that I might come back as a slug or a cockroach?

Theology? Yes, it can be very complicated. No, it is not the conversation of an elite few. We all have an interest in theology. Some believe that life depends upon it.

What did he say?

2009-08-09T18:33:00.000-05:00

A little boy, almost three years old, was corrected by his parents for saying, “Oh my god!” They explained to him that using the name of God in that manner was neither right nor polite. So, without hesitation, he placed one hand on his cheek and exclaimed, “Oh my weird.”

This is a very funny story. But the history behind the little boy’s first remark is reason for concern. The last generation, or two, or three, has been found to lacking in courtesy. Not only courtesy, but also respect, both in language and action, is hard to find in this present society.

When Rhett Butler’s answer to Scarlett in the movie “Gone with the Wind” was heard in theaters across the nation, a collective expression of surprise followed it. This did not mean that this was a nation of hypocrites. It reflected a sense of courtesy. Certain words and topics were not broached or discussed in public.

Now, this is not a call for censorship or for the morality police to step in and clean up this nation’s media. It is an invitation to this society to stop and step back for a moment to examine how it expresses itself today. This problem should be seen as one of the lack of courtesy, discipline, and education.

There are people who do not talk, nor want to be around those who do, using expletives to emphasize their opinion when in a conversation.

Jesus addressed this question of emphatic expression to give weight to an argument or promise. He told His audience not to add to the authority of their statement by swearing by heaven, earth, Jerusalem, or by a person’s reputation. He said, “Just say a simple, ‘Yes I will’, or ‘No I won’t.’ Your word is enough. To strengthen your promise with a vow shows something is wrong.”

This is the very point of this distress call to those who would impart their questionable language upon those who would rather not hear it. Be courteous to those who would prefer not to have to explain to a three year old the meaning of what has just been heard. Be disciplined enough to control anger or excitement. Added expletives do not give weight to any position or argument. Finally, if a person is finding their vocabulary to be so limited as to be unable to completely or civilly express themselves, learn some new words.

Maybe, this little boy really did sum up the status of modern interpersonal communication with those three words. “Oh my weird!”

Freedom

2009-07-03T20:57:00.000-05:00

Ask God About Freedom?
I Cor 7:22-24

NLT22 And remember, if you were a slave when the Lord called you, the Lord has now set you free from the awful power of sin. And if you were free when the Lord called you, you are now a slave of Christ.
23 God purchased you at a high price. Don't be enslaved by the world.
24 So, dear brothers and sisters, whatever situation you were in when you became a believer, stay there in your new relationship with God.
NIV 22 For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord's freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ's slave.
23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.
24 Brothers, each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to.

INTRO:
One of the very special days, holidays, of the summer season in the United States is that great day of leisure and relaxation, the Fourth of July. We take off from work, pop fireworks, go to the lake, make hamburgers, grill hotdogs, and have a carefree time. Is that what your Fourth is?
For many of us, we take time to remember, even commemorate, the reason for this celebration. Over 200 hundred years ago, our ancestors threw off the yoke of tyranny. They decided that it was time to tell the King of Great Britain that they would no longer live in bondage. It was time to be free.
Then, and down through the years, there has been a misconception of what freedom really is. It is not anarchy. When a person is truly free, he is not free to do without consequences. There is always responsibility. Freedom is not free. There is always a cost. Freedom is not whimsical. There is no sense of chaos in true freedom. Free people have a purpose.
This definition of freedom was not written first by our 18th century leaders. They wrote, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” They believed that what they sought began in the heart of God.
In this text we see true freedom. For those of us who know Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, we are reminded of three important aspects of spiritual, and true civil liberty. We have an Expected Responsibility that was purchased with an Extreme Cost for an Expedient Purpose.

Power Failure

2009-07-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

I blew a fuse this morning. Too many attempts at one time to put too many appliances into action can draw so much power that something is going to blow.

Oh, did you think I was talking about electricity? I may have been telling you about a morning that many of us have.

In life it is not the building up of the power needs of one morning. This stress may build up over many mornings, weeks, or even months. The fuse blows. Then we find out that we have no power to go on.

Turn off some of the appliances. Reconnect your power cord to a new source. That source can be Jesus. He has all the energy to power all of your needs.

The Galloping Theologian

Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better

2009-06-29T06:13:00.000-05:00

What we are practicing is specialized Christianity. It is broken down into age groups, marital status, Biblical knowledge, and areas of expertise. We are no longer parts, but little wholes, satisfied with the bad reflection of Jesus that bounces off the one part of the body that we represent. We boast of our particular ability. At the same time, we are not able, and do not desire, to share Christ with someone else.

Specialization within the Body of Christ creates a comfort zone for a few who are comfortable with the formula developed for sharing the Gospel. In an effort to simplify, we have petrified the Gospel to a certain kind of response to a specific ritual. The joy of sharing Christ, the Good News, has been turned into the fear of a pop quiz. We never know when we need to spit it out, but we better be ready.

What is the answer? Let us deritualize the Gospel. Let us put life back into the story of God who died for a dead world.

Death at the Door

2009-06-25T19:10:00.000-05:00

During the day, the death of two very public people has come to the attention of the world. Most of those people have never met or seen Michael Jackson or Farrah Fawcett. But, the world is greatly moved by this news. Why?

Truly, these entertainers gave the world many memories. I believe that this is not the only reason for the interest. Even now, there are probably many discussions being had about star deaths coming in threes. Who's next? This could be the most asked question around. This is just a facade.

The world is interested because it is made aware again of the certainty and reality of death. "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment." (Heb 9:27)

For those who know Christ, there is no fear of this judgment. "Death is swallowed up in victory." (I Cor 15:54) There is no hope after life outside of Jesus.

The Galloping Theologian

Anticipation

2009-06-22T06:48:00.000-05:00

The prospects of today are clouded by the anticipation of tomorrow.

Conservative

2009-06-16T13:48:00.000-05:00

Conservative theology is not against change. The message does not change. Methods may change. Method must not contradict message. We must identify the true message. A wrong message that is easy to hear is still the wrong message.

Always look for an opening to share the true message.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

2009-06-11T18:54:00.000-05:00

You lose the respect you command, when you fail to respect those you command.

Contentment

2009-06-07T08:39:00.000-05:00

Kris Kristofferson wrote the song "Sunday Morning Coming Down." One of the most memorable recordings of this song was made by Johnny Cash. Besides being one of the best interpretations of that song, it also is able to invoke many different emotions by the lyrics.

I will tell you that I have never personally experienced numerous parts of that song, but it causes me to recall a thought every time I hear it. Melancholy almost always accompanied this song, especially since I was forced from filling the pulpit every Sunday because of my health.

The subject of my health must wait for another day. But, for years I would wake up on Sunday with an urge to go on about the truths of the Bible. I was that old plow horse retired from the fields, but ready to be hooked up in harness.

This would bother me. I would say that depression was just around the corner.

Paul wrote that he had learned to be content, no matter what state he found himself in. This is a magnificent truth. Following God through Jesus Christ our Lord can always clear our thoughts and push us through the trials of "Sunday Morning Coming Down."

The Galloping Theologian

Eternal Being

2009-06-05T14:30:00.000-05:00

There is a grand argument that has stretched over many centuries. This discussion of origins divides cultures, nations, societies, etc. It is called many things. Division happens between many groups.The simplest title for this contest is said to be that of Evolution versus Creation.

One group might be labeled godless by one. The one is branded as ignorant and stupid.

I would like to raise a question at this time. Personally, for me, this diversion of thought has started simply enough. I will call it the "Great Presupposition." It is not the argument of egg and chicken. It is much simpler than that.

Something has to be eternal. Something was there before anything else. Was it matter or God? Material or Being has to be the "Great First."

We will continue this conversation. The Galloping Theologian

2009-06-03T20:41:00.000-05:00

The gallop is the running motion of a horse. During each stride, all four legs are off the ground at once. When this stride is happening, all four legs are flexed under the body.

Now, I am not a horse. My running days are over. But, as a Galloping Theologian, I will race as fast as I can to address all topics that confront Christians in today's Culture.

I invite you to join me in these conversations, and hang in for the ride.

The Galloping Theologian

Being Sensitive During Insensitive Times

2009-06-01T19:37:00.000-05:00

Most, if not all, Christians think of themselves as the protector of the downtrodden, feeder of the poor, provider of shelter, and all around nice guy. A shudder runs down the spine of the normal church member when the words of Jesus tell of providing water when He was thirsty and food when He was hungry. When these are given to the most insignificant, they are given to Him. So when the hat is passed and the missionaries are present, we give of our Christian duty.

We volunteer. We help the obvious. Yet, people within our realm of influence go without. Someone in your congregation, at this moment is without a job. Parents are going hungry because there is only enough food for the children. Utilities have just been disconnected in the home of someone we know. Families are being torn apart in silence.

If they would only ask for help, it would be provided. We even dare to say that it is not our fault. These people are suffering in silence. We can't fix what we don't know to be broke. But, that's the rub.

The world system will help if it is applied for. The Christian system should be so sensitive to those around them, especially those we rub elbows with, to be able to be led by the Holy Spirit to plug a hole. People with needs are treated many times as people with disease. We don't want to catch the problem of needing help. Besides, who will then help us.

2009-05-31T17:37:00.000-05:00

It is always a sad day when someone is ruthlessly murdered. Although I am unashamedly prolife, I see the death of this Doctor as murder. This act will do nothing to further the cause of Life or Christ.

The sad thing is that at this point, I am sure that there are those seeing this as a method of Christianity. This act is not only condemned by Christians, but also conservative Christians.

I will not ever apologize for my position on Life, both born and unborn.

Life

2009-05-30T10:30:00.000-05:00

How difficult is it to get along in today's culture? I am convinced that our spiritual condition, relationship with Jesus Christ, determines this. It is a trust factor. If we do not trust ourselves, we tend to mistrust others. Our weaknesses magnify the weaknesses of others.

When our relationship with Christ is poor or nonexistent, we feel that there are no reasons to have a trusting relationship with others. But, when we trust Christ with our failures and weaknesses, we become anxious to see others in the same trusting way that Jesus Christ sees us.

Now, let me make this clear. I am not saying we are to have blind faith in people. We need to trust Christ as He leads us through life and our relationships. When we trust Him, we begin to trust others.

A Start of a Beginning

2009-05-29T22:02:00.000-05:00

Greetings to all! Here you will find fresh, but conservative ideas and defenses of Christanity.