Impact

On Saturday, May 21st, 2011, Jesus did not return.

“Harold Camping "flabbergasted" by non-Rapture” was the headline of one CBS/AP news story the following Monday.[1] But being flabbergasted did not stop the 89 year old Harold Camping who, only two days after his failed prediction, said, "[The] Bible clearly teaches that [on October 21st, 2011]  the world is going to be destroyed altogether."

As Ronald Reagan once said, "There you go again..."

“Some have strayed... turned away to empty discussion. They want to be teachers…, but they do not understand what they are saying or the things they insist on so confidently” (1 Timothy 1:6-7).

This blog-post marks the completion of the long journey we started together several months ago.  It is the conclusion of the 14 part series called “Ultra-Christianity”.  The goal of the series was to share with you lessons learned from God while training for an Ultra-Marathon. As I mentioned in the beginning of the series, I heard it said:

“a personal experience or endeavor that does not point to Christ, could be considered worthless.”   

I spent this weekend with about 90 of the most incredible men around at my church’s men’s retreat. It was a time for guys to do guy stuff like play sports, compete in all sorts of events, watch the Phillies beat the Cardinals and laugh way more than we should. Yep, we had a wonderful time!

One Sunday, we were eating out after church—a “gourmet” lunch off the dollar menu at a fast-food restaurant. Our middle daughter Jaley asked, “Can I have some chocolate ice cream?” I immediately answered, “No,” and she complained. When my wife and I had a minute to talk, she suggested a better answer for next time. And when Jaley asked again, we were ready for her. My wife told her that she could use her allowance to buy the ice cream. My daughter didn’t have to think very long before she blurted out, “I guess I don’t want any.” She quickly figured out that the ice cream was a want and not a need, and the best part was that she made that decision herself, so there was no complaining.

About Job

Job stands in stark contrast against those who are steeped in tradition. Job is not perfect, but he is faithful. Job has a true heart for God and an understanding of God that transcends the shallow understanding his church buddies.

As I mentioned in my last post, I had the great honor of being on Dr. Randy Carlson's Intentional Living radio program. During one of the hours, he asked me a question about our government's debt situation. My response was to the effect that neither our government, nor families can live in a perpetual situation where we spend more than we make! He agreed and as I have continued to ponder the question, I believe there is more to his inquiry than I first realized.

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20, NASB).

I have mentioned how the Critical Thinking Class seemed geared towards attacking conservative positions and Christian beliefs; in particular, one of the major assignments was for the class to read two major pro-abortion arguments, A Defense of Abortion by Judith Jarvis Thomson and The Moral and Legal Status of Abortion by Mary Anne Warren.[1] My last column was a minor critique of Thomson’s argument, but should I leave Ms. Warren to her own devices? As the Apostle Paul often wrote: “May it never be!”

Now what is the reward for all of this training and sacrifice?  Crossing the finish line, of course! It seems that no matter how much suffering and hard work it is to stick to the training plan for the many months and many more miles, it always seems to be worth every bit when you see the finish at a distance and you push forth your last bit of energy and cross that line.  Being a distance runner most of my life, it was a great feeling to do just that and finish such an endurance challenge.   Being a Christ-follower most of my life, I anticipate crossing the finish line of this earthly life to be even more delightful. I can only image what that will be like. The reward we all should be striving for is when we enter into heaven is hearing God say to us “well done good and faithful servant”.  

“"His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.”

 – Matt. 25:23

“These men turn night into day; in the face of darkness they say, ‘Light is near’” (Job 17:12, NIV).

In my last column in this series I mentioned how our Critical Thinking (Philosophy 111) Class seemed geared towards attacking conservative positions and Christian beliefs. In particular, one of the major assignments was for the class to read two major pro-abortion arguments, A Defense of Abortion by Judith Jarvis Thomson[1] and The Moral and Legal Status of Abortion by Mary Anne Warren.[2] It was at least mentioned that there was a famous counter argument by American bioethicist Baruch Brody; though I could not find his work online.