A New School Year...New Goals!

So I clearly neglected this blog over the course of the summer. I got away from my computer for the most part and stopped doing most things on the internet without too much warning. But now that the semester's about to begin again (this being my third year...wow!), I figure it's time to start working on this again! What better way to renew the blog than with a couple goals in mind? Here's a few, in no particular order:

1. Keep Good Grades in School - This goes without much saying. However, despite this being my third year I don't want to be someone who begins to suffer from some degree of "Senioritis" and get lazy in my work. I've come this far and gotten the grades I have in my general courses, but now that I'm actually getting into my major, I intend to keep the good grades coming!
2. Be Open to More Social Activities - I am something of an introvert. While I don't mind social interactions and being around people, I do enjoy being able to spend time alone and away from people. But because of my schedule this year, which will be a bit more relaxed this semester due to a couple online classes, I want to try to be more social and outgoing with people.
3. Be Open to Possible Relationships - Liberty pushes the dating/marriage scene a lot, which is fine, because I'm glad they support the fundamental marriage between a man and a woman, but it's often emphasized to the point where you sometimes feel awkward hanging out with the opposite sex. I've never been in a relationship myself, let alone gone on a date, but I intend to keep my mind open enough God's leading and potential direction into a relationship. Regardless of whether anything should develop, I intend to keep myself open to this. After all, this IS my second to last year of college...running out of time, ha!
4. Maintain a Positive Attitude - In my reflection of last year's attitude, I spent WAY too much time complaining, being frustrated and tired, and simply being a "downer" too much. I maintain some of this was due to my absolutely chaotic and stressful schedule, but a goal of mine is to keep a more positive attitude and try not to be such a pessimist. I'm not looking for pity from others, I want to demonstrate a positive attitude given to me by God and that He helps me overcome my situations!

These are among my top goals for the semester and Junior year. I'm sure that as classes begin that I will find the year flying, which might feel too quick, but oh well. This should be quite the year; I'm looking forward to what I'll learn in class and how I'll be challenged in the faith this year!

P.S. Keep me in your prayers regarding work. I'd like to find some simple work study position to earn a few extra bucks if possible.

Reviewing Geisler's "Chosen But Free"

It goes without saying that there exist various theological topics that have been and are still "hot button" topics. Most can agree that the perhaps most debated topic is the theological stances of Calvinism and Arminianism. Theologians have debated the issues of God's sovereignty and free will for many years and the topic is not likely to go away anytime soon. However, amidst it all, Norman L. Geisler does a particularly exceptional job of pointing out a balanced view amidst the polarized extremist views of the theological spectrum in his book Chosen But Free.

Many Christians tend to consider themselves either Calvinists or Arminianists. They may be more moderate or more extreme in their views, but they tend to lean one way or the other (akin to politics, an analogy suitable for describing the intensity this theological concept ignites). Geisler, however, presents the alternative, a "balanced view" as he refers to it, and demonstrates how both can be blended together in a way that incorporates both ideas as they are presented throughout Scripture. Rather than denying the free will of man, Geisler acknowledges its biblical basis while simultaneously demonstrating God's sovereignty in the matter. Because God is omniscient, He knows what shall come to pass, including the knowledge of who will respond to His invitation of salvation, thereby "electing" them. Rather than polarizing the topic, Geisler excellently wraps the moderate views of both opinions into a cohesive alternative that has foundations in the Word of God.

In a most interesting personal note, I have been conflicted about the topic. Many I know swing both ways on this topic, but I was searching for an alternative. I refused to dismiss either stance, because I could see the concepts of God's sovereignty in the elect and the demonstration of free will clearly outlined in the Bible, but I was confused to how they coexist. Geisler's Chosen But Free was exactly what I needed. I felt as though it summarized a clear yet descriptive conclusion of how both are capable of existing, there is simply the matter of perspective from "both sides of heaven", so to speak. God's view is clear, He knows who will respond and in that matter they are chosen, but from a human perspective it is known to us through free will. This boggled my mind and still does, but I can see it as a clear perspective that seems most reasonable and is most reasonably laid out in Chosen But Free. I intend to examine it more, but I think this appears to be an indeed reasonable conclusion.

The Heart of Worship

Christians today must endure a barrage of offensives from the secular world. The Bible and truths it stands upon are condemned and regularly criticized; life as a “true-blooded” Christian is anything but simple. The saddest and most debilitating aspect of this, however, is that the struggle does not stop outside the church. No, sadly Christians bring the fight into the sanctuary. They deface a building symbolic of the unity under Christ with their petty arguments on how to “do church.” Everyone has an “opinion,” though it is clear each individual considers it more than that.

But what if we reconsidered what it means to “go to church”? Why does it need to be done a certain way? Quite simply, it does not need to be done in a particular manner. While some aspects are absolutely biblical and should be practiced in every church (these including the preaching of the Gospel, prayer, and so on), there are many things part of tradition considered “fact,” when these elements are nothing more than preferences certain people have become used to and comfortable practicing.

I have always been told that worship “is our mind’s attention and heart’s affection focused completely on God.” How powerful would it be to gather believers into a unified body – no, a unified organism – and worship God with that definition in mind? If a church service was conducted with the continual reminder in the hearts of believers to be focused on God and worship him, as it says in John 4:24, in “spirit and in truth,” Christians would learn to discern the difference between their preference and their need to conduct themselves biblically!

Do not get me wrong, I am completely aware that people have a particular type of song style or preaching style they might be more comfortable with while participating in worship. However, deviations from one’s particular liking should not give anyone reason to start a fight. A church of hymns and “old-school preaching” can have an equally God-honoring time of worship as an upbeat church might practice.

One day soon, all Christians will be gathered before God. We will all be together, bowing before his thrown, laying down our crowns before Him. Together we will join with the angels and praise God for all eternity; would we be petty enough to debate the style of song we use? Of course not, we will be too occupied with honoring God with our entire being!

What I am getting at is this: if we will be able to join with Christians together before the throne of God and worship Him in “spirit and in truth,” with our minds’ attention and hearts’ affection completely and utterly focused on and consumed by Him, what is there to gain from bickering over grievances like worship styles? Preferences make us unique and reflect the creativity of God, but they should bring us together in a glorious union of believers, not divide us and tarnish the name of Christ.

A Simple, Life-Changing Testimony

As a young child, I had always been exposed to “God” and “church.” Of course, this was because I was the child of a pastor; being in church around “Christians” was “the norm” for me. I learned quite a bit about a man named Jesus in my time there; Jesus, who they always said died for the wrong things I did, these so-called “sins” because he loved me even though I did things that hurt and upset him. I learned of how he loved me and what he did for me in dying and then coming back to life again so that I could be in a place called heaven with him forever, but it never entirely made sense to me.

However, one day around the age of four, I suddenly brought up the topic with my father. He was thrown off-guard about my sudden curiosity of how to be with Jesus. He explained to me that Jesus was God’s son, and that he came to earth and lived a perfect life and did nothing wrong. He told me that Jesus did all this so he could die on the cross to take the punishment I was supposed to get because of the bad things I had done, but Jesus did it so I could ask him to save me from my sins - the term for my wrongful actions, as he called them - because the only way I could ever go to heaven and live with God was by Jesus dying for me. I wanted to take this offer, so I proceeded to ask my father how I was supposed to do this. He explained that I needed to talk to Jesus, what he always called “praying,” and tell him that I had done those wrong things but that I believed that he did die on the cross for me and that I wanted him to save me so I could be in heaven. I did just that, and that was the start of a new beginning for me.

My life was then something of progress for Jesus’ sake. I wanted to learn more about him from the Bible, God’s perfect text that he gave to man so we can know more about him and what he does for us. I struggled with my convictions and eventually decided to recommit myself in what it means to be a person that trusts in Jesus and what he did for me. I have continued to read the Bible and talk to him (even though he doesn’t audibly respond). No one is saying it has been easy, but I am glad I reached a point where I could say I understood what it means when people say that Jesus died on a cross and rose again to pay the price for the punishment God reserved for me and my wrongdoings.

Word Count: 479

Thoughts on Valentine's Day

Love is in the air...I guess. Valentine's Day is really another day for me; a brief reminder of no significant other in my life, but today it doesn't bug me as much (could be the illness that's making me feel awful and keeping me preoccupied...). Some really get into the holiday, others are indifferent toward it regardless of their relationship status, and still others utterly despise it - mostly due to being single. I really don't have too much to contribute to the matter today, but I feel at least compelled to share my two cents on the whole matter, to each respective audience.

To the married, God bless you for being in your marriage. I don't know what the current condition of it is - though I pray it's in top shape - but at least let today be one day to reflect on who God has blessed you to be with. Not saying you need to go all-out today, but this holiday should, at the very least, remind you of the promise you made on the date of your wedding. Each day should be something like a Valentine's Day...both of you should be enriching each other's lives and acting as a single entity for the glory of God. Never forget to care for your wife, husband, and never forget to love and support your husband, wife. As a guy, a special quote from my Uncle comes to mind - think on it and let it be a goal you set in your life.

"My goal as a husband is to make it easy for my wife to brag about me, hard for her to complain about me, and show her that the promise I made on our wedding day is the promise I still make every day."

To the dating/engaged, nothing is set in stone yet, but that does not exclude you from the duties you should be fulfilling. Guys, you better not ever stop demonstrating to your girlfriend how you cherish her and seek to protect and guide her. There are plenty of single people out there looking for just a chance to date someone and if you think you can just trash your relationship, I not only hope your significant other terminates the relationship, but that you don't have the chance for another until you get your act straight. Those who are holding up a strong and God-honoring relationship, don't ever let it go - make God the absolute focal point in the relationship and never let it waver.

And to the single, there's nothing wrong with where you are at! Look at me, for example; over 20 years of existence and I've never been on a date! Allow this time for growth, especially in the matter of spiritual maturity. I'm not saying to not be aware of your surroundings and potential relationships, but don't let it consume you. Instead, continue seeking God and developing your relationship with him and with friends around you. I can't say too much to encourage except God will, in His will and timing, start bringing others into your life to pursue. Keep your priorities and expectations in order (and realistic). My hope is to find someone that God brings along in His time, with similar standings in our walk with the Lord. Maybe then I will only have to date a few people (maybe less!) to find that special woman God so blesses me with, I who am so undeserving.

This turned out to be a lot more than I expected; hopefully you find some encouragement, challenge, and peace about the matter. Valentine's Day is just another holiday, don't let it eat you alive. Celebrate where God has you at even when it simply sucks some days and look forward to where God will take you to someday, marriage or no.

P.S. I'm not a big Lecrae fan (not because of him as a person, but just because rap's never been a style of music I cared for), but he has an amazing song regarding relationships, "I Love You" from his album Rehab. My understanding is the song was written for his wife (though in my ignorance on the matter don't cite me on it); you can find the lyric on the actual Youtube page of the video. I encourage you to check it out.

Happy Valentine's Day!
~ The Lowly (Under-the-weather, Single) Bump

When Things Are Confusing or Hurting

Needless to say, it's obvious that we've all had struggles in our lifetime. In fact, it wouldn't be unreasonable to say we are probably dealing with various ordeals at this very moment (I, for one, can admit to it). Maybe your significant other ended a relationship with you or maybe there's sadness in feeling rejected by one you may be attracted to. Maybe you're struggling with depression. Confusion and chaos attempt to permeate every aspect of these problems in an attempt to transform this into suffering.

The good thing to know, however, is we don't have to let that happen. Emotion, so I'm learning, is an aspect of life God gave us. But we have to "channel" these emotions properly. When we're sad, we cry out to God and wrap ourselves deeply in His arms, for example. We don't have to mull over what's happening when we can trust God to take care of it

These may not be worth much, but in times of trouble or sadness I have a few particular songs I listen to. These include Selah's version of "Bless the Broken Road" and John Waller's "While I'm Waiting." Though they could apply to relationships, which do tend to cause anxiety and strife, Waller's song can be a particularly powerful message for other matters as well.

Exhortations don't mean much from such a fallen text (authored by a fallen person), but it sincerely my prayer that whatever struggles you are enduring will not last forever. I have to constantly remind myself of this everyday; don't forget what God has planned for you in the spectrum of eternity.

A First Post

Well, what is there to really say in a first post? Just jump right into a thought? Give an intro? Well, I think this will not be anything particularly special. Perhaps I'll spend a moment to elaborate on a few thoughts, namely my intent in creating this blog and the blog's (current, perhaps changing?) title.

First, this blog was created primarily for my theology class. Over the course of the semester my class will be assigned blogging about particular subjects for the class. It's to be an outlet for explaining our stance on issues through a channel that we will probably feel comfortable doing. In the past I've attempted to blog but without much success (or people who cared to follow it) but perhaps this time will be different.

Secondly, the title of this blog. Considering my name, I considered "Thoughts for a Bumpy Ride" to be amusing, if corny. But I think there can be a nice imagery about it; life is hardly "smooth sailing." In fact, it's filled with twists and turns and lots of unexpected bumps (or in my case, plenty which surround me on a regular basis!). Therefore, I thought it would be amusing for this particular bump to find a way to observe and openly reflect on various experiences and lessons.

Regardless of the overall outcome of this blog, whether it only run the race to the end of my theology class or continues to be something I employ using, I hope what I say can help others think, reflect, determine their own opinions, and most importantly: grow and mature, as a person and, even more critically, in God.

To His glory,
A Lowly Bump.