Saturday, May 31, 2003

I leave in the morning for three weeks of Worldview Academy, so don't expect to hear from me for a while.


Later,
Paul

Tuesday, May 27, 2003

I had an enjoyable long weekend. Saturday night we had a Teenpact alumni party, Sunday afternoon I went to my 1yo niece's birthday party, and yesterday was my brother-in-law's birthday party. Now it's back to work...and studying for my ConLaw final this weekend...and looking forward to Texas on Sunday...:)

Friday, May 23, 2003

"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome." - 1 John 5:3


What are these commandments? Do they include the moral law in the Old Testament (Ten Commandments)? Or are they limited to "new covenant" laws?


The commandments we should keep are the totality of God's Law, in both the Old Testament and the New. Matthew 5:18 - "For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished." Yes, Christ fulfilled the symbolic portions of the law and the prophets. But the principles of morality and justice found in the Law cannot be brushed aside because we live in the "age of grace." Was grace nonexistant before Christ? Surely not. Salvation has always been by grace through faith. But what is salvation if it is not the forgiveness of sin? And what is sin if the Law no longer applies?


The Law does apply today and should be kept, but Christians will continue to violate God's Law in this life. Thanks be to God that our lawless acts are forgiven by Christ! Only by His grace can we glorify Him by forsaking sin and growing in love. That's gospel-driven sanctification. That's the Christian life.

Wednesday, May 21, 2003

Memorizing: Titus 1:5-7 "This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you- if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,"

Monday, May 19, 2003

I got a package from PHC this weekend which included the "technology options" that they are requiring. Basically, I need a new computer. Now the question is whether I should get one through the college, or buy one from my brother or Dad (they work at Insight.com). The Dell computers PHC is selling are more expensive than the ones Insight has, but if I buy through PHC, they will support the computer for four years. I think I'll take my chances with the support, especially since my brother is offering me a really good deal on a really nice laptop. I'm excited about getting a new machine.


Memorizing: Titus 1:1-4 "Paul, a servant of God and apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior; To Titus, my true child in common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior."

Thursday, May 15, 2003

Hey all you AIM and MSN Messenger users - Have you ever wanted to keep a log of your chats? Yes? You need to download these two programs:


For AOL Instant Messenger: DeadAIM


For MSN Messenger: MSGPlus


Both of these work great on the newest versions of the IM programs and include lots of great features besides logging. Oh, and here's the best part: They're FREE! OK, you have to give the DeadAIM guy $1.50...big deal.

Tuesday, May 13, 2003

For some reason, I've been finding myself forgetting things lately. Just this morning, I got off the bus at Intel and forgot to take my scooter. (That's the last time I'm setting the scooter behind the back of the chair.) I realized that I had forgotten it right as the bus pulled away, so I ran after it. Even though I stayed right behind it through the Intel parking lot and waved my arms whenever I could see the rear-view mirror, for some reason the driver didn't see me. I guess he wasn't looking for a well-dressed guy with a backpack sprinting behind his bus and waving his arms. Anyway, about halfway to Chandler Blvd, my lungs started reminding me that I am out of shape. But I finally made it, huffing and puffing up to the side door of the bus as he waited at the red light. He let me on and I got my scooter. My heart is still pounding and my lungs are still aching 45 minutes later...


I guess I need the "sound mind" of Titus 2:12 and the "bodily training" which is of "some value" in 1 Timothy 4:8.

Monday, May 12, 2003

I had a good weekend. Saturday night was a Worldview Academy pre-camp get together and I was encouraged by the quality and quantity of kids coming to the camp at NAU in June.


Yesterday, Naomi and I did our best to make Mom's day special. She said it was a great day, so we accomplished our goal. I am so thankful for her. She sacrificed 20 years of her life to raise, care for, teach, and pray for me. What a blessing!

Friday, May 09, 2003

What's been going on -


Sadly, I was released from jury duty on Wednesday. It turned out to be a blessing, however, since Dr. Farris was visiting AOP and I was able to have lunch with him. He spoke at the first annual Alpha Omega Academy graduation, which I attended and enjoyed. Last night, I went to the symphony and heard both Mozart's Symphony No. 41, "Jupiter" and Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5, "Emporer." The piano was played by Orion Weiss. It was beautiful.

I've started reading these blogs. They are really good.


Doug Phillips


George Grant

"I will make myself yet more contemptible than this, and I will be abased"
- King David on worshipping the LORD. (2 Samuel 6:22)


A recognition of sin leads to brokenness and guilt before God. 
Then the cross takes away the sin and guilt producing gratitude overflowing into worship.
God is glorified when we delight in Him, so worship is the pursuit of the highest pleasure.

Wednesday, May 07, 2003

Confession time. I've noticed a disturbing thought pattern in my head lately. It's bad and it goes like this: Wow...good for me...I just did something hard that I didn't really want to do but had to...I'm so good...I deserve a break...No, more than a break...I deserve an reward. What's so bad is that the "reward" usually ends up involving sinful behavior. Not good. Very bad.


God, I need Your help. I pray that I would be convicted and that I would take my guilt to the cross. Remind me of the truth of the gospel daily.

Monday, May 05, 2003

Attention all digitally-oriented Christians: This is a call for a higher standard in the area of copyright infringement. Just because the internet has made it really easy to steal music, movies, and software, doesn't make stealing right. I confess openly that I have given into this temptation in the past, but not anymore. Napster has been replaced by Kazaa, but using these tools the way MOST people use them is still illegal and still wrong. We must have the wisdom to discern between "fair use" and taking what's not our own. 


I love the technology of digital media, but it will not survive if it continues to be misused. But much more important than the future of the technology, is our witness for Christ and the state of our hearts. What are non-Christians to think when we violate both the law and our consciences by "sharing" media? What does God think?

Saturday, May 03, 2003

Pride is like a thirst-quenching poison. It feels good on the way down, but will eventually kill.

I wish I was more creative. I think I will be reading a lot of high-quality fiction this summer, to increase my imaginative thought-processes. Suggestions from anyone?


The Matrix: Reloaded is coming out in a couple of weeks, and though I would love to see it I probably won't because if the MPAA rates it R for "some sexuality" there's probably some stuff in it that I shouldn't put before my eyes. Hopefully scenes can be skipped when the DVD comes out...But perhaps I can still enjoy the movie's success, financially that is. Yesterday I purchased some stock in IMAX. I expect the company to do well because they will be showing the Matrix sequels in the huge-screen theatres, along with some big NASCAR movie coming next year. So everyone go out and see IMAX movies! Thanks.


A question that's been on my mind: Does the Great Commission mandate the extension of Christ's dominion into all areas of life, or is it merely a matter of spiritual re-birth?


Paul