Taking up your cross and Christian Discipleship

We are called to be counter cultural, as Christians. We must not put our focus on the world behind us, but rather focus on what lies ahead (Philippians 3:13).  The Apostle Paul said, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Col 3:2)   He even went so far as to say, “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” (Col. 3.3).          The Christian is called to both faithfully accept our Lord and Savior, and his teachings and commandments. One of these such things he commands us is that Jesus taught if one wants to be his disciple, he must take up his cross, “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24  If we want to follow Christ, we must be serious about Him being LORD of our lives for we know that he was serious about us and doing the Father’s will, so much so that it cost him his life to the cross.  For many, the teaching of taking up the cross is the hardest one.  Including in scripture, where we are blessed to have many examples of people inquiring information about our LORD and wanting to become followers of His.  One such story that comes to mind, is the rich young ruler.    

“As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments, ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” 20 And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.” 21 Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But at these words [a]he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.

23 And Jesus, looking around, *said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 The disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus *answered again and *said to them, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 They were even more astonished and said to Him, “[b]Then who can be saved?” 27 Looking at them, Jesus *said, “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.”   So see, like the rich young ruler in this story many of us want to be saved, to have eternal life but we want it without following Jesus and keeping his commands.  And we know what Jesus says about keeping his commands,  John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments”  And earlier, in John 8:31 Jesus said to the Jews, “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.” John 8:31 

Thor: Ragnarok thoughts

The previous Thor movies were easily some of the weakest of all the MCU films, but Thor: Ragnarok (3rd in the Thor series) is different from the previous Thor movies.  The movie includes a pretty nice cast including Jeff Goldblum, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Hopkins, and Cate Blanchett among others.     This is one of the things I enjoyed about the movie: Everyone plays their parts great, and create for an enjoyable movie viewing experience.  The movie has plenty of action, and humor, and in that aspect it reminded me much of  the Guardians of the Galaxy movies which are both highly enjoyable.           It’s  really a comedy first, and than an action movie second.  Don’t get me wrong though, it is it’s own movie.  This is the 17th MCU movie, and at some point you think they would make fun of themselves, and here they sort of do that, and  it doesn’t come off weirdly either, but is done so nicely.   Some may critique the use of humor where they think it may not belong, as there is a lot of it, but I think it makes up for the past Thor movies where we didn’t get such a strong culmination.   Overall, Thor: Ragnarok is everything this viewer wants to see from a superhero film, and thinks it is easily the best in the Thor series. You would be making a mistake if you don’t see it so I would give it an 8.4/10 rating.

Stars TNA never believed in

#4 Booker T

Indeed, Booker T has had a notable wrestling career, and a corridor of notoriety commendable one as well, regardless of that, Booker simply didn’t put his earnest attempts forward in the organization, as he regarded his stay in TNA as an excursion, in this manner prompting why he is on the rundown. One title he failed to catch here was the TNA World Title.

#3 Scott Steiner

TNA depended on legends from the past to create name quality and acknowledgment for their item. Scott Steiner worked for TNA under a couple unique administrations and gave stimulation, every time. Steiner was set in a couple of headliner storylines, working with Kurt Angle, Sting, and Christian Cage, yet never entered the world title picture, which is a touch of astounding considering the 90’s stars that  have held the title.

#2 Kazarian

While numerous youthful, crisp ability in TNA were dynamite, tragically just not very many could push through to make it. One X-Division star had what numerous felt was a breakout execution, when Kazarian had a break out singles coordinate that didn’t go anyplace. He would have a breakout match with Christian Cage in a ladder match, which numerous thought would prompt a singles push. Once more, however Kazarian would at the end of the day end up at a glass ceiling. He was never regarded as a sensible contender for the World Title.

#1 Christopher Daniels

While the “Phenomenal One” AJ Styles and Samoa Joe deservedly earned the recognition as top stars of the organization being in must see matches on each PPV and Impact, Daniels effortlessly fits into this comparison. The three took TNA to new statures in the mid 2000’s with their exhibitions. Daniels was an unwavering and enormous wrestler for TNA, however was never given the distinctions of winning the world title. It didn’t make a difference how often Daniels was enhanced, or rebranded, TNA never had faith in him enough. It is such a disgrace.

Top 5 Daniel Bryan matches

It is the end of a chapter, a career, a special one.  Former WWE World Heavyweight champion and WrestleMania main eventer,  Daniel Bryan announced his retirement in front of his hometown in Seattle, on Monday Night’s RAW.   Bryan may not have been the default favorite big and buff wrestler like a Brock Lesnar, but what he lacked in size he more than made up for in ring, having proved this many times.   Without further ado, here is my list of the best of the best  Daniel Bryan matches from his WWE career.

#5  vs CM Punk MITB 2012

This one had all the potential elements of a classic wrestling match, and it delivered.   Not only were the two arguably the best mat wrestlers as they had already proven before that year in a plethora of great matches, but throw in the addition of a no disqualifications stipulation and a since of unpredictability with AJ Lee as the special referee and you have a classic.

#4  vs. Randy Orton and Batista WrestleMania 30

Probably one of the most memorable main events to take place at WrestleMania, and what a WrestleMania it was, too.  The build up reminds  me of the weak link storyline in that Bryan was proving himself here once again, only  this time at the grandest stage. The match ended with Bryan making Batista tap out.   This match was not perfect, but like I said a quite memorable one.

#3 vs Sheamus Extreme Rules 2013

After losing his (then) World Heavy Weight Championship to Sheamus on the grandest stage of them all, many were hoping to get a classic out of these two at some point.  Despite not being at WrestleMania, the Keltic warrior and Bryan did just that at the following PPV in an instant 2/3 falls classic.

#2 vs CM Punk  Over The Limit 2012

I first started watching WWE in 2012, and immediately gravitated towards these two guys because,  they were pure wrestlers as far as an in ring standard goes.  Anyway, enough about me.  Pro Wresting fans were dying to see a feud between CM Punk and Daniel Bryan in WWE, and thankfully got one.  Maybe the feud itself left some to be desired, but there is not any question this match fixed that.

#1  vs. John Cena SummerSlam 2013

 John Cena, once again proved that he capable of wrestling an awesome match, and you have to give just as much credit to his opponent, Daniel Bryan.  Really, my only gripe about this match is that it was a predictable one, as we expected Cena was temporarily leaving for triceps surgery, and I do not think Randy Orton cashing in was a stunner to fans, either.  If you have not seen this match, you definitely should.

 

Thanks for reading, and thank you Daniel Bryan for sacrificing so much. We love you (as wrestling fans) and wish only the best in whatever you do next!

Best movie sequels (My list)

A lot goes into making just one film, the amount of work and production required for a film, even today with the technology available is likely stressful as it demands a rigorous schedule, and deep commitment. Moreover, making one successful is not an easy task. Only a handful of movie (film sagas, etc) have truly ascended to the tops of Hollywood, and in some cases, some work is under looked perhaps, to often in the business. When looking at Hollywood’s best, we sometimes fail to remember that though not very often, there have been (some) sequels that are in that category, of upper echelon. Without further ado, Here is my list.

#5 The Dark Knight (2009): Loaded with stars, including a show stealing act, and arguably one of the best performances in Cinema history by Heath Ledger, as the Joker and Christian Bale reprising his role as the Batman, in this 2009 sequel. The second installment builds on an already successful super-hero saga. Also starring: Morgan Freeman, Micheal Caine.

What made it great? Action, Suspense, Dark, Thriller, Great acting, great cast.

#4 Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015): Same crew as the first one, and different villain. Same problem, well, sort of anyway.. Saving the world. Look, probably the ultimate reason this makes the cut is simply this: It is not a film of a single super hero, rather a team, which I do obviously realize it’s predecessor did. I should let you know, some of my favorite movies feature a team of super heroes, and this one happens to be one of them. How can you not find the Avengers, I don’t know uhhh… AWESOME?

What makes it great: The Avengers are back, and this time taking on what I understand to be an accident experiment, and they are literally fighting to save the world.

Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans.

#3 Star Wars: The Force Awakens. (2015)

I wonder how many people are actually aware that this is a sequel, seriously. Shifting to more serious discussions on this movie, the old crew (Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Mark Hamil (Luke Skywalker), Carrie Fisher (COMMANDER Leia), Peter Mayhew (Chewie), Anthony Daniels (C3PO), and Kenny Baker (R2-D2) all reprising their roles from the Original Trilogy. Let’s not forget to mention the new cast, which features Adam Driver (Kylo Ren), Daisy Ridley (Rey), John Boyega (Fin), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron).

This does not need an explanation. Director J.J. Abrams manages to bring some of the old, and put in some of the new in this EPIC continuation of the Star Wars saga. If you have not seen it, I BEG you to stop reading this (yes, you read that right) and go and see it NOW!

Also starring: Gwendolyn Christie (Captain Phasma), Domhnall Gleeson (General Hux)

#2 Toy Story 2 (1999)

I grew up watching Disney movies. It was my childhood. I can’t tell you how many times I got a new Woody, or Buzz, but that is kind of besides the point here. Yes, you might say some of the reason this is on here is because of that, but Tom Hanks (Woody), and Tim Allen (Buzz Lightyear) give me most my reasoning, and yes of course it wouldn’t entirely be Toy Story without the others.

I think the impressive thing about the Toy Story saga, to me is that they are able to successfully recreate some of what they have already done in the movies in that the same thing happens: The toys get captured and or try to escape from somewhere. If you loved the first one, you will love this and the 3rd one. On a side note, I hear there is going to be a 4rth.

What makes it great: I kind of already told you, didn’t I?

Also starring: Don Rickles (Mr Pottato Head), Wallace Shawn (Rex) , John Ratzenberger (Ham), Jim Varney (Slinky)

#1 Star Wars Empire Strikes Back (1980)

The magic of the first, and original Star Wars film is back and better than ever. Director, George Lucas stepped down from the director position, but was still very much involved. Irvin Kershner was the one directing, this time and it may have been for the better not just for this film, but possibly the whole Star Wars saga that this decision was made.

Kershner knew EXACTLY what this film needed, and like all the other films on this list, that is a challenge to put together in a sequel. The stakes were high, and it was a gamble because the existence of Star Wars was depending on this movie. It had to be better than “A New Hope” it at least had to be different. It was. Yes, the whole entire crew from the original is back here, and a couple new characters.

What makes it great: For some of the reasons I wrote in the above, and let’s not forget to mention two of some of the most Oscar worthiest performances I have ever seen in cinema.. James Earl Jones, who voiced Darth Vader, and perhaps most memorable was Frank Oz as the voice of Yoda, and Mark Hamil deserves some recognition, because without his performance Yoda is not authentic.

Starring: Mark Hamil (Luke) Harrison Ford (Han Solo) Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Peter Mayhew (Chewie) Anthony Daniels (C3PO), Kenny Baker (R2D2), James Earl Jones and David Prowse (Darth Vader) Frank Oz (Yoda) Jeremy Bulloch, and Jason Wingreen (Boba Fett)

Calvinism and evangelizing

If Calvinism were true, if our fates are pre determined, and if there is absolutely nothing we can do about anything because God is sovereign (which I do agree with) than what is the point of any of life?  What is the point of doing ministry, evangelizing?   That is my understanding of the doctrine, if it is a faulty one, please correct me.  This is just something that has been on my mind, lately.  I wanted to address this and what it means in terms of evangelizing, as this is a must for every Christ follower.   I have yet to come to a complete understanding of the subject of God’s sovereignty, myself, but have an idea or Biblical understanding, myself.

God is sovereign, he does not force his will or ways on his creation (man) because he respects and loves us all.  God gives us free will.  (Prov 16:9, Rev 3:20, Prov 16:1, Deut 11:26-28, 2 Peter 3:9)

The retreat

OK, I realize it’s been a while since I posted on here. I apologize for that.  Just as I wrote the last time, and (for those who  know me)  would expect, I’m in college. When we last left off, I had asked for you to pray for me as I was going on a retreat.

Now that we have laid that out, I first want to thank you for your prayers.   Now onto the main subject of this post: The retreat.  Here I am, 3 weeks later finally writing about the amazing retreat I was on.

I really don’t know where to start off with this, so I guess I will just write.  I went with a friend’s college BSM, during the weekend of October 3-4. The weekend featured plenty of fellowship, food, worship, small group, personal quiet time with God, testimonies, preaching, and group/teamwork.

As you might expect, it featured many of the things most retreats do.  It’s always awesome to see God at work (in any way, I should add) but especially in retreats.  It was a time we got to spend away from the community, and left behind many of the normal everyday distractions that often compete with our attention to God.

 Here are a  couple things I feel I should add:  Retreats are necessary for the Christian, especially today now more than ever with all the distractions in our world. Retreats are necessary, yes, and you probably get what you would call a “Spiritual high” after attending these, but don’t live based solely off of emotions. The Christian’s relationship with God the Father shouldn’t be like a Middle School relationship.  Delight daily in Christ, and hide yourself in his word each day, and learn to number your days, for we know not our timetables.

Prayer Request

Greetings, I haven’t abandoned the blog. I have been a little busy with school.  Next weekend I’ll be away on a retreat in Glen Rose. I ask that you pray for me.

Thanks.

Discipleship.. What is it?

What is Discipleship?

I challenge you to really come up with an answer for that.

If your definition of Discipleship is something like converting through preaching, I’m not going to tell you you’re wrong, but I will say it’s a limited understanding.  Discipleship, you see is preaching, it is teaching, or discussing the word.

Branching out on it, I’d add that Discipleship is doing life together.  I mean, that is what we see of the early church in Acts.  Discipleship is fellowship, teaching, life.  I went to a Bible study a few months ago, and the topic was “What is love?” and it made me really think.  If I can’t answer perhaps the most important question, how can I minister, or do anything? I claim to be a Christian, yet I find myself challenged at trying to define love.  I share this with you to emphasize the importance of understanding what it is we believe.  Discipleship, at it’s core involves teaching, and preaching but most of all, at the root of the Christian life is just that, life.

Euless Trinity knocks off #1 nationally ranked, De La Salle (California) and football + character

If you are a High School Football connoisseur, or live in the DFW Metroplex or both than you likely kept up with Euless Trinity and De La Salle, the previously nationally #1 ranked team in the country on Saturday night played at Vernon Newsoom Stadium, in Mansfield, Texas.

The Trojans, of Euless came away with the victory, and have since made headlines having played in the spotlight game of the week.

Let me gear the focus off of what happened on the field, and direct it more towards the principles of the game, of football itself.

De La Salle (Concord, California) recently had a movie made about their legacy (“When The Game Stands Tall”), that follows their 151 game winning streak (longest ever in high school football history)

.More than that though, the movie, and the characters tackled the off field drama of High School Football, and a big part of the story featured main character,  head coach Bob Ladoucer’s (Jim Caviezel) life as a head high school football coach.

In the movie, Ladoucer is sought after college football teams to come and coach them, but he doesn’t even consider their offers, because he doesn’t see what he’s doing as a “Coaching” job, rather as a mentoring position.

His reason, in the film is that college athletes are just selfish, and only about making it as a pro athlete and the fame and fortune.  I bring that all up to talk about how coaching is just as much about being a role model as it is coaching your team to victory.

Look no further than former Euless Trinity coach, Steve Lineweaver, and of course as in the film, (now) former head coach Bob Ladoucer at De La Salle.  Football is about character, and not just about money, or fame, or fortune.   To be a coach, you really have to sacrifice your ego, because what you’re doing isn’t about yourself, it’s about getting a group of guys to buy into a life system, and hoping that the impact you made on their lives is shared.

Sexual Immorality in the Scriptures

 New Testament Texts Regarding Sexual Immorality:

• Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.
• Romans 13:13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.
• 1 Corinthians 5:1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife.
• 1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler “not even to eat with such a one.
• 1 Corinthians 6:9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,
• 1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.
• 1 Corinthians 10:8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day.
• Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality
• Ephesians 5:3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.
• Colossians 3:5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality
• Hebrews 13:4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
• Revelation 21:8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.

Why I hate abortion

The values of our society are often twisted and opposite the values of what the Christian church believes.

This is of course, nothing new.  The world has always ran to rebellion against God.

This isn’t to say that the church has it all together, either, but it is a pillar of truth in a world of lies and darkness.

One of the lies that we have come to believe is that life has no value, or that not every life has the same value. Why isn’t this true? What makes this so bad?  First off, this is a lie straight from the Father of lies, Satan himself.

You see, Satan wants us separated from the truth. Satan wants us to use what was originally intended for good for bad, so when there is an opportunity to deceive someone like a man and a woman who aren’t married to have sex. He’ll do everything he can to plant that seed of darkness.  He doesn’t just stop there, though.

When the woman finds out she is pregnant and tells that man who she shared what was supposed to be a very intimate moment with, he doesn’t want to take on the responsibilities of being a father, and there’s just no way they could raise a baby in the current financial situation, anyway.  I think you know where I’m headed, here: Instead of having the baby, the woman decides to have an abortion, because it’s more convenient, more comfortable.

My problem, and the reason for my stance on Abortion (Which will never change) isn’t just because it strips the baby of human life, but more than that because it robs God of his glory.  God created us all in his image. Scripture tells us this, in Genesis.

Therefore, he created us all for his glory. That’s why every life has value, simply because it comes from God. Whatever God desires for us to experience, Satan wants us to be robbed of.  God created us to enjoy him, to enjoy his gift for us all, in Jesus.

Satan wants the opposite.  How can someone enjoy God if they don’t even get a chance at life?

I pray for an end to this destruction. I pray for my stance to never be changed. I pray I would avoid all sin, so I can honor God and enjoy him who created me for his glory.  I love you all, regardless of whatever sin you have committed that is between you and the Lord. I cannot however stand for such evil.  God loves you, and he can’t want for you to see the joy that is in him alone for you. 

Life Lessons, what Scrubs taught me, thoughts on the show

Scrubs ran for nine seasons (2001-2010) on a couple channels during it’s time. Despite often seemingly  getting outdone by it’s competition, such as “Friends” or “Frasier” it made it’s mark as a television show, and is known for a couple things to this day.  It’s royal fanbase, namely.

Scrubs was still quite popular, and don’t be surprised even if five years since the ending of the show you are reminded from it’s fanbase.

I just got to watching it (and finished it), recently so that goes to show there was someone who hadn’t seen the series  Now that you have a little understanding of why the show was (and still is) so generally popular, perhaps you are interested in knowing why I personally love it.

The show taught me some lessons I think we can all take, and not just for doctors.  One of them is applicable to both the student and teacher, that would be that just because your mentor isn’t nice to you doesn’t mean they care about you.

If you watched the show, you are probably familiar with Dr. Cox’s past and how he is.  He grew up with an abusive drunk father, and you can probably guess the kind of affect that would have on anyone.

In the show, Dr. Cox and the main character, J.D (Dr. John Dorian). a medicine doctor have this “love hate” relationship that runs throughout the series.  The two characters shtick usually consisted of Dr. Cox calling J.D. girl’s names and just insults, meanwhile J.D. tries to run after his approval as a mentor and father figure.

There are a few occasions on which Dr. Cox gives J.D. the pat on the back, or praise he’s looking for from him as a mentor, and the love part of their relationship starts showing up.  Dr. Cox was only harsh to J.D. because he cared for him. He knew making it in the hospital as a doctor wasn’t a cakewalk.

Another thing about this show was it’s ability to trigger laughs and cries, probably at equal amount. I don’t think I’ve seen another show that had you laughing so hard one minute, and the next had you crying.

It knew it had certain times to do certain things, as a show that portrays the life of working in the hospital.  Sure, maybe sometimes it got carried away with the humor, like with Todd overall though, it knew how to balance the act out.

The last thing I love about this show that I will be writing about, anyway would have to be how real it was.

Similar to the last point about how the show could make you cry just as easily as make you laugh.  Scrubs resonates with it’s audience because of how real it was.  There are just so many examples it would take far to long to explain, but take J.D. and Elliot’s on and off relationship for (one example).  The two start dating around the first two seasons, and so on throughout the rest of the series.  Their relationship (is) probably relatable to many because of the roller coaster (emotionally, and figuratively speaking) as it wasn’t the perfect one, but had it’s moments for better and worse, kind of like the whole show did.   I can’t get away with writing a Scrubs post without mentioning J.D.’s best friend on the show, Dr. Chris Turk, and his wife Nurse Carla, they were a big part of the show’s success and part of why it’s so memorable.

Antman

I went with a friend to see the premiere of Antman, well one of the premiere’s anyway.  Going into the film I had no expectations, really as I knew absolutely nothing about the history of the character but that’s just what happens when you aren’t a comic book connoisseur.

With the foundation being laid down for this review, or whatever you want to refer to it as, I guess I can start actually telling you what I thought about this film.  

Can I just start this out by saying I really enjoyed it?  As a fan of Marvel, and all it’s recent work it’s put out (Avengers, Avengers 2, Guardians of the Galaxy, etc) I loved all the Marvel references, which you do know is building up to a big Marvel Civil War film, right?    The thing about this film is that it’s definitely taken a notch down from Marvel’s last epic storyline in Age of Ultron, and because they managed to execute this one so well is one of the reasons I’m impressed.

 I enjoyed the characters, as I felt everyone was portrayed in a believable manner that actually had me invested in the characters.  I found myself rooting for the main character, Scott Lang, other wise known as Antman.   Another thing I want to point out is I think Antman was a little different than most Superhero movies in that the Hero is a criminal, to begin with, so that was nice to see instead of the same thing.  

I guess you could gripe about how it was cliched with the suit, but hey it’s got to be better than being bitten by an insect, right?   Or maybe at times during the movie you felt like you were watching Ironman.    Speaking about the suit though, the one thing they executed very well for me, was the seeing the Antman suit shrink. That was pretty awesome. Let’s not forget to mention this was a very humorous film, as well.  Sure, this movie has it’s share of gripes, as does every film but at the end of the day I just found myself with too much to be satisfied about.. Including the post credit extras which clearly show their will be a sequel to Antman.  

Controversy

The recent controversial events which have transpired lately have stirred up much heat, especially within Christian/Secular circles.  The Supreme Court’s recent decision to legalize Gay Marriage is just an example of the controversy we have seen, and the starter of plenty more controversy coming up.  Speaking of controversial topics, Facebook supposedly blocked users from posting a certain link (and also claiming it was “abusive”), particularly Christian users who tried posting a link to Theologian, Dr. Albert Mohler’s article on Planned parenthood and abortion, but eventually allowed users to post it.   Take one of my Facebook friends, Pastor Mark Spence for example. Spence, who shepherds a satellite campus church “Cross Church DFW”  the satellite campus of North Richland Hills Baptist Church attempted posting a link to Mohler’s post, but Facebook wouldn’t allow it.

Hopefully, if you are a Christ follower reading this blog this alerts you to the time we are living in. The other thing I pray this post can succeed in doing is move you. No, I don’t mean emotionally move you, but in your actions as a follower.  Understand the difference here between suffering for the Gospel and controversy.  Don’t mistake persecution for Christ for hearing and reading news about the church.