Always Forward

The Duel

2011-07-03T14:33:00.000-05:00

This morning I alluded to a poem about a Gingham Dog and Calico Cat. Bekka Nelson found it, and here it is.

The Duel
by Eugene Field (1850-1895)

The gingham dog and the calico cat
Side by side on the table sat;
'T was half-past twelve, and (what do you think!)
Nor one nor t' other had slept a wink!
      The old Dutch clock and the Chinese plate
      Appeared to know as sure as fate
There was going to be a terrible spat.
            (I wasn't there; I simply state
            What was told to me by the Chinese plate!)

The gingham dog went "Bow-wow-wow!"
And the calico cat replied "Mee-ow!"
The air was littered, an hour or so,
With bits of gingham and calico,
      While the old Dutch clock in the chimney-place
      Up with its hands before its face,
For it always dreaded a family row!
            (Now mind: I 'm only telling you
            What the old Dutch clock declares is true!)

The Chinese plate looked very blue,
And wailed, "Oh, dear! what shall we do!"
But the gingham dog and the calico cat
Wallowed this way and tumbled that,
      Employing every tooth and claw
      In the awfullest way you ever saw---
And, oh! how the gingham and calico flew!
            (Don't fancy I exaggerate---
            I got my news from the Chinese plate!)

Next morning, where the two had sat
They found no trace of dog or cat;
And some folks think unto this day
That burglars stole that pair away!
      But the truth about the cat and pup
      Is this: they ate each other up!
Now what do you really think of that!
            (The old Dutch clock it told me so,
            And that is how I came to know.)

Not new, but a must read

2011-07-01T16:58:00.000-05:00

A great article by Dinesh D'Souza. Ten Things to Celebrate.

One of My Traditions

2010-12-23T23:03:00.000-06:00

I am looking forward to listening to the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King's College Cambridge. It is on MPR tomorrow morning at 9am local. Of course, with a gazillion munchkins around, I probably won't hear much. So, I am going to record it and listen a little later - and relax. Every once in a while the choir master will pull out a strange "carol." But, all said, I am looking forward to it.

On Your Marks

2010-12-22T20:37:00.000-06:00

The family is starting to arrive. Things will be ratcheting up for the next two days to hit a three day crescendo. Can hardly wait.

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-25T16:46:00.002-06:00

The kitchen is finally clean again. A really great Thanksgiving meal. Loving the family here. Missing those who could not make it. Wishing we were there/they were here.

God is good. Many blessings this year. Sat on the couch with my wife - my arm around her. Many of the things for which I am thankful revolve around her - God's gift to me.

Thinking about all of this.

What can I say? Not enough. But I can say.

What can I do? Not nearly enough. But I am compelled to do.

How much do I love Him? Ah. As the Bard said, "Aye, there's the rub."

There is a thankfulness that does not spring from love. The thankfulness of a customer for services rendered; the thankfulness of a manager for the effective work of an employee. But that is not the thankfulness that I should render to my Lord.

The thankfulness of a man who has been delivered from death by one who stood to gain nothing by the deed. The thankfulness of a woman who has fallen irretrievably in love with the man who has chosen her. The thankfulness of a creature whose God has deigned to pour out blessing in spite of the creature's rebellion.

I am thankful. At the prayer for our family meal - tears for the goodness of God, for the tender mercies of God, for the gift of His Son, for the gift of His Spirit.

I am thankful - beyond words.

Forgotten Space

2010-11-24T07:31:00.002-06:00

I have sort of forgotten about this space. Forgotten space is like forgotten opportunity - both give pause for reconsideration. After careful reconsideration, I am going to try to remember this space more often. I have some other things in mind as well. I will try to get them incorporated.

Now, Happy Thanksgiving. I know that I am a day early. But, Jacque and I have much for which to be thankful. So, I start early.

I am going to do something formal tomorrow. But, it is supposed to snow again today. (I really don't see how the "snow" follows the "something formal" but there you are, Sometimes randomness just hits you.)

A Great Day Today

2009-12-13T22:32:00.000-06:00

Today was a great day. We were reminded strikingly of the full spectrum of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in the morning service. Several of our adults brought us from the Prophet Isaiah, through the Nativity, and ended with a statement from a Roman Centurion. Put the children and music in the mix, and the program was challenging, enjoyable, and a blessing to those who were there. I really want to thank all those who had a part in the program.

Experience Speaks

2009-12-12T20:32:00.000-06:00

“A nation can survive its fools, and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within. An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known and carries his banner openly. But the traitor moves amongst those within the gate freely, his sly whispers rustling through all the alleys, heard in the very halls of government itself. For the traitor appears not a traitor; he speaks in accents familiar to his victims, and he wears their face and their arguments, he appeals to the baseness that lies deep in the hearts of all men. He rots the soul of a nation, he works secretly and unknown in the night to undermine the pillars of the city, he infects the body politic so that it can no longer resist. A murderer is less to fear."

Marcus Tullius Cicero

Rick & Jamie Mikesh and First Nations Ministry

2009-12-07T09:11:00.002-06:00

First Baptist Church, New Ulm was blessed to have Brother Rick Mikesh, his wife Jamie, and their family in our morning services yesterday (12/6/2009). The Mikesh family is on deputation, raising support to take the Gospel to the First Nation people of Canada. Jacque and I enjoyed great fellowship with Rick & Jamie Saturday evening.

Sunday morning Rick challenged us in our main service with thoughts on "Great Commission Living" from 2 Timothy 4:1-8. His family presented a special musical offering, and his two oldest daughters played a violin and piano duet for the offertory.

In our Bible Study time, Brother and Sister Mikesh shared their own testimonies of faith in Christ and His leading them to go into the ministry. They then showed a DVD presentation of the need for the gospel in the native people of Canada.

The people here were challenged by the ministry of Rick and Jamie. By the time the morning was over, some of our adults and youth were talking of mission trip to work in a Bible camp in the area where the Mikesh's are looking to serve. Only the future will tell the extent of the ministry of this family on the people here. But there has definitely been an increase of interest in declaring the gospel here in New Ulm.

We recommend them. You will enjoy their enthusiasm, be challenged by their dedication to serving God, and encouraged by the ministry of the Word.

Rick and Jamie Mikesh are being sent out by Deer River Bible Church and are going under Biblical Ministries Worldwide (BMW). You can see the description of the First Nations Ministry here.

A Note from Jay Adams

2009-09-10T22:30:00.002-05:00

This came through my RSS feed. It is a good, short reminder of the inportance of our companions.

Find it here.

A Sad State of Affairs

2009-09-09T09:38:00.002-05:00

I ran across a story and found it on MSN News. Three sad things:

1. It's sad the young boy died. It always is.

2. It's sad that it took his death to bring his mother and father to the place where they act morally and responsibly.

3. It's sad that the boy had a greater sense of morality and appropriateness than his parents.

Economic Earthquake

2008-11-03T18:54:00.003-06:00

One of the men of the church was asking about Larry Burkett's "The Coming Economic Earthquake." I thought it was in our church library, but ... oh well. I am still looking. But it got me wondering. Not many years after Burkett wrote the book, the economy started looking not so bad, the earthquake did not come. Tough days for a "prophet." Did he have any reaction to this? Well, he updated the book in 1994 to encompass the Clinton agenda. Then in 2000 he wrote an article entitled "What Happened to the Economic Earthquake." I found it here. Take a read. The updated book is still available. We just might be seeing his forcast coming to fruition.

More on Pillsbury

2008-10-27T09:55:00.002-05:00

This past Wednesday, Justin Nelson posted the following on his Facebook page:

"Today an announcement was made that may or may not have shocked anyone who is associated with Pillsbury Baptist Bible College. As of the end of the fall semester of 2008 Pillsbury will cease its academic programs as an educational institution and will begin its process in cleaning up its financial obligations.

"Most who've attended the institution will attest that it is the most family-oriented place on Earth. Others, on the other hand, may say the rules were too strict. Regardless our opinion about Pillsbury, what can we say about the current and conclusive situation? 'I'm sad'? 'I'm angry'? 'Who can I blame'? 'I'm not surprised'?

"Pillsbury has prepared young (and old) men and women for the work of God through education, experience and prayer for over 50 years. Many who graduated are heavily involved in full time ministries throughout the world. Many who graduated are involved in Church ministries around our nation. Many who graduated are working secular 9-5 jobs and witnessing to their co-workers and clients. Many are living their own life with God on the side.

"God has a plan for you, me and this world that we cannot fully understand. However, we do know that God loves and He will not forsake us. He has given us His Word. He has given us His Son. He has given us His Spirit to those who believe on his Son. He has given us instructions on how to live. He deserves our praise for He is Holy and good.

"Pillsbury has been an effective tool that God has used in many lives of people throughout the World. His plan for the preparation of the second coming of His Son is thought out and perfect. Let's remember Pillsbury as a place where God expressed His will to men and women for the carrying out of His eternal plan."

The Announcement

2008-10-24T16:31:00.003-05:00

This past Wednesday, Pillsbury College put "The Announcement" up on its website. I am not ready, myself, to comment much (I have something coming). But I have found a few things that deserve circulation. The first is Dr. Kevin Bauder's remarks on Pillsbury and the fundamentalist movement in general. I am still mulling over some of his comments, but they deserve your consideration.

You can find them here.

More later.

The Failure of Intelligent Design

2008-04-07T13:36:00.004-05:00

Dinesh D'Souza has a good article that points up the problem in trying to get an atheistic culture to give a fair hearing to God. His article is about Intelligent Design and its adherents' failure to get it included in public education curriculum. His conclusion ... read it for yourself, here.

This is what Oprah is giving us?!

2008-04-03T20:31:00.007-05:00

It's just too much for one day. Earlier today I was steered to the video below. Then, I heard that Oprah was introducing a pregnant man this afternoon. After I got over the fact that this was not some bizarre April fools joke, I was - well, repulsed is too small a word. What figured prominently was the idea of "redefining normal." Here was a woman who "changed" herself into a "man" by deleting some parts, and taking some drugs. With that, she changed her name to "Thomas". And that made her a man. Except - she wanted a baby, so got pregnant. When writing about the experience she (I refuse to acknowledge any maleness in this) said that she wanted everyone to "embrace the gamut of sexuality and define for themselves what is normal." Here is humanity deciding to be its own standard. Nothing really new here. But, the length to which this "human debris" (I owe this to Rush) was willing to go has moved the evidence of humanity's ultimate degradation to a new level.

Well, some might wonder how in the world this can happen. We know about humanity's depravity. But, what - how - where did this come from. Listen to this and you will begin to understand. By the way, I know nothing about the book being advertised at the end.

CDC report on STDs

2008-03-11T14:12:00.000-05:00

But, will they suggest Abstinence education? Can't do that.

Petition against Genocide

2008-02-19T15:03:00.000-06:00

This should catch some people off-balance!

"When we all get together"

2008-02-16T16:13:00.002-06:00

The epitome of fellowship will be when we gather together around our Lord's Throne in His presence. However, until then, the fellowship of believers is a bit of the heavenly expectation. Yesterday and today (Friday-Saturday) the men of the MBA, and several friends from other states, met together at Pillsbury for the MBA Men's Advance. The fellowship was great. Every year I come to this is a blessing.

I just want to thank all the men and women who helped. Especially those connected with Pillsbury College who went out of their way to make our meeting a success. I don't know who they all were, so I won't name them. But they were a blessing to me, and to the other men who attended.

God bless you!

Got Silly?

2008-01-18T10:00:00.000-06:00

John Hinderaker, over at PowerLine, referenced one of the great confusion factors of our time. In his January 17, Headline of the Day, he points to the following headline: "Bush drilling plan could threaten polar bears, panel chairman says." Mr. Hinderaker makes some excellent points in his small piece. It is hard to take seriously people who rail against the administration for not having a policy for energy independence, and then disallow every avenue of attaining that goal. I do not want the polar bears harmed either, and I agree with Hinderaker when he says, "My guess is that the polar bears would barely notice the drilling. As for global warming, the Arctic is still pretty frigid." This is not about bears or snail-darters (in fact the bears might eat the snail-darters given half a chance), or spotted owls or caribou. It boils down to a philosophy (Eco-ianity, or maybe Eco-insanity) forcing its rule on government, when the people are rejecting it. You gotta get your point out, so be silly! And they did it! (Were silly, that is.)

Answers in Genesis Journal

2008-01-10T10:44:00.000-06:00

Answers in Genesis has put up a new web-help. It is called Answers Research Journal. Find it here. It is meant to be a serious, technical journal that can be accessed for free. Anyone interested in the latest scientific research bearing on Creation, Evolution, or Intelligent Design should check it out.

Right Angle Cafe

2008-01-01T16:25:00.000-06:00

It's 2008 as I write this. We had a great Christmas, and are in the midst of a restful New Year. My wife, Jacque, had a good afternoon when the Michigan State Wolverines bested the Florida Gators in football (Although there were moments when ...).

Last Sunday evening, December 30, our church youth group hosted an all-church New Year's fellowship. The group is called 90°. That might help when you see the poster saying "The Right Angle Café."

Anyway, everyone had a great time. Here is the youth group site, where pictures are posted.

Thanks to Justin and Bekka Nelson, and the kids of the group for a great evening.

At Christmas

2007-12-13T09:07:00.000-06:00

This past Sunday evening, our youth and children (with the help of some strategic adults) put on a Christmas program. It was great. There were some pictures on our youth group site, 90°.

Philip Pullman's Fools-gold Compass

2007-12-05T13:01:00.000-06:00

"The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.'" Psalm 53:1

Dr. Albert Mohler has written a good review of Philip Pullmans trilogy of books, called His Dark Materials, and of the first book The Golden Compass, coming out very soon as a major motion picture.

Every parent should read this review. These books, and this motion picture are a direct challenge to the Christian faith. Though it is a very atractive movie, and the books are very well written, and aimed at children and youth, they are dangerous.

Dr. Mohler makes the case. Please read it.

Power Line: Editor, edit thyself.

2007-11-21T09:45:00.000-06:00

Power Line blog has two very good articles by William Katz. Mr Katz focuses on what the MSM (Main Stream Media) must do to regain the respect of the average American news consumer. He is dead on (at least as far as he goes). Part 1. Part 2.

Security on the Home Front

2007-11-18T11:56:00.000-06:00

This article by James Carafano is a clear reminder that vigilance is the price of freedom. Dr. Carafano's piece does not really set out to be political, so it does not mention the administration that has held the line against terrorism, or the half of congress that seems dead set on knocking down the walls that are currently protecting freedom here and elsewhere.

Dr. Carafano's piece is an eye-opener. I think I have heard of each of these, but the consistent drone of "what have you done for us lately" coming from the left seems to drown out the truth and purge the memory. This is a needed reminder.

Godly Parents or World-like Churches

2007-11-17T12:55:00.000-06:00

A recent post on Boundlessline caught my attention. Steve Watters references Dr. Christian Smith in an article in Books and Culture on the widening gap between teens leaving churches and returning when they start having children.

As I read some of Dr. Smith's article I sensed that the prevailing sense is that such a "leaving" is the normal thing to happen, due to several social forces on youth. I do not doubt that these forces may be there. However, I wonder if this is more the result of parents not cultivating the strength in their youth to deal with the forces than the church dealing with its own relevance to these young adults. I do not dispute that churches, in dealing with our culture, must be aware of the forces being brought to bear on the people. But this is true for adults and youth.

In my experience, the more significant force in the life of youth and young adults, is the life-long influence of their parents. It is from Mom and Dad that the value of the fellowship of the saints, and the value of the teaching of God's Word comes. It is here that youth and therefore young adults grow to understand the value of serving God, by seeing Mom and Dad do it, and then doing it with them.

In the early church, the youth ministry was not about having fun, and parties. It was about challenging youth to godliness, and even to such deliberate action that would lead to martyrdom. And the early church flourished, in the midst of the most self-centered and hedonistic culture of its day.

I want the youth ministry here to reach young people, and help them prepare to be young adults. But it seems to me that trying to figure out how we can be relevant to their worldview is missing the point. We may have to do some of that with the young adults we have today. But, this will just continue to spiral down if parents do not seek to pass on their value of God and His church to their children.

How is this done? No room for an extensive treatment here. However, when our families only attend church when there is nothing better to do, when recreation takes the place of the Lord's church, when the attitude is that all we need to do is show up once and we've paid our God off, then we will continue to see the gap widening. And it will not merely widen on an age vector. It will continue to widen in the spirit. Soon, we will have a whole generation, raised by "Christian" parents, who do not know God, nor will they care.

Student Volunter Movement

2007-11-13T09:59:00.000-06:00

I came across this opportunity for young adults. Anyone who can get away for this, should consider it. Group: Student Global Impact. This is a ministry of Inter-City Baptist in Allen Park, MI.

Worth Considering

2007-11-12T14:45:00.000-06:00

Rod Decker has said some things that pastors often say, but few academics will say, let alone few in academic administration. His article "A Teaching/Ministry Career" is worth the read.

Pirate Ships and Swash-buckling Veggies

2007-10-19T16:58:00.000-05:00

What did the church do before film? The first two millennia of the church must have been a real drag.

It's hard to imagine what kind of pastoral teaching ministry would need the Veggie Tale crew to help them teach the word of God. Larry the Cucumber, Mr. Lunt, and Pa Grape are going to be Pirates, "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" from BigIdea Productions and Universal Pictures. I know that the whole idea of Pirates for Christ is a bit much for many people, but renting theaters and filling them with people to hear the "truth" and then explaining the "parables" is, at least to me, "off the charts" ("here there be monsters"). The whole idea is to help children understand that heroes don't have to be big and strong, or smart, or pretty. Ok, I get it. But isn't this trivializing the effects of the gospel and the Holy Spirit in the lives of children a bit (more than a bit)?

Don't get me wrong. The trailer is cute. And the story will, I am sure, be engaging. But churches using it in their teaching ministry - renting whole theaters for the purpose! It sounds to me like a whole lot of thought went into the marketing of this. And they found just the right market - gullible pastors or churches who have either lost touch with the power of God's word, or lost control of their youth and children's ministries.

"Arrrgh, where be the land, Matey?"

"Avast, no where near here."

(Pardon the poor pirate lingo.)

http://www.veggiepirates.com/
http://screenings.bigidea.com/events/list
Original source: CR Newswire email, November 19, 2007.

The Rock and the Hard Place, Politically

2007-10-19T09:47:00.000-05:00

I have been pondering the upcoming presidential election. In my musings, I found this article by Justin Taylor. It is definitely worth reading. I have thought most of these thoughts, but have not articulated them all at once. I do not know that Mr. Taylor has any answers, but he definitely puts some things into perspective.

Unarguably a Culture of Death

2007-08-16T19:35:00.000-05:00

"The Pastor's Weekly Briefing" for August 17, 2007, ran the following article.

"Lethal Injections Avoid PBA

"In response to the Supreme Court decision upholding the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, many abortionists in Boston, Mass., and around the country are injecting preborn babies with a lethal drug dose before aborting them, according the Boston Globe.

"The National Abortion Federation is training doctors to inject potassium chloride into a preborn baby's heart to avoid any chance of partially delivering a live fetus. In Boston, three major Harvard-affiliated hospitals — Massachusetts General, Brigham and Women's, and Beth Israel Deaconess — have responded to the ban by making the injections the new standard operating procedure for abortions beginning at around 20 weeks' gestation, said Dr. Michael F. Greene, director of obstetrics at Mass. General.

"Dr. Gene Rudd, with the Christian Medical Association, called it an appalling situation. "In an effort to technically circumvent the partial-birth abortion ban," he told Family News in Focus, "abortionists have basically moved the death of the baby by just a few inches and few minutes." He also points out that if potassium chloride gets into the mother's system, it could place her health at risk. "We have breached a major tenet of medical ethics," Rudd explained. "We're not really doing what's in her best interest. We're doing what's in the physician's best interest."
Denise Burke, staff counsel for Americans United for Life, pointed out the irony of the situation, in that potassium chloride is also used to execute death row inmates."

He doth protest too much

2007-04-10T11:08:00.000-05:00

I have been listening to the latest media juggernaut. It seems Mr. Don Imus, a well-known radio celebrity, used some fairly unflattering language when speaking about a certain university's women's basketball team. Since then several leaders of the black community have been calling for his professional head.

To make reparations, Mr. Imus has admitted his guilt, but also that it was an unthinking, un-Imus remark. In trying to placate that wrath of the "media-gods" he is trying to make everyone think that these remarks came out of nowhere. He says they are as reprehensible to him as they are to others. That may be. But they did not come from nowhere. And here is the lesson for him and for you and me.

The Lord told us that "out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." What the Son of God wanted us to know is that if we want to know where something came from, we look at ourselves. The Devil does not make us do it, and we cannot blame it on those who are too sensitive. Our sinful hearts are the source of those things that get us into trouble.

More than once I have made statements that I wish, sometimes immediately, I could retract, or better yet, make un-said. Where do these come from? From the heart. I may not even know the idea is there, but as the Prophet said, "the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, beyond understanding." And it is my heart. And it is your heart.

When we say or do thoughtless or wicked things, to get beyond them, we must own them. And then we must confess to the God who has already forgiven our sins. Oh, and then we must take our "lickin'" from those we offended. But through it all, the surprise should not be that there is wickedness in our hearts that will express itself when we are not looking, but that not expecting it to come out, we were not on guard.

Regarding God Securing His Word to Us

2007-02-21T10:08:00.000-06:00

What follows is my attempt to communicate my understanding of how God gave His Word to man, how he has made it available to us today, and what we are to do to be faithful to it. If anything, I admit that this is an attempt to move forward, though admittedly, probably not there yet.

*******************************

I believe that God has secured His Word to believers for use in ministry and life (Isaiah 40:8; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 1:23-25). By this, I mean that, through the many various texts available to us, the actual rendering of God’s Word is available, though not necessarily in any single text.

First, I acknowledge that nowhere in scripture is there any statement determining or demonstrating the method of this securing. Second, I acknowledge that there are many variant texts and textual traditions available. Third, I find no scriptural authority to exalt one text or textual tradition, or one translation over another. Therefore, I understand that God did not secure the text to us in the same manner as He inspired the original text. I am compelled to accept that, while God miraculously originated the Bible through inspiration, He has chosen to secure it to us through secondary means (see Deuteronomy 17:18 and possibly Jeremiah 36:26-28).

Since God has secured His Word to us in the form of a multiplicity of manuscripts, I acknowledge the need for careful and faithful textual analysis as the means to finding the most accurate representation of the text of the original writings. I acknowledge also, that these representations of the text are compilations done by men. Though biblical interpreters may judge some translations more faithful to the "original text" in general, no one translation, or compiled representation of the “original text”, carries a God-ordained superiority, or a universal biblical mandate, above all others. Consequently, some of the variations in the wording of such translations are interpretive, while others present themselves because of a variance in the text used for translation.

Nonetheless, though no absolute determination regarding the actual text is possible, these variations do not necessarily signify a deviation from God's Word. The authority and power of the Scriptures derives from the God who gave them, and God has chosen secondary means to secure the text of Scripture to us. Therefore, God's authority and power follows through with His chosen means (Deuteronomy 17:18-20) to make available to us translations that are reliable, authoritative, and effective (Isaiah 55:11; 2 Timothy 3:16,17; Hebrews 4:12).

I acknowledge that, when based on careful, normal-literal translation of the best representation of the text of the original writings, today's English (or Spanish, Russian, etc.) translations are reliable, and carry God’s authority and power derived from that of the original writings.

I am sympathetic with the notion that, due to the importance of God’s Word, we need to get this right. I understand that there are several theories of textual analysis. However, I find no basis in the explicit statements of scripture, or in the larger teaching of the Scripture, that mandates choosing one theory over another. Recognizing that not all can be 100% right, I understand that all, in some way could be wrong. It is up to me, as a careful student of God’s Word, to give due diligence (2 Timothy 2:15) to both the choice of textual theories I accept, and the method of translation and interpretation I utilize. I must also grant that same freedom and responsibility of diligence to my brother.

Milestones of Thanksgiving - Submit!

2006-11-22T10:24:00.000-06:00

We’re getting ready to travel to my son’s home in Indiana. On the way we will pick up our daughter and her husband. My wife and I have gone back and forth on which route to take to get there. There are parts of going around Chicago that we do not enjoy. So, we have started going through Iowa and across to the bottom of Chicago and across Indiana. That route is not really open to us. So we considered going state highways in Iowa for a while. Then our son tells us that we should not worry about going through Chicago. We can also go south from Rockford and take 80 across. So now we have 3 possible routes to go. Which one to take? I think we have decided to take our son’s suggestion. That way, if it’s a mess, we can make him feel bad for leading us wrong. And if it’s a great route, we can tell him how wonderfully smart he is. Naw – really, we will probably not make the final decision until we are .5 miles from the intersection that makes the difference. On the other hand, we know that our future is really not in doubt. We do not know it, but our God does. Which brings me to the second Milestone of Thanksgiving. Submission.

Proverbs 16:9 says, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Consider this. Real thankfulness to God acknowledges and submits to God’s loving sovereignty and control.

In this brief consideration, I want to link James 4:13-15 to this passage in Proverbs. Consider the first part of our verse.

“A man’s heart plans his way.” We make plans. They are either long range, or .5 miles from the intersection that makes the difference. But seldom do we live a random life. Even in times of uncertainty, we endeavor to develop a strategy for whatever part of life we can see coming, however dimly. The New Testament author, James, points out that while we all make plans, we need to understand that the future is not in our control. He reminds us that our life is like a mist or “vapor” that is gone almost as soon as it appears. That level of uncertainty is not entirely comfortable to most of us. We like to think that we can have control over something, that we can make a difference, leave some sort of legacy. So we make intricate plans. It is natural to make plans. It is even wise to make plans. However, it is not wise to consider our plans the end of the discussion.

The last part of the proverb says, “…but the Lord directs his steps.” I can remember making lots of plans, having lots of dreams, seeing many opportunities. However, I also remember how unseen changes on the path, circumstances beyond my control, changed my direction, and brought me to a place where God is using me. Could He have used me where I wanted to be. Sure. If he had wanted me there. But he wanted me here. And he directed my path here. Interestingly, the writer of our proverb makes a distinction between steps and path. At best, I can only plan a few steps, and I might even take those steps. But, God has the plan of my life in His hands. If I let Him, He can take my faltering, uncertain steps and He can bring them to the place where He always intended me to be. The only requirement – submitting to His leading. When we get there, we can be truly thankful.

Milestones of Thanksgiving - Rejoice!

2006-11-20T19:44:00.000-06:00

The first Milestone I want to consider is the believer's rejoicing over God's mighty acts. Psalm 118:22-24 is a passage used in the New Testament referring to Christ, the chief Cornerstone. These verses form a template for Thanksgiving because they demonstrate the kinds of things that cause rejoicing in the human heart.

Verse 22: "The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone." In every building project there are materials deemed to be of insufficient quality, and rejected. The spiritual leadership of Israel rejected Christ, but God made Him the foundation of God's plan of redemption. But this was not only so with Christ. David, the youngest and possibly smallest of his family, was thought to be insufficient to a man's work by his family. He was, however, chosen by God lead His people, Israel. Matthew was a tax collector. As such, he was reputed by some in Israel to be a traitor - not worth much. However, he was chosen by Christ to one of the 12 disciples, an Apostle, and the author of one of the accounts of His Lord's life. John Newton was a slaver. No one accounted him of any value. A more wretched man could not be imagined. However, God's grace so changed this man that he wrote one of the most beloved hymns in our hymn books, "Amazing Grace." That God can take that which others reject as useless and make it, not just useful, but a reflection of His glory should make the believer rejoice.

In verse 23, the Psalmist says, "This was the Lord's doing; it was marvelous in our eyes." In old Israel, General Naaman wanted God to heal him. To demonstrate His power, God commanded that Naaman bathe in the Jordan River. No one else could heal him, but God could and did. Coming down from the mount of Transfiguration, the Lord encountered a demon-possessed boy that His disciples could not care for. But He could. George Mueller looked around London and saw the heart-crushing poverty and loneliness of the orphans of his day. No one really cared, and thought he cared, deeply, he had no resources. By trusting His God to meet the need, and moving forward in faith, he saw God move and provide in ways no one else could have. The child of God has always found reason for rejoicing in the fact that God could use them, even though they, and others, might have thought them of little of no value.

Verse 24 says, "This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." God is the one who makes opportunities. In Revelation 3:7, to the church at Philadelphia, He calls Himself, the God "who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens." Paul spoke of the door God had opened for Him to speak. In the circumstances of our life, at the most unlikely moments, God opens an opportunity for victory.

At this Thanksgiving season, we can rejoice that God has given us the opportunity to serve Him, and make the most of it for His glory.

Milestones of Thanksgiving, Getting Started

2006-11-19T14:54:00.000-06:00

My wife Jacque and I have been amazed at how easily our culture moves from Halloween, actually based on an occult observance of pagan cultures, to Christmas, the celebration of the incarnation of the Son of God. Two things are noteworthy here. First, moving so seamlessly from Halloween to Christmas is only possible because in our culture, Christmas means little more than Halloween. Both are about the Gross National Product – delivering what sells. Thanksgiving, by contrast, does not move dolls, or games, or even clothes. Compared to Christmas and Halloween, Thanksgiving is really quite boring (unless you raise turkeys, that is).

Second, even those who encourage us to remember “the true meaning” of the holiday, get it wrong. We are told to love our families, and to remember the sacrifice of others and to express our thanks for them by doing something ourselves.

What is not mentioned in our culture is the fact that the “real meaning” of Thanksgiving is giving thanks, not to ourselves, or each other, but to the God who has given us so many blessings. What has obscured this is the nearly complete abstinence of genuine Christian thought in our culture. What should concern us is how easily this particular brand of abstinence is embraced, inadvertently, by believers. We still give prayers of thanksgiving at the huge meal. But in the end, it’s about eating and watching football.

My point here is not to make everybody feel guilty about thanksgiving dinner, or a relaxing afternoon. I started out remarking about the near seamless transition from Halloween to Christmas, barely noticing Thanksgiving. I don’t think anything will change our culture. What I think is needed, though, is for God’s people to guard their attitude. This thanksgiving our family will get together and enjoy a big, traditional meal. And we will probably find a way to watch some football. But, we are also taking this time to imitate the God who has given us so much by giving of ourselves to one another. Maybe when we are able to be a channel of God’s blessing to someone else, we will understand a little more of what it means to be thankful to God.

It could be argued that Thanksgiving is half of Worship. God is always worthy of our worship. But, He has done so much for us that the child of God should be highly motivated to give Him worship for His blessing in their life.

I am going to examine Milestones of Thanksgiving in the next several postings. Not that they must come in any particular order, but I believe that these are important and effective truths to remember in giving thanks, whenever we express it – especially now.

The Length of Jesus' Ministry

2006-11-16T16:29:00.000-06:00

A pastor gets a lot of questions. And, usually, if one person has asked it, someone else probably has as well. When those questions come in, and when they are not personal in nature, I will share the answers here at AlwaysForward.

Q: How many years did Jesus teach before his death?

A: It is not completely certain how long Jesus’ ministry lasted. However, I understand the Biblical evidence to indicate that Jesus’ ministry lasted around 3 ½ years. His baptism by John the Baptist came several months prior to the first Passover (2:13, 23) of His ministry. In 4:35 the Lord mentions that the harvest was four months away. Therefore, at this time, Christ is coming up to the second Passover. The harvest happened at about the same time as Passover. John 5:1 mentions an unnamed feast, which probably was the Feast of Tabernacles, which would have been after the Passover which came close after 4:35. Somewhere in here was the second Passover. John 6:4 mentions another Passover, the third, followed by Tabernacles and the Dedication. The final, fourth, Passover is mentioned in John 11:55. Using this information, it appears that Jesus’ ministry lasted around 3 ½ years.

Current threats of a century ago -

2006-10-07T14:16:00.000-05:00

I thank one of my friends in the ministry, Dr. Robert Griffin, for finding this and getting it out (Grif.Net - 10/07/06 Weekend Grif.Net - Danger in the New Century). I had seen it before, but lost contact with it. General Wm. Booth saw correctly the issues that face our nation and all of western culture.

“At the turn of the Century, one of the leading newspapers addressed thefollowing question to many notable persons In Great Britain: ‘What in your opinion is the chief danger, social or political, thatconfronts the coming century?’ “Here is one of the responses: ‘In answer to your enquiry, I consider that the chief dangers which confrontthe coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost; Christianitywithout Christ; forgiveness without repentance; salvation withoutregeneration; politics without God; and Heaven without Hell.’‘General William BoothFounder, Salvation Army The War Cry - 5 January 1901 p7, col.2’”

I would add only one item.

“… and people who call themselves Christians who cannot see the difference.”

Racing Toward Irrationality

2006-09-21T10:52:00.000-05:00

In Romans 1:18-21, Paul points out that the downhill spiral of a culture begins with ignoring the truth of God. In verse 21 he points out the final stage of this intellectual decline with the words “and their foolish hearts were darkened.”

Recently John Knox Press, serving the Presbyterian Church USA, released a book that claims that the American government was responsible for 9/11. To hear such revisionist nonsense is not new. It is new, however, at least in my experience, that a major religious publisher is putting it out for serious consideration.

A recent article at Church Report Online notes several items regarding the author, David Griffin, who is professor emeritus at a United Methodist school in California, that should give a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ insight into how such an idea could take root in a mind. God is not a work in progress. Christ did not come to overthrow the Roman government.

When men – when a culture suppresses the truth of God in His Word, like America is doing more and more, Europe has been doing for two or three generations, and like the Islamic world has done for over a millennium, it should not be surprising that the darkness produced would look for something to fill itself, even when it is irrational to the point of laughter.

Except – no one is laughing.

Been thinking about Fellowship

2006-09-04T13:56:00.000-05:00

Every once in a while, someone says to me, "Pastor, we need more fellowship." Last evening after church, several of us went out for some real fun fellowship at our local Perkins. Lots of fun and laughter, and even some serious conversation. Now, I have two comments.

First, true Christian fellowship is not coffee and rolls, or pie, and funny stories. Those things are enjoyable, but God has called us to something much more than that. Fellowship always includes building each other up in the faith and knowledge of Christ. That leads to second comment.

Those who were at the Sunday Evening Bible Study had a great opportunity to enjoy fellowship around God's Word and fellowship around some good food and conversation. The second predicated on the first.

On the one hand, we are developing more opportunities for getting together outside of the walls of the church. On the other hand, not availing oneself of the opportunities of real spiritual fellowship that the church offers makes the request for more fun ring a little hollow.

The purpose of the church is to facilitate spiritual growth among its members. Fellowship is one of the tools God uses to accomplish this task. Getting together for some fun is no substitute for real spiritual fellowship.

I am going to think some more on this. When I get another idea, it will be here.

Where's Old Sam Now?

2006-08-31T16:34:00.000-05:00

Here is an article sure to disappoint. Wal-Mart, long thought to be a strong conservative corporation, has made a dramatic move to choose sides in the cultural war over homosexuality. They have joined the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. I understand that the law requires certain positions on the part of interstate corporations. But, this goes beyond the law. This is alignment. I’m going to write to them and politely express my disappointment. If you want to contact them, write to their president, Rob Walton, at letters@wal-mart.com. But do it politely.

(Sigh) Another One!?!?!?

2006-08-29T11:30:00.000-05:00

As though Dan Brown wasn’t enough, it seems the market is wide open for more preposterous nonsense about Jesus and Mary Magdalene. The most recent is written as fiction, but, in the end, the author claims for herself decendence from Mary and Jesus. Baptist Press has already run a good review. Look at it here.

Still Morally Unacceptable

2006-08-28T13:19:00.000-05:00

Recently, Advanced Cell Technology of Worcester, Mass. made a claim that aroused a lot of talk. It claimed to have taken one cell from an 8- cell embryo and developed stem cells from it. The benefit, they said, was that the remaining 7-cell embryo could be implanted and grow to be a baby. Here is an article noting that the ethical issues have not in fact been answered by this technique. Embryonic cell research is still morally unacceptable.

Look! Up in the sky! It's a ......

2006-07-31T12:27:00.000-05:00

First, let me say that I always enjoyed the Superman stories, whether the small screen versions or the motion pictures. When I was a kid, they made me want to try flying (much to my mother’s dismay). There is a sort of morality play embedded in the stories, as there is in nearly every good story. But that does not give us the liberty to wed the Gospel of Christ with the myth of a superhero.

It seems elements within evangelical Christianity have not learned Paul’s lesson in Acts 16:16-18. Paul was beginning his ministry in the city of Philippi. This ministry seems to have been in response to Paul’s vision of the man pleading, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” Also in this ministry stop, Luke records the conversion of Lydia (Acts 16:13-15).

While there, a “girl possessed with a spirit of divination” began following them and saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” Paul’s response was two-fold. First, the text says he was “greatly annoyed.” Paul evidently did not welcome this endorsement, nor see it as useful in his ministry. Secondly, Paul, not recognizing this as confirmation of their message, ordered the demon, in the name of Jesus, to leave her.

Rick Warren is Pastor of Saddleback Church in the Saddleback Valley of California. In a recent online article on his website, Stephen Skelton wrote an article extolling the recent movie “Superman Returns” as a cinematic-cultural retelling of the story of Christ returning to bring peace to the earth. This is not the place to go into all of Skelton’s analysis. However, if we learn nothing else from Paul, we learn that it is dangerous for believers to read the Christian message into pagan culture. It is dangerous to think that somehow, believers can take pagan stories, told by unbelievers and make them fit vessels for the gospel.

Actually, it is more than dangerous. It is treasonous to the rule of Christ in the church and the believer’s life. In the story of the rich man and Lazarus, Abraham tells Lazarus that his brothers had access the Moses and the Prophets, the written word of God. Well, Mr. Skelton seems to think that, if someone is having trouble with the written Word of God, there is a primer on the Gospel in “Superman Returns.”

Is it any wonder that the message of the gospel is so confused today? There will no doubt be those who, in their quest for cultural relevance, will use video clips, or quote dialog from the movie to illustrate their points. Those who dare to declare the clear message of God’s Word to this world, had better not mix it up with the muck of this world, even if that muck is a box-office hit.

As others see us ...

2006-07-15T11:57:00.000-05:00

Every once in a while, believers shoot themselves in the foot – or something more disastrous. Dr. Kent Hovind, a well-known creation speaker, is being prosecuted on 58 federal charges (read the article here). First, I believe that Dr. Hovind is innocent until proven guilty. But, I have seen this before. Christians try to do things that the normal man would consider shady – at best. What damage is done to our witness for Christ. It really doesn’t matter that is was “that guy” when we are all tarred with the same brush. Whether it is “fundamentalist,” “creationist,” “evangelist,” or “Bible believer,” other’s testimonies are hurt when believers act idiotically. Again, I am not pronouncing guilt on Dr. Hovind. These may be trumped up charges. Or, they may not. Time will tell. The issue is that integrity matters. The moment we start down the road toward our own convenience, integrity goes out the window. I hope these charges are proven untrue. I also hope that we all learn to walk with integrity in all of our life.

Choices

2006-04-28T15:27:00.000-05:00

We can learn much from the biographies of Scripture. Consider Joshua. At the end of his life and leadership, he challenged the people of Israel, whom he had led in battle, and now was pointing the way to peace. We can read his challenge in Joshua 24:19-28. The elements of his challenge to Israel are a challenge to us today. He first pointed out that God demanded of His people complete and exclusive surrender – TO HIM. This is hard. Our self does not want to surrender. However, if we are to move forward with Him, He must have control.

Secondly, God gives to His people the responsibility to make the right choices. Some would try to tell us that the only real responsibility we have to make our own choice, to choose our own way. Our children often get this from schools, the television and videos, and their music. Nothing could be more destructive. While it is true that Christ sets us free, He does not free us so that we can return to the paths of rebellion. He sets us free so that we can choose to love, serve, and obey Him. He holds us accountable to make the RIGHT CHOICES.

Thirdly, remember that God always holds us accountable for the choices we make. Not all choices are equal. Not all choices have the same outcomes. Not all roads lead to heaven. Our Lord said the narrow path leads to life, while the broad path, the easy road, found by doing what we want, leads to destruction.

A couple of ideas are important as you move forward for Him. First, you cannot move forward in and for God unless the Spirit of God transforms our heart and mind. To see this accomplished, you must be His child, by faith in Christ, and you must be living His word. Doing this puts you in the place where His Spirit can change your heart and mind – our life. One other point – you must take our commitment to His as seriously as He does. It is easy today to think that God is like Burger King – you can have it your way. If you are God’s child, when you came to Him you bowed before Him in surrender. He takes that seriously. We must as well.

A day, a week, a month, a year – we dare not remain stagnant. We must move forward.

Regarding God Securing His Word to Us

2006-04-27T11:10:00.000-05:00

Regarding God Securing His Word to Us
Robert J. Fuller, Jr.

I believe that God has secured His Word to believers for use in ministry and life (Isaiah 40:8; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 1:23-25). By this, I mean that, through the many various texts available to us, the actual rendering is available, though not necessarily in any single text.

First, I acknowledge that nowhere in scripture is there any statement determining or demonstrating the method of this securing. Second, I acknowledge that there are many variant texts and textual traditions available. Third, I find no scriptural authority to exalt one text or textual tradition, or one translation over another. Therefore, I understand that this securing is not accomplished in the same manner as inspiration. I am compelled to accept that, while God miraculously originated the Bible through inspiration, He has chosen to secure it to us through secondary means (see Deuteronomy 17:18 and possibly Jeremiah 36:26-28).

Since God has secured His Word to us in the form of a multiplicity of manuscripts, I acknowledge the need for careful and faithful textual analysis as the means to finding the most accurate representation of the text of the original writings. I acknowledge also, that these representations of the text are compilations done by men. Though biblical interpreters may judge some translations more faithful to the "original text" in general, no one translation, or compiled representation of the “original text”, carries a God-ordained superiority, or a universal biblical mandate, above all others. Consequently, some of the variations in the wording of such translations are interpretive, while others present themselves because of a variance in the text used for translation.

Nonetheless, though no absolute determination regarding the actual text is possible, these variations do not necessarily signify a deviation from God's Word. Because the authority and power of Scriptures derives from the God who gave them, and because God has chosen secondary means to secure the text of Scripture to us, God's authority and power follows through with His chosen means (Deuteronomy 17:18-20) to make available to us translations that are reliable, authoritative, and effective (Isaiah 55:11; 2 Timothy 3:16,17; Hebrews 4:12).

I acknowledge that, when based on careful, normal-literal translation of the best representation of the text of the original writings, today's English (or Spanish, Russian, etc.) translations are reliable, and carry God’s authority and power derived from that of the original writings.

I am sympathetic with the notion that, due to the importance of God’s Word, we need to get this right. I understand that there are opposing theories of textual analysis. However, I find no basis in the explicit statements of scripture, or in the larger teaching of the Scripture, that mandates choosing one theory over another. Recognizing that not all can be 100% right, I am content knowing that all, in some way could be wrong. It is up to me, as a careful student of God’s Word, to give due diligence (2 Timothy 2:15) to both the choice of textual theories I accept, and the method of translation and interpretation I utilize. I must also grant that same freedom and responsibility of diligence to my brother.

Always Forward: Spiritual Development

2006-04-08T20:58:00.000-05:00

Recently, I came across another organization that uses the motivational phrase, “Always Forward.” It is 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment of the 4th Training Brigade, stationed in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. In reading through their mission statement and the principles by which they seek to develop leadership in their soldiers, they have 30 principles for command philosophy. As I search the scriptures to see if they conform to God’s command philosophy, I will share them here.

Spiritual Development Enhances The Whole Man. Every day demands of us the best we can put into it. We approach our jobs with thought. We approach our families with understanding (or at least we should). And we approach our health with some degree of concern – evidence the diets and exercise to which we subject ourselves. It is not wrong to think before we act. It is not wrong to consider our spouses and our children before we respond, or act in a way that affects them. It is not wrong to be concerned for our health. Our families, and others who depend on us, want us around as long as possible.

However, it is easy the think that these things make us ready for life. As important as these things might seem, they only amount to moving around the furniture in a display window. What we need is to embrace the importance of our spiritual training. The training or lack of training, of our spiritual life will affect every area of our life. When mentoring his protégé, Timothy, the Apostle Paul said, "For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come" (1 Timothy 4:8).

So easy it is to focus on the near term, on the most pressing, on that which inflicts immediate discomfort that we forget that our soul, and our ultimate day of decision with God, depends on a preparation of a different and more important kind. The training of our minds and hearts in godliness benefits us now and will benefit us in our future with God.

One more thought, how are we training our children? What are they learning from us? Do they see in us our desire to be instructed in godly character and service? Are we teaching them to dodge God's training? Sit down and read Hebrews 12:7-11. God's training of us has a purpose. But we will never really see all He can do through us, or through our children, if we insist on looking only at the immediate, only at what meets our agenda.

Where does spiritual development come from? It comes from the work of God's Spirit in your life as He works through three agencies - God's Word, God's leaders, and God's people. Soldiers learn when they stop setting their own standards, and start looking to and obeying their commander.

Seems strange.

2006-02-08T10:04:00.000-06:00

Check it out. "Islam the Tolerant." Hmmmm.

God, Religion ... Whatever

2006-01-13T14:31:00.000-06:00

I just read through an online article that pointed to a definite decline in the Biblical spirituality of America’s youth. I wonder how the youth of FBC would compare. You might want to read this article. It also references another article that is just as startling. Our youth need their parents and other significant adults to train them in the truth of God’s Word. And, lest we forget, the best time to train is when they are young. The results these articles reference show a distinct lack in life training of our youth.

Check out this article. It will open your eyes.

A Spear To The Heart?

2006-01-13T11:48:00.000-06:00

Have you heard of the film, “End of the Spear”? It is ostensibly about the deaths of the five missionaries the Curaray River area of Brazil. Nate Saint, Jim Elliot, Roger Youderian, Peter Fleming, Ed McCully were, and have continued to be, great examples of those who gladly give themselves to the cause of Christ. I was hoping that this motion picture would show the human side of lives surrendered to Christ. I am, however, very disappointed in what is now known of the decisions and evident motives of those who have produced this movie. One of the best analyses I have seen is at SharperIron. This motion picture is not one that should cause believers in Christ to rejoice. I fear it is merely another attempt to water down the gospel of Christ, and desensitize believers to wickedness in our culture.

The Message

2006-01-04T10:20:00.000-06:00

I’m sure he thought he had the right information. I’m sure he thought he was delivering good news to those who desperately wanted to hear it. I’m sure that those that heard it thought it was true, and that the miracle they had prayed for had happened. I’m sure.

This could be about the recent tragedy in Sago, West Virginia. The mining supervisor thought he had the right information. He knew that the families had gathered in prayer hoping for the return of their loved ones from the mine. Therefore, he was sure that they would want to know the good news he had heard. Except – what he heard, or thought he heard, was not what really was. Bells rang. People laughed and sang, and got ready to go greet their loved ones. And then – tragedy all over again. The message was wrong. For twelve of the families, hopes turned to horror, turned to hysteria, turned to heartache. The supervisor thought the information was right – but it wasn’t. The people believed the information to be right – but it wasn’t. Everyone thought there was reason for joy – but it was not the joy they had expected. Yes, one miner came through alive. But where thirteen men went into the mine, twelve died there – leaving families, dreams, responsibilities, and promises unfulfilled. The first paragraph could be about this.

But it could also be about what goes on all the time in the name of God. It is just as tragic when people hear what they think is good news about their standing before God. The person giving it may believe it, those hearing believe it. And there is great dependence on it. But, it is not true. Many churches have chosen to remake God and the gospel in their own image. They want the news to be what they want to hear – or what they want to say. So, without being careful and getting the real information from God and His Word, they proclaim a message that has the details in it, but the detail are backwards. They are giving the exactly wrong message. The bells ring, the people are pleased – but the message is false. And instead of finding the peace and destiny they desired, they find emptiness and destruction.

It’s not enough to believe. You need to believe the right message. It’s not enough to give good news. You must give the God’s Good News. Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners. This is not by any of our righteous works, but in accordance with His mercy. We can do nothing but trust in Him, personally. Paul said that he preached Christ and Him crucified. The message that contains is not the message the world wants to hear. But it is the truth. It is the message they need to hear. It is the only message that can deliver men and women and boys and girls from the tragedy coming. They have the responsibility to believe the truth. We have the responsibility to give the Truth.

Almost Here

2005-12-23T12:59:00.000-06:00

It's the 23rd, and Christmas is almost here. I can remember how this time excited me when I was a child. But, like Paul said, I put away childish things. Yeah, Christmas is still exciting, but differently. This year, Jacque and I are taking the responsibility of hosting the family for Christmas Day and the day after. We will have, to the best of our count, eighteen in our home for dinner on the 25th. I realize that some families are far larger, but this is a crowd for us. It could be more crowded.

Due to distance, our daughter and son-in-law in Greenville, SC won't be able to attend with us (sniff, sniff). But the rest of the family should be there.

Now what is the point of this? I don't really have one. It's just ... well, it's just that, I still love Christmas. I love Christ. I cannot express my thanks to the Father for sending His Son for me. I love my wife, and all of my kids and kids-in-law (including the one who I think wants to be a kid-in-law). God has been so good to our family, His gift has proven itself so precious, that there is no adequate expression of my gratitude.

Christina Rossetti wrote a poem that ends with these words.

"What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb.
If I were a wiseman
I would do my part.
Yet, what can I give Him?
Give Him my heart."

Merry Christmas from the Fullers.

Thankful for Thanksgiving

2005-11-28T19:35:00.000-06:00

My family and I had a great Thanksgiving. As last year, we all traveled to Rob & Heidi’s house in Berne, Indiana. With our Rob’s family (us), and Heidi’s family (Bjokne family), and the spouses of siblings, a child, and Dena (Heidi & Rob’s pup), there were 14 – if my count is correct. Heidi and Rob were great hosts for our thanksgiving celebration. The high point of the weekend was the concert that the combined families held for the church and community, Friday evening. A concert of nearly an hour takes a lot of preparation. Rob & Heidi did a great job planning the event. We all enjoyed he opportunity to serve God together, including the “burning brass.” Anyway, I want to say how grateful I am to God that Rob & Heidi could do this for the families again this year.

Veterans Day, 2005

2005-11-11T12:18:00.000-06:00

Thomas Jefferson said, “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” In 1852 Wendell Phillips recast it in the form that I most remember hearing, “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.” Today, Veterans Day, I salute the men and women who have born the responsibility of being the spearhead of eternal vigilance. These men and women gave up property, opportunity, sometimes reputation, and sometimes life, to protect the liberty, the freedoms we cherish. There are men in my family that bore the burden for me. There are men in my church that bore the burden for me. And not for me only, but for all of us. There cannot be too many days to remember their gift to us. My Lord noted that the giving of live is the supreme expression of love and concern for another. In the wars that have punctuated the life of our nation, many have died. But, many have also lived through the fury of war. They may carry physical scars, or emotional ones. They may carry memories of fear, of loathing, of great sadness. But they bore the burden of eternal vigilance. Today, we remember, as we should every time we see an American Flag, every time we hear the National Anthem at a sports event, every time we talk to a veteran. They did it for us.

Will It Work? Reprise

2005-11-09T21:51:00.000-06:00

In a previous post, I expressed my misgivings about the new Bible literacy project. Berit Kjos has done some good analysis, and has come to largely the same conclusion I arrived at, though I did not have the opportunity to analyze it. This new project is not to be trusted by those who hold the Bible to be God's Word. Here is Kjos's article.

I wonder if it is just in the Metro?

2005-11-08T16:31:00.000-06:00

An article in the MPLS Star/Trib caught my eye. Here is the link. What do you think?

You might have to register to view. It is free.

Dear Readers of Always Forward

2005-11-08T11:19:00.000-06:00

Dear readers of Always Forward,

I was speaking last evening with a friend who said he had difficulty commenting on my blog. I listened and went to my blog to see what the problem was, since I really want you to comment, if you want to comment.

Here is the procedure:

Below the blog posting you will see the word “comments.” Click on that word.
A page will come up with a box near the top right. Your comments go in this box. From here they will be posted to my blog as comments, to be read by others and myself. Your comments are also automatically forwarded to me in an email.

Below the comment area is a place for your identity. Choose “other”. You may then leave your name and, if you desire, your website. I ask that all those who comment, leave their first and last names.

Below the name box, you will notice a group of letter or letters and numbers. Please re-type these in the box provided. This is a protection against automated blog spamming.

I am posting this as an email, and on the blog site. When you go to the comment page, there is an option to see my blog there as well.

Thanks.

OK, so far!

2005-11-02T21:31:00.000-06:00

Well, about 24 hours ago, I finished the rough draft of my doctoral project. It went in today. My advisor should have it tomorrow or Friday.

Now I wait. I have plenty to do while I wait, but there will be a part of me that will be anticipating the next step.

Anyway, it's ok, so far.

Come on, really?!

2005-10-31T11:48:00.000-06:00

I mean, who would have thought that a US Senator would get it wrong – and so completely wrong. US Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) was quoted in an AP article today. I am not surprised that he opposes Judge Samuel Alito as a nominee to SCOTUS. What is amazing (though, I guess it should not be) is how condescending he is in his opposition. Ron Fournier, writing for the AP and picked up by the Minneapolis Star, quotes Reid.

"The Senate needs to find out if the man replacing Miers is too radical for the American people."

Too radical for the American people. Who does Reid think he is? What does he think the Senate is? What, to him, does it mean to be a Democrat? It sounds like a parent, telling their children, “Too much candy is not good for you.” Maybe he is just in the Halloween mood, but since this sound like his normal approach, I tend to think he really believes that he, and his fellow Dems are the definers of what is “too radical.”

You know, maybe he’s too liberal for the American people.

Little Red Hen and Company

2005-10-29T12:25:00.000-05:00

An old childhood story of a red hen came to mind this week. The hen tried to get help to make something; I really cannot remember what it was. But no one was willing to help. But, when it came time to eat, everyone wanted to share in the fruit of her labor. It appears that this story is being played out by some members of the Republican Party. They want votes, but the voters must not make life difficult on them.

Recently, former Senator John Danforth, Republican from Missouri, jumped on what must be a very fashionable bandwagon when he blamed the conservative evangelicals for the divisiveness in Washington. Evidently, you cannot have strong beliefs in his Republican Party. Evidently, you are allowed to vote him into office, but you are not allowed to work to see the positions you espouse brought to the front of the debate.

Mr. Danforth needs to remember that if conscientiously held beliefs and positions are out of bounds in the Republican Party, then the conservative evangelicals, the religious right, will leave. And if they leave, the Mr. Danforths of this world won’t stand a chance. There are not enough moderates to accomplish anything. Most everyone feels strongly about their position. And the conservative evangelicals, the religious right, will not give up their ground just to make life a little easier for the politicians.

There is still a culture war being waged, and when there is war, there is conflict, divisiveness. You cannot be on both sides, Mr. Danforth. Choose today, unless you have already chosen.

Maybe it's not ADHD!

2005-10-06T19:20:00.000-05:00

Parents of children diagnosed with ADHD! It might not be ADHD, but sleeplessness. A new study out of Israel links ADHD symptoms with sleeplessness in children. Go to the link and check it out. If this is the culprit, dealing with the real issue would be better than unneeded medication. The study was done by Dr. Giora Pillar of the Pediatric Sleep Lab in one of Israel's largest hospitals. The study was sponsored by the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology.

Still watching!

2005-10-04T22:39:00.000-05:00

I am watching with interest the controversy swirling around Harriet Miers, President Bush’s nominee for the Supreme Court. If you are interested, check out the WorldMag blog. You might have to go back a couple of days to get it all.

One more thought

2005-10-01T11:50:00.000-05:00

This post and the previous one were originally posted on SharperIron.

I am sitting here musing, with some sadness, at how things have changed. Here we are discussing whether a book about the Bible should be in the Public Schools - the same public schools which, in former times, had the mandate, with the church, of passing on the values of the community. Now it appears the values of the community are no longer relevant.Of course, that may be the issue after all. They never really were. For years the public system was cloaked in the values system of its teachers and leadership, but as time went by, it successfully rubbed off the barnacles of religious faith. This seems to be inherent in a man-made organization that seeks to be neutral. Neutrality is impossible. We are on the wrong side of the battle. As Christians, we are on the side that seeks to instill a biblical world view, and a knowledge of the teaching of God regarding the world. The rest of the system is aligned against God, by its very nature. To be neutral is to be anti-.

Will it work?

2005-10-01T11:36:00.000-05:00

I have been thinking recently about a new textbook that is being considered for the Public School system. The purpose of the book is to teach the student the how the Bible has influenced culture. Some see this as a giant step forward.

I am not overly confident of this. This is not a Bible re-written for use in the PS system, it is a survey written for the PS system. As such it approaches the Bible like the Illiad.

The Bible and Its Influence) is the first designed to meet constitutional standards for public school use and be subjected to extensive review by scholars. It is also the first high school textbook to provide comprehensive coverage of the Bible’s influence on literature, art, music, and rhetoric.

Besides, I am not sure that "designed to meet constitutional standards" really means anything. It assumes that all the ACLU has been waiting for is for us Christians to come into alignment with the Constitution. I do not for a moment believe that to be the case. The resistance is not about "constitutional issues" it is about rejection.I am skeptical. I can see only two alternatives. One - this won't work. Two - the text will so water down the true nature of the Scriptures that the kids will get about as much out of it as Lord of the Flies.

Like I say, I am skeptical!

A New "Monkey Trial"?

2005-09-30T11:15:00.000-05:00

I found a very interesting article in the AgapePress news summary today. You can find it here. I will be watching this trial.

Remembering to Remember

2005-09-21T21:08:00.000-05:00

Remember! What a powerful word. I recall sitting around the table with my family (my Mom & Dad, all us kids, and our kids) and ransacking through our memories. “Hey, remember when …” Sometimes the memory is sweet, sometimes embarrassing, sometimes unwelcome, but always, I remember things that I had not remembered for some time.

I was thinking about our fellowship tonight. It is so easy to forget who we are, what Christ has done, what it cost Him, what God desires of us. So easy to forget …

The answer – purposeful remembering. That is something I need to work on. Remembering to remember. Looking into God’s memory book and reminding myself.

Back to Living?

2005-09-20T11:00:00.000-05:00

I am not surprised, but I am chagrined. The largess of the American people and other relief agencies is being squandered. Maybe not by many, but by enough that it points up a fallacy in our system of support. According to KPRC, channel 2, in Houston, FEMA and Red Cross debit cards are being used at “Adult Entertainment” establishments in Houston. This is possible because there are almost no restrictions placed on such aid. It was meant to help these unfortunates get back on their feet and begin the process of starting over. I guess that the first thing some need to get going again is their perversions. It seems to me that such support could be controlled to some degree. I do not like my tax money, or the money given to charity going to feed someone’s perversion.

"One Nation (Without God)?"

2005-09-14T18:46:00.000-05:00

United States District Judge, Lawrence Karlton today determined that the Pledge of Allegiance is un-Constitutional (again) because it includes the words “one nation under God.” This is one more step, even if it is reversed at the Supreme Court level, down the road of secularism. What is just as much of a concern is that a God-free or God- neutral culture seems so reasonable, even to many believers. When we see the increased distance our culture places between it and God, it becomes harder to understand why so many would question why God would allow a Hurricane Katrina to pound the Gulf coast. This is not to say that God is necessarily responding to our actions, though I do not think I could rule that out. Rather, why would a secular society care? They care because those who have been changed by the power of God, and who maintain an active witness in the world, daily demonstrate that reality is not bound to secularism. Reality is bound to God. Without God everything is blind chance, purposeless and irrational. No understanding exists without God. Not even of the destruction of a hurricane. A nation that gives up on being “under God” places itself square in the middle of a mad-house of events that cannot be accounted for, nor in which one can find peace.

Weightier Matters

2005-09-07T15:59:00.000-05:00

Boy, are we compassionate. A drive is underway here to collect truck loads of stuff for those in the Astrodome in Houston. Today, a well known Christian radio personality was calling for a national day of prayer for the needs of the Gulf coast. I have heard of hundreds of evangelical churches that have been destroyed. People are displaced, and yes, they need our prayer and our compassionate action.

But, have we left “the weightier matters undone.” How can we, as believers in Jesus Christ, not get the point that God is calling men and women to repentance? As I understand the scriptures, this is just “white noise” compared to the full volume judgment that is coming on this world. I realize that God is not calling our nation to repentance. Our nation has no standing before God. But the people do. They are those being called. We, complacent Bible-believing church members, are being called to get serious about our lives and our service for God.

If God were to start moving among the people we know, who would be there to bring the Word of life to them? Would it have to be someone else? Are we prepared and eager to give that answer? Do we show that hope that will cause others to seek out our God?

While we open our hearts and our finances to those who have been displaced in the Mississippi and Louisiana area, let us not forget the far greater displacement they and millions of others are facing – being alienated from God and alone in the world. While we pray, let us remember the believers there who are carrying food, water, supplies, and the Word of God to these people. And let us remember to do the same here.

Oh, one more thing. I was talking to a brother about some of this, and he said, very sarcastically, "Don't worry. We'll get over it." I understand him. After a while, things don't seem so bad, and we "get over it."

So Far, So Good!

2005-09-06T22:18:00.000-05:00

For those who have been trying to keep up, I finished the first two chapters of my project last evening at 10:18 pm, and sent it off this morning. Two down, three to go - plus all the changes my advisor will "suggest."

A little of the pressure is off, but the last three chapters need to be done by November 1. So - off we go!

Always Forward!

Do we get it?

2005-08-31T16:13:00.000-05:00

I have been watching, with the rest of you, the developing tragedy in New Orleans, and the coastal areas of Mississippi. Such devastation. However, I must admit that other images come also, unbidden - images of the party atmosphere (euphemism) that seems to be characteristic of that city. Images of debauched videos advertised from New Orleans at its worst.

I realize that there are many good and godly people in New Orleans. God has his witness in that city. But it is so easy to slip into “well, they deserve it”, that I almost embarrass myself. Then I hear the Lord. “Do you think they were more wicked than you?” I almost answer, “Yes.” But, trying to see myself as God sees me, I acknowledge that, if not for Christ, I would be as black as anything there. I hear Him say, “Unless you repent, you shall all likewise perish.”

Maybe that is the real lesson for the rest of us. For “the Big Easy”, the lesson will be one they have to learn. For us, the lesson is that it may not be a hurricane, but someday, God’s final judgment, His real judgment will fall. Hurricane Katrina reminds us that we are nothing compared to the forces God created and sin corrupted. We are also nothing compared to the wrath of God on sin. Catastrophes come. Blizzards blow. Tornados destroy. Storms crash into our lives. How do we respond? Do the images of Katrina’s aftermath move us to repentance? They may move us to sympathy for those caught there, but unless we remember our life in the presence of God, we will miss God’s point for us.

Brooding Long and Lovingly

2005-08-26T22:45:00.000-05:00

I really enjoy the older men. I’m not thinking of real old, like Augustine, or Calvin. I do enjoy reading them from time to time. But I really enjoy men like Charles Spurgeon, and Andrew Murray, and A. W. Tozer. I was reading a devotion from Tozer today (Friday) and it struck me that it spoke not just to a pastor like myself, but in a striking way, for every believer – especially those who come to church every Sunday and wait for the pastor to teach them. Don’t get me wrong, I understand that the Word of God tells us that faithfulness to the Body of Christ and the public teaching of His Word is necessary. But – well, let me quote Tozer and then I’ll make a few observations.

Another disadvantage of a commentary is that it tends to destroy the art of meditation. We find it easier to turn to the commentary than to brood long and lovingly over a difficult passage, waiting for the light to break. This habit of taking the quick and painless way to knowledge is particularly bad for the minister, for it often sends him into the pulpit with borrowed armor. Even if what he learned is true, he got it by consultation instead of by meditation and the quality is sure to be impaired.

It is true that pastors often rely on commentaries, and now Bible software, to get to things quickly. We rush our study and preparation. As Tozer says, we take the “quick and painless way.” I know I would benefit from a little more long and loving brooding.

But, I think a similar pattern is seen in those who listen to pastors every Sunday. Hoping to get all they need in one or two doses on Sunday, they sadly neglect their own long and loving brooding over the Scriptures. I am going to try to improve the “art of meditation” in my life. If those who listen on the Lord’s Day spend time during the week “brooding” or meditating over God’s Word, then we might really be worshippers getting together, rather than just getting together to “worship.”

Falling off the Edge

2005-08-23T20:45:00.000-05:00

It seems that the west coast is continually loosing ground due to the steady erosion of common sense perpetrated by the liberal establishment. They are tilting into the nothingness of completely arbitrary morality. The most recent idiocy is, again, from the California Supreme Court. They have done their little dance with morality and have concluded that one child can have two mothers. An article in AgapePress notes that "parenting, custody, and child support laws in California will now apply to homosexual couples who conceived through artificial insemination."

Lest we, here in the Midwest, say, "It could never happen here," do not forget that the Minnesota State Supreme Court has also been making some cute moves with morality as well. What happens on the east or west coast eventually finds itself here - unless, that is, people start using God-given common sense.

Of course, that might be part of the problem. That "God-given common sense" comes from knowing the God-given Word of God. Study after study has shown that, even self-confessed born-again believers are woefully ignorant of the principles of God's Word. With many, the only exposure they get to God's Word is on Sunday Morning (or sometimes Saturday night). And that is often watered down so as to be ineffective. Most who call themselves believers do not spend any time outside of church studying the Word of God, and then they believe that just once on Sunday is enough. Many who know, refuse to live the truth or stand for the truth. And the trut is not just about homosexuality or abortion. It's about how to know God. It's about how to live for God. It's about what our rebellion does to our relationship with God. It's about the fact that we do not live for our own glory or happiness. We live to bring glory to God, and joy to His heart.

What happened to "I can't get enough of His Word." See what's it doing to our culture. Will it do the same to His children, as well?

Wanna' be happy?

2005-08-19T14:55:00.000-05:00

I have always been in awe of him. He knew how to enforce his law, and he also knew how to bring out the love of his children. I remember his chastening, his corralling, his enforcing, and his encouraging. I remember his faithfulness to my mother, my sisters and myself, and to his Lord and to his ministry. I remember when he offered counsel, and when he thought it best not to. I remember when he was the hand of God to boost me up when I was down. I remember when he was the hand of God to slow me down when I was too quick.

It's hard to say what I remember most, or with the most joy. I remember how he let me make my decisions, even when he was concerned that I would make the wrong one. And I remember how he prayed for me, and when I made the best decision, he encouraged me.

I remember how he accepted my wife. I know that she feels as much his daughter as if she had been born into the family. I know how he influenced my children. They grew up in a ministry family, but they saw how it started in him and his wife.

"He" is my Dad. Monday will be his official 80th birthday. You couldn't tell it by watching him (although there are times when he knows it). Tonight our family will gather to celebrate a great man. We are doing it at one of his favorite restaurants. But as good as the food will be, what will be great is my Dad. He gave me his name. It was such a blessing to me, that I passed it on to my son. His name is Robert John Fuller (the original). And he's my Dad.

Oh, I have to finish the title. When I was in college he would motivate me with, "Wanna' be happy? Get to work and make it snappy!"

A literary genius!

Very Superstitious?

2005-08-18T13:48:00.000-05:00

Last evening I was shown a copy of a small article by Chuck Shepherd. It appeared in the Mankato Free Press last Sunday. I also found the article on the Minneapolis StarTribune page. In it the author notes that there is new research that shows that the number of the Anti-Christ, 666, may be 616. Well, this discussion is not particularly new. And, the actual number is not particularly important for the purpose of this post.

What is interesting follows. "A Church of Satan official in New York had no comment except to say that's church will use whatever number Christians fear." I am not concerned that the author quoted a "Church of Satan official." Mr. Shepherd writes for sites that lampoon Christianity regularly. What I found interesting was the officials comment about "whatever number Christians fear." I can remember times when the number "666" was supposed to have been on billing records (evidence that the company had been taken over by forces of the AntiChrist), and was even being considered (unsubstantiated) by our government as a prefix to some kind of universal ID system.

All of this seems to flow from a basic superstitiousness on the part of some believers. I have known of music leaders who shied away from "hymn number 666" for fear of even mentioning the number. Are we truly fearful of a number? The scriptures tell us of an end-time person who, in some way, will be recognized by a numerical understanding. However, that recognition will take place during that time of great distress called the Tribulation. What significance does it have now? Notice the many attempts to find contemporary meaning in the number and one is left with the conclusion that, try as we might, there is no real significance, right now. The number 666 is simply one more than 665, and one less that 667. Can the inclusion of "the number" in an official document mean something prophetically? I don't know. Nor do I think we can "know." It may simply be the next in the series, or a computer shorthand.

The bottom line? Believers can surely get caught up in superstitious things: numbers, symbols on commercially available products. This is not what our God has called us to. He has not given us His Spirit to inspire fear - even of the last days. Confidence in Him - Always Forward!

Choosing Sides

2005-08-15T20:22:00.000-05:00

With every passing day the world is choosing sides. And Christians need to know what is at stake.

In Monday's AgapePress News Summary there are short articles about both Harvard University and the Democratic Party Chairman, Howard Dean, with regard to the subject of Intelligent Design (ID). To be sure, ID is not quite Creationism. Creationism assumes a personal creator, while ID only notes that the material universe exhibits characteristics of intelligent design. The difference might not be readily apparent, but ID is being given more credibility than Creationism because ID does not specify a personal creator. But this post is not about the difference between ID and Creationism.

Howard Dean, by his public comments, is putting the Democratic party publicly against ID. He insists on maintaining the privileged position that evolution now occupies. We should not be surprised that the world would not want anything to do with a creator God. What is surprising is the number of believers that either do not see the dangers in evolutionary philosophy, or think the issue is of no importance.

This is especially true when it comes to our children's education. To have the authority of the national and state education establishment endorsing one religious idea (Evolution) over another (Creation/Intelligent Design) should be of great concern to Christian parents. At stake is the very foundation of the truths of Salvation. It could be argued that many of the ills of society that have been evidenced in these last several decades (for example the life/choice issues and increased sexual perversions) are the result of, among other things, successive generations believing that they are only animals with no accountability to God. Many may give lip service to a belief in God, but behind it all is running a mind programmed by a comprehensive philosophy of humanism and a spirit unchanged by the creator God of the universe.

Believers really do not have the option to stand by on the sidelines on this issue. God is on the agenda again. We may or may not be able to change culture, but we must protect our children, and we must remember that the Gospel itself is based on a creator God to whom all people are accountable.

A Matter Of Time

2005-08-15T00:09:00.000-05:00

I suppose it was inevitable. But that does not make it any easier. Ted Baehr, of WorldNetDaily, notes that, according to a MarketCast survey, "conservative, red state, fundamentalist Christians go to more violent, R-rated films than do liberals." Now, I have no idea what data they have to verify this conclusion. You can't make such a comparison without accurate data, and the MarketCast study he sites, like all such studies, are only as good as the anecdotal evidence they use. So, first, I am not sure that the "more ... than do liberals" statement, could really stand the light of day.

However, Dr. Baehr does make a valid point when he says, "We need to be agents of change, rather than the other way around." Over the past years, with the growing popularity of cable television, videos and DVDs, has come the increased acceptance of the motion picture genre in general, and especially going to the theater itself.

I am not going to try to make the point that going to the theater is somehow worse than the other visual media. I do not think that case can be made. Nor am I going to try to prove that Christians who use any of these media are somehow more "worldly" than those who do not.
But, the increasing influence of the world on the believer is something that should concern us all.

Whatever the de-sensitizing agent, whatever the excuse, the end result is that believers are increasingly less concerned about living outwardly separated lives, at least in terms of the generations that have gone before. Godliness is being defined as a matter of theological concern, but not of practical concern. Godliness is no longer a recognizable standard, but a subjective idea - something that we get to define for ourselves.

If believers are to start influencing culture, rather than the reverse, they will have to get serious about holiness of life-style. They will have to give up their rights and "liberty" in favor of the liberty to finally live life in the presence of God, to the glory of God, and not for their own benefit. Believers will have to learn that actions matter. They matter because actions describe the heart, and actions determine outcomes.

If the data from the MarketCast survey is accurate, then even the most rigorous Biblicists seem to have regressed in lifestyle. If the world around us conforms us to itself, we cannot be instruments of God in the reclamation of souls to His glory.

Who is influencing whom? Is the Spirit being allowed to remake us in the image of Christ, or is the world conforming us to itself?

Easy does it

2005-08-11T17:01:00.000-05:00

I am easing into this project. First, I am in the midst of my doctoral dissertation. Second, I am old enough that anything new seems daunting. Third, I already have plenty to do with the church.

I am looking for sources that will give me ideas outside of my tightly knit group in southern Minnesota.

I expect to comment on religion (this is a given), politics (I am not a politician, nor do I have a degree, but I am opinionated), occasionally the arts (Like many, I know what I like), but not sports (What's to comment on in the land of the Twins and the Vikings).

I will also be putting a link to this journal on our church website, when it's up and running. Right now, I am having a little trouble getting the webhosting and design done.

The name of this blog is "Always Forward." In keeping with that, the goal of the writing here will be to move people forward in their understanding of God, His world, and their part in it. That's what I want to do. But as always - time will tell.