Pastor Alex Montoya preaches about evangelism.
Archive for May, 2012
Pastor Alex Montoya – Are We Almost There?
Posted in alex montoya, Evangelism on May 30, 2012| Leave a Comment »
Presuppositional apologetics Links (End of May 2012)
Posted in James Anderson, Presuppositional Apologetics, presuppositionalism, Reformed, Van Til, Vern Poythress on May 29, 2012| Leave a Comment »
The following are links that has to do with Presuppositional apologetics or subjects that Presuppositionalist would be interested in.
Enjoy!
1.) From Theodicy to Theophany: Inscrutability and the Problem of Evil– by Scott Oliphint.
2.) Book Review: A Shot of Faith to the Head (To the Head)— Review of this new book by James Anderson.
3.) God and Language— Chapter by Vern Poythress.
4.) Gay Christianity Refuted— Five hour long audio by James White!
5.) Responding to Podcasts attacking Presuppositionalism part 1 and 2 and 2.5— by Rhology.
6.) Blogging about the evils of blogging the evils of blogging by Steve Hays.
Posted in Uncategorized on May 28, 2012| 7 Comments »
WARNING: EMOTIONAL CONTENT.
Memorial Day morning…
Lest we forget, with our church retreats, picnics, the beach or sleeping in,
Take a time this morning or evening to remember those who have fallen in during times of war…
Out of all the pictures I’ve seen, I think this has got to be the most riveting for me of all the pictures concerning Iraq…
The picture of a Marine’s casket (a 2nd. Lt. Cathey, who left behind his pregnant wife) as contrast to the plane and the people looking out of the window…the contrast is beautifully captured and is almost surreal.
Enough with my words. THis picture was part of a series that won the pulizter prize…reading the 19 pages, you would know why. Have tissues nearby, it is very emotional.
SOURCE:(Beware, its 10MB PDF FILE)
The picture in its context:
The American Airlines 757 couldn’t have landed much farther from the war. The plane…
View original post 366 more words
Underground Queer Madness at Biola University?
Posted in Christianity, Current Affairs, Theology on May 25, 2012| 16 Comments »
Ever since President Obama announced his stance on gay marriage, it appears that proponents of gay marriage and the gay lifestyle, have passionately been more vocal in the limelight. The passionate orientation of a gay lifestyle is nothing new. It happened during Old Testament times and even happened during Paul’s time.
For the Old Testament account of queer madness, please read Genesis 19,
Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening as Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground. 2 And he said, “Now behold, my lords, please turn aside into your servant’s house, and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way.” They said however, “No, but we shall spend the night in the square.” 3 Yet he urged them strongly, so they turned aside to him and entered his house; and he prepared a feast for them, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. 4 Before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, surrounded the house, both young and old, all the people from every quarter; 5 and they called to Lot and said to him, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may have relations with them.” 6 But Lot went out to them at the doorway, and shut the door behind him, 7 and said, “Please, my brothers, do not act wickedly. 8 “Now behold, I have two daughters who have not had relations with man; please let me bring them out to you, and do to them whatever you like; only do nothing to these men, inasmuch as they have come under the shelter of my roof.” 9 But they said, “Stand aside.” Furthermore, they said, “This one came in as an alien, and already he is acting like a judge; now we will treat you worse than them.” So they pressed hard against Lot and came near to break the door. 10 But the men reached out their hands and brought Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. 11 They struck the men who were at the doorway of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they wearied themselves trying to find the doorway. 12 Then the two men said to Lot, “Whom else have you here? A son-in-law, and your sons, and your daughters, and whomever you have in the city, bring them out of the place; 13 for we are about to destroy this place, because their outcry has become so great before the Lord that the Lord has sent us to destroy it.” 14 Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were to marry his daughters, and said, “Up, get out of this place, for the Lord will destroy the city.” But he appeared to his sons-in-law to be jesting. 15 When morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Up, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city.” 16 But he hesitated. So the men seized his hand and the hand of his wife and the hands of his two daughters, for the compassion of the Lord was upon him; and they brought him out, and put him outside the city. 17 When they had brought them outside, one said, “Escape for your life! Do not look behind you, and do not stay anywhere in the valley; escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away.” 18 But Lot said to them, “Oh no, my lords! 19 “Now behold, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have magnified your lovingkindness, which you have shown me by saving my life; but I cannot escape to the mountains, for the disaster will overtake me and I will die; 20 now behold, this town is near enough to flee to, and it is small. Please, let me escape there (is it not small?) that my life may be saved.” 21 He said to him, “Behold, I grant you this request also, not to overthrow the town of which you have spoken. 22 “Hurry, escape there, for I cannot do anything until you arrive there.” Therefore the name of the town was called Zoar. 23 The sun had risen over the earth when Lot came to Zoar. 24 Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven, 25 and He overthrew those cities, and all the valley, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. 26 But his wife, from behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. 27 Now Abraham arose early in the morning and went to the place where he had stood before the Lord; 28 and he looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the valley, and he saw, and behold, the smoke of the land ascended like the smoke of a furnace. 29 Thus it came about, when God destroyed the cities of the valley, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when He overthrew the cities in which Lot lived.
Paul echoes queer madness in Romans 1:25-32,
For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, 27 and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. 28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; 32 and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.”
When reading both accounts in Genesis and Romans, what we see is God’s judgment being poured out. The judgment in Genesis 19 was expressed via fire and brimstone and the wrath of God in Romans 1 was expressed via the release of depravity over the sinners.
Some say that God has not judged homosexuals because we do not see fire and brimstone, but God clearly judged the homosexuals by permitting depravity to ruin their lives.
God’s judgment still hangs over the heads of those who are in love with the homosexual and lesbian orientation. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10,
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Hebrews 13:4 which speaks about honoring marriage also used the term πόρνους (fornicators), which conveys a broad range of sexual sins that not only includes bestiality, sex before marriage, pornography, but also the homosexual and lesbian orientataion. Hebrews says that they will be judged. Here is what the author says,
Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”
We also see God’s eschatological judgement of homosexuals and lesbians who do not repent. In Revelation 21:8, Apostle John uses the plural noun “immorality” (πόρνοις) which is the same concept as Hebrews 13:4.
But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
Consequently, it appears that the ancient queer madness that took place in the Old Testament and New Testament is running rampant in the American public square. And not yet satisfied with President Obama’s stance on gay marriage, queer madness is also trying to invade the historical evangelical Christian schools like Biola University.
As Christians, we stand firmly committed to the position that Scripture teaches that homosexual and lesbian orientation and behavior are contrary to the order for human sexuality God placed in creation. Hence they are sinful. From a judicial standpoint, those who engage in this sin are no more and no less guilty before God than those who lie, steal, or break other moral rules. All sinners, which includes all of us, need to repent and change their ways.
But sin also has a social dimension, and sexual sin, including homosexual sin, is a form of behavior whose impact on others is far more devastating than the impact of some other sins. The enslavement of some sins is harder to escape than that of others. Homosexuality and lesbianism are truly enslaving sins, but for those who think a person caught in them cannot change, we respond: “Never underestimate the power of Jesus Christ to transform a life! Christ loves all sinners, and he died to pay for our sins! He can both pardon the sin and liberate the sinner from homosexuality and queer madness!
As Christians, we must lovingly pray and reach out to these people with the Gospel who favor a sinful lifestyle. Because God desires that they be freed from the enslavement and consequences of sin, we too, should have that same desire.
For more details pertaining to the queer madness that is occurring at Biola University, please click on this following link:
Greenville Seminary: Old Testament Biblical Theology, MP3 Lectures!
Posted in biblical theology, C. N. Willborn, Greenvile Presbyterian Theological Seminary, old testament scholarship, Reformed, Theology on May 24, 2012| 6 Comments »
Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary has hosted many great resources, sermons and lectures online that is a tremendous blessing to the body of Christ.
They recently have loaded up online lectures concerning Old Testament Biblical Theology as taught by Dr. C.N. Wilborn, who gave the recorded lecture in 2009.
Though my theology is not Presbyterian, nevertheless I do hope to listen to them and get to learn from it.
Here are the MP3s to the thirteen part series.
Consulting the Dead using Ouija Board in Public Policy is OK in San Fransisco
Posted in Politics, tagged ACLU, Atheism, california, Democratic Party, Democrats, Liberalism, Politics, San Francisco, Secularism, Spiritism, Spiritual on May 23, 2012| 6 Comments »
Apparently the San Francisco Board of Supervisors supported the idea of naming a Navy vessel by consulting with a spirit using the ouija board!
Read more.
Where is rationality? Where is science? Where is the ACLU?
The Word of the Lord is still true.
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE.” Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe (1 Cor 1:18-21)
Apologetics Sermon Illustration #8: Ethics based on observation of animals and the additional example of cannibalism by Praying Mantis
Posted in apologetics illustrations, Presuppositional Apologetics, presuppositionalism on May 22, 2012| 27 Comments »
Warning: The following content might be disturbing.
Point: In defending certain sexual ethics that violate the Scriptures such as homosexuality, some will no doubt hear the argument made that such a behavior cannot be wrong because when one look to the animal kingdom, such behavior occurs in nature. However, the Christian apologist must take this form of logical argument to it’s absurdity. If certain behaviors are observed in nature, does that mean it’s okay to commit them? It’s always useful to have a few ready examples to reduce this kind of moral reasoning to absurdity (see the previous apologetics sermon illustration #6). The following example for the apologist’s illustration arsenal will be from the observation that female praying mantis at times (though not always) killed their male mates during mating.
Illustration:
From About.com we read this about Praying Mantis:
Entomologists would offer a captive female a potential mate, and would quite often be horrified to watch the female bite the head or legs off the smaller male. After the male had served his copulatory purpose, he was nothing more than a good meal to the female. For a long time, these observations of praying mantis sex in the lab were thought to be the way things were in the mantid world.
Once scientists started observing praying mantis sex in a natural setting, the story had a different ending, which is good for the males. When unconfined in laboratory terrariums, the majority of praying mantis mating ends with the male flying off, unharmed. By most estimates, sexual cannibalism by praying mantis females occurs less than 30% of the time outside the lab. Those are pretty good odds for the fellows. Praying mantis sex, it turns out, is really a rather romantic series of courtship rituals that typically ends satisfactorily and safely for both parties involved.
There is a decided advantage for the female, however, if she does decide to behead her lover. The praying mantis brain, located in his head, controls inhibition, while a ganglion in the abdomen controls the motions of copulation. Absent his head, a male praying mantis will lose all his inhibitions and consummate his relationship with wild abandon.
And what if she’s hungry? For certain, a slow moving and deliberate predator like the praying mantis is not going to pass up an easy meal. If a male makes the unfortunate choice of a hungry female for a mate, he’s probably going to be toast once they’ve mated.
(SOURCE)
(Note: While it does not happen all the time, scientists have observed this cannibalistic behavior to note that it’s a regular phenomenon.)
Here is also a disturbing video to shore up the veracity of this phenomenon for the skeptic to make the point that these cannibalistic behaviors does exists:
POSSIBLE PRACTICAL EMPLOYMENT OF THIS ILLUSTRATION
Non-Christian (NC): Well, you can’t say that _____ is wrong, because scientists have observed that behavior in nature. Thus, the act of _______ is natural and should not be prohibited or condemned as wrong.
Christian (C): Am I hearing you correctly that your argument is that _____ is ethically permitted because ______ is observed to have happened in nature?
NC: Yes.
C: By chance, you do believe that it’s wrong to kill and cannibalize someone don’t you?
NC: Yes of course I believe it is wrong.
C: What about the fact that this behavior is observed in nature? Here’s a Youtube video of Praying Mantis practicing cannibalism while mating. I could cite more examples of cannibalism occuring in nature. But the point I want to make to you is this: Does this justify cannibalism as right? I want to challenge you to reconsider this type of argument justifying an act just because it’s observed to have happened in nature. Again, does this fact that cannibalism occur in nature justify it as right?
Book Review: The Road to Reality
Posted in Christianity, Gospel for Asia, K.P. Yohannan, Missions on May 21, 2012| 3 Comments »
Purchase: Amazon
Challenging book–especially the rebuke towards the general Christianity in the United States that is affluent but not keeping eternity, evangelism and the Great Commission in perspective. It was not easy for me to hear the rebuke of this Indian brother and servant of God–but one which I recognizes is from the LORD to challenge myself and others to re-evaluate and remember our priorities as Christians in support of what truly matters in eternity. I enjoy the part in the book that has practical suggestions of how one can save more money–to allow more cash flow to support missions.
Veritas Domain Hermeneutics Series: Course Level One and Two
Posted in bible difficulties, bible interpretation, biblical genres, hermeneutics, historical grammatical hermeneutics on May 19, 2012| 3 Comments »
We have just finish posting the outlines for an introductory and genre hermeneutics series I use when I teach on this topic. For the sake of convenience, I’ve posted the links to both series here.
I think it’s important for Christians in terms of spiritual life, practical theology, systematic theology and apologetics to be conscious of our hermeneutics. To that end, I hope this would be helpful.
LEVEL ONE: INTRODUCTION TO HERMENEUTICS
Introduction to Hermeneutics Series: Session One: Introduction
Introduction to Hermeneutics Series: Session Three: Doctrine of Special Revelation
Introduction to Hermeneutics Series: Session Four: The Doctrine of the Self-Attesting Word of God
Introduction to Hermeneutics Series: Session Six: Doctrine of Biblical Clarity
Introduction to Hermeneutics Series: Session Seven: The importance of Words and Grammars
Introduction to Hermeneutics Series: Session Eight: Context Part I: The Immediate Context
Introduction to Hermeneutics Series: Session Nine: Context Part II: The Chapter and Book Context
Introduction to Hermeneutics Series: Session Ten: Context Part III: The Entirety of Scripture
Introduction to Hermeneutics Series: Session Eleven: The Aid of Natural Revelation in Hermeneutics
Introduction to Hermeneutics Series: Session Twelve: Hermeneutics and Apologetics
LEVEL TWO: BIBLICAL GENRES (LITERARY FORMS)
SESSION ONE: DEFINITION OF GENRE AND DO THEY EXIST?
SESSION TWO: THE IMPORTANCE OF GENRE IN INTERPRETATION
SESSION THREE: PROSE I: OLD TESTAMENT NARRATIVE
SESSION FOUR: PROSE II: OLD TESTAMENT HISTORICAL NARRATIVE
SESSION SIX: POETRY I: WHAT IS HEBREW POETRY?
SESSION SEVEN: POETRY II: LAMENT
SESSION EIGHT: POETRY III: PRAISE
SESSION NINE: POETRY IV: PROVERBS
SESSION TEN: POETRY V: OTHER HEBREW WISDOM
SESSION ELEVEN: PROPHECY I: ANNOUNCEMENT OF JUDGEMENT
SESSION TWELVE: PROPHECY II: ORACLE OF SALVATION
SESSION THIRTEEN: PROPHECY III: APOCALYPTIC
SESSION FOURTEEN: NEW TESTAMENT HISTORICAL NARRATIVE/ GOSPELS
APPENDIX SESSION ONE: PARABLES
APPENDIX SESSION TWO: INTER-RELATIONSHIP OF GENRE IN INTERPRETATION
BIBLICAL GENRE HERMENEUTICS COURSE: APPENDIX TWO: INTER-RELATIONSHIP OF GENRES IN INTERPRETATION
Posted in bible interpretation, biblical genres, hermeneutics, historical grammatical hermeneutics on May 18, 2012| 2 Comments »
I. Introduction
a. You have probably heard the saying “Let Scripture interpret Scripture”.
b. Throughout this series on hermeneutics and Genre course, one can see the inter-relationship of Genre. This inter-relationship of genres is important in interpretation.
c. One more fully appreciate the principle of “Let Scripture interpret Scripture” in seeing how one particular genre of Scripture can shed interpretative light of another genre of Scripture.
d. This appendix summarizes how each genre can be further illuminated by another genre of Scripture. (NOTE: This outline is not exhaustive)
e. This outline might be helpful as a guide to the hermeneutics of proper cross-referencing.
II. Interpretative insights of a Biblical passage in light of similar genre
a. Find if there are other places that are similar in Genre and see if there is new information provided to get a more fuller pictures.
Example: Looking at the four Gospels to get a picture of one incident.
b. Pay attention to progressive revelation: Are their more information provided in later revelation of the same Genre?
Example: Book of Revelation gives more details of prophecies than Isaiah, Daniel, etc.
III. Interpretative insights of a Biblical passage in light of other genre
a. Old Testament Narrative
i. Proverbs: Are there any particular wise proverb that address the particular slice of reality of this text?
ii. New Testament Narrative/Gospels: Has Jesus and the early church authoritatively preach on this text, revealing insights within the text or further details?
iii. Epistles:
1. Similar to New Testament Narrative, does the Epistles offer any insights into the text or further details?
2. The Epistles are especially helpful in giving theological interpretation of Old Testament Narratives.
b. Old Testament Historical Narrative
i. What applies for Narrative above (insights from Proverbs, New Testament Narrative/Gospels and Epistles) applies here as well.
ii. Narrative: Are their any Covenants and promises described previously in Old Testament narratives that illuminate what is going on in this particular text?
iii. Laws: This provides the biblical standard of norms to make a moral judgment of the event in the Historical Narrative.
iv. Lament and Praise Poetry: Does the Psalms provide further insight of the difficulties or celebration of the events in the Historical narrative?
v. Announcement of judgment and oracle of salvation: Are there any prophetic books that occur simultaneously with the events going on?
c. Old Testament Laws
i. Narrative & Historical Narrative:
1. Provides the historical and situational circumstances that the Laws are prescribed to.
2. Also, are their any Covenants and promises described previously in Old Testament narratives that illuminate what is going on in this particular text?
3. Are their examples of laws illustrated?
ii. Praise and announcement of judgment: Are their any given perspectives of the Law of God provided in these genres?
iii. New Testament Narrative/Gospels and Epistles: Does these genres reveal any Old Testament Laws are no longer applicable for today?
d. Lament and Praise
i. Narrative & Historical Narrative:
1. Provides the historical and situational circumstances that the Lament or Praises Psalms are prescribed to.
2. Also, are there any Covenants and promises described previously in Old Testament narratives that illuminate what is going on in this particular text?
ii. New Testament Narrative/Gospel and Epistles: Did the New Testament further expounded on these texts?
e. Proverbs
i. Laws: Since Proverbs is by nature “slice of reality”, it is also important that any imperative is seen within the boundary of the Law.
ii. Epistles: Again, since Proverbs is by nature “slice of reality”, it is also important that any imperative within Proverbs be viewed within the boundary of the commands and prohibition of the New Testament.
iii. New Testament Narrative/Gospel and Epistles: Did the New Testament further expounded on these texts?
f. Other Hebrew Wisdom
i. Narrative & Historical Narrative: Provides the historical background.
ii. Law, Proverbs and the Epistles: Especially in the “Counter-Wisdom” literatures, it is important to interpret things in light of the theological and moral boundaries of Scripture.
g. Announcement of Judgment
i. Narrative & Historical Narrative:
1. Can provide the historical background of when the text was written.
2. Also, are there any Covenants and promises of curses described previously in Old Testament narratives and historical narratives that illuminate what is going on in this particular text?
ii. Law: What are God’s command and prohibition that God is not pleased with, that result in this announcement of judgment?
iii. Oracle of Salvation and Apocalyptic: In light of the doom and gloom of Announcement of Judgment, is there any hope to be found in the Oracle of Salvation o r the Apocalyptic Genre?
h. Oracle of Salvation
i. Narrative & Historical Narrative:
1. Can provide the historical background of when the text was written.
2. Also, are there any Covenants and promises of blessings described previously in Old Testament narratives and historical narratives that illuminate what is going on in this particular text?
ii. Announcement of Judgment: Oracle of Salvation is seen as good news in light of the announcement of judgment.
iii. Apocalyptic: Are there further expansion and details of hope to be found in Apocalyptic genre that can illuminate the oracle of Salvation?
i. Apocalyptic
i. Narrative & Historical Narrative:
1. Can provide the historical background of when the text was written.
2. Also, are there any Covenants and promises of blessings and curses described previously in Old Testament narratives and historical narratives that are being described as being fulfilled in this particular text?
ii. New Testament Narrative/Gospel and Epistles: Did the New Testament further expounded on these texts?
j. New Testament Narrative/Gospel
i. Narrative & Historical Narrative:
Are there any Covenants and promises of blessings and curses described previously in Old Testament narratives and historical narratives that are being described as being fulfilled in this particular text?
ii. Law: Are there certain behavior and manners that needs to be understood in light of the Old Testament Law?
iii. Lament, Praises, Announcement of Judgment, Apocalyptic: Are there any prophecies that are being fulfilled here
iv. Epistles: Are there further theological explanations of historical realities to be found in the epistles?
k. Epistles
i. Narrative & Historical Narrative and New Testament Narrative/Gospel:
1. Are their any illustrations found in the Epistles that comes from these narratives and require previous background familiarity of these narratives?
2. Are there any Covenants and promises of blessings and curses described previously in Old Testament narratives and historical narratives that are being described as being fulfilled in this particular text?
ii. Lament, Praises, Announcement of Judgment, Apocalyptic: Are there any prophecies that are being fulfilled here?
l. Parables
i. Law: Are there certain behavior and manners that needs to be understood in light of the Old Testament Law?
ii. New Testament Narrative/Gospel: Does the rest of the Gospels happen to provide information important to understanding the parable’s details?
iii. Epistles: In regards to one’s interpretation of the Parables, is it within the boundary of theological and moral orthodoxy as expounded in the Epistles?
June 5th 2012 California Christian Voters Guide
Posted in Election, Election Forum, Evangelical on May 17, 2012| 24 Comments »
From Election Forum. The following below is a voter’s guide for Los Angeles County, the rest of the state can be accessed from their website.
Ratings:
Every candidate is considered after thorough research; we also have a questionnaire for candidates to complete.
: Strongest endorsement for values voters
: Above average
: Better than opponent, vote represents “lesser of two evils”
- No Endorsement: We either oppose the candidates or have found no reason to support a candidate. If you don’t vote for a candidate or issue, all your other votes still count.
Note: Historically third party candidates and write—in candidates do not win statewide elections in California. Click here to see article on Voting Your Christian Values.
Statewide Offices, Governor, Senator, CA Supreme Court, etc.
President
President of the United States; Democractic Party
- Barack Obama, Democratic
President of the United States; Republican Party Party
- Charles Roemer, III, Republican
- Ron Paul, Republican
- Newt Gingrich, Republican
- Rick Santorum, Republican
- Mitt Romney, Republican
- Fred Krager, Republican
President of the United States; American Independent Party
- Edward Noonan, American Independent
- Laurie Roth, American Independent
- Mad Max Riekse, American Independent
President of the United States; Green Party
- Jill Stein, Green
- Kent Mesplay, Green
- Roseanne Barr, Green
President of the United States; Libertarian Party
- Gary Johnson, Libertarian
- James Ogle, Libertarian
- Bill Still, Libertarian
- R. J. Harris, Libertarian
- Roger Gray, Libertarian
- Lee Wrights, Libertarian
- Barbara Waymire, Libertarian
- Scott Keller, Libertarian
- Carl Person, Libertarian
President of the United States; Peace and Freedom Party
- Ross Anderson, Peace and Freedom
- Stephen Durham, Peace and Freedom
- Stewart Alexander, Peace and Freedom
United States Senator
- Kabiruddin, Ali, Peace and Freedom
- Dianne Feinstein, Democratic
- Elizabeth Emken, Republican
- Oscar Braun, Republican
- Colleen Fernald, Democratic
- Daniel Hughes, Republican
- Dirk Konopik, Republican
- John Boruff, Republican
- Robert Lauten, Republican
- Al Ramirez, Republican
- Michael Strimling, Democratic
- Orly Taitz, Republican
- Rick Williams, Republican
- Phillip Conlon, Republican
- Nachum Shifren, Republican
- Rogelio Gloria, Republican
- Marsha Feinland, Peace and Freedom
- Nak Shah, Democratic
- Don Krampe, Republican
- Dennis Jackson, Republican
- Don Grundmann, American Independent
- Gail Lightfoot, Libertarian
- David Levitt, Democratic
- Diane Stewart, Democratic
US Congress by District
United States Representative; District 23
- Terry Phillips
- Eric Parker, Republican
- Kevin McCarthy, Republican
United States Representative; District 25
- Lee Rogers, Democratic
- Howard McKeon, Republican
- Dante Acosta, Republican
- Catherine Wright, Republican
United States Representative; District 26
- Linda Parks
- Jess Herrera, Democratic
- Albert Goldberg, Democratic
- Julia Brownley, Democratic
- David Thayne, Democratic
- Tony Strickland, Republican
United States Representative; District 27
- Robert Duran, Republican
- Judy Chu, Democratic
- Jack Orswell, Republican
United States Representative; District 28
- Jenny Worman, Republican
- Massie Munroe, Democratic
- Garen Mailyan, Republican
- Sal Genovese, Democratic
- Jonathan Kalbfeld, Democratic
- Adam Schiff, Democratic
- Phil Jennerjahn, Republican
United States Representative; District 29
- David Hernandez
- Tony Cardenas, Democratic
- Richard Valdez, Democratic
United States Representative; District 30
- Susan Shelley, Republican
- Navraj Singh, Republican
- Vince Gilmore, Democratic
- Brad Sherman, Democratic
- Howard Berman, Democratic
- Mark Reed, Republican
- Michael Powelson, Green
United States Representative; District 32
- G. Gonzalez, Democratic
- David Miller, Republican
- Grace Napolitano, Democratic
United States Representative; District 33
- David Steinman, Green
- William Bloomfield, Jr.
- Timothy Pape, Democratic
- Christopher David, Republican
- Steve Collett, Libertarian
- Bruce Margolin, Democratic
- Henry Waxman, Democratic
- Zein Obagi, Democratic
United States Representative; District 34
- Stephen Smith, Republican
- Howard Johnson, Peace and Freedom
- Xavier Becerra, Democratic
United States Representative; District 35
- Gloria McLeod, Democratic
- Joe Baca, Democratic
- Anthony Vieyra, Green
United States Representative; District 37
- Karen Bass, Democratic
United States Representative; District 38
- Benjamin Campos, Republican
- Jorge Robles, Republican
- Linda Sánchez, Democratic
United States Representative; District 39
- Ed Royce, Republican
- Jay Chen, Democratic
- D’Marie Mulattieri
United States Representative; District 40
- David Sanchez, Democratic
- Lucille Roybal-Allard, Democratic
United States Representative; District 42
- Ken S. Calvert, Republican
- Eva S. Johnson, Republican
- Clayton Thibodeau, Republican
United States Representative; District 43
- Maxine Waters, Democratic
- Bob Flores, Democratic
United States Representative; District 44
- Janice Hahn, Democratic
- Laura Richardson, Democratic
Unites States Representative; District 45
- John Webb, Republican
- John Campbell, Republican
- Sukhee Kang, Democrat
United States Representative; District 47
- Steve Foley, Republican
- Alan Lowenthal, Democratic
- Jay Shah, Democratic
- Gary DeLong, Republican
- Sanford Kahn, Republican
- Steven Kuykendall, Republican
- Peter Mathews, Democratic
- Usha Shah, Democratic
State Assembly
Assembly; District 35
- Gerald “Gerry” Manata, Democrat
- K.H. “Katcho” Achadjian, Republican
Member of the State Assembly; District 36
- Thomas Lackey, Republican
- Steve Fox, Democratic
- Ron Smith, Republican
Member of the State Assembly; District 38
- Edward Headington, Democratic
- Patricia McKeon, Republican
- Paul Strickland, Republican
- Scott Wilk, Republican
Member of the State Assembly; District 39
- Omar Cuevas, Republican
- Raul Bocanegra, Democratic
- John Paul Lindblad, Green
- Richard Alarcon, Democratic
- Ricardo Benitez, Republican
- Margie Carranza, Republican
Member of the State Assembly; District 41
- Ed Colton, Republican
- Michael Cacciotti, Democratic
- Donna Lowe, Republican
- Victoria Rusnak, Democratic
- Chris Holden, Democratic
Member of the State Assembly; District 43
- Mike Gatto, Democratic
- Greg Krikorian, Republican
Member of the State Assembly; District 44
- Eileen MacEnery, Democratic
- Jeffrey Gorell, Republican
- Thomas Mullens, Democratic
Member of the State Assembly; District 45
- Bob Blumenfield, Democratic
- Chris Kolski, Republican
Member of the State Assembly; District 46
- Jay Stern, Republican
- Adrin Nazarian, Democratic
- Andrew Lachman, Democratic
- Adriano Lecaros, Democratic
- Laurette Healey, Democratic
- Brian Johnson, Democratic
Member of the State Assembly; District 48
- Michael Meza
- Roger Hernandez, Democratic
- Joe Gardner, Republican
Member of the State Assembly; District 49
- Matthew Lin, Republican
- Edwin Chau, Democratic
- Mitchell Ing, Democratic
Member of the State Assembly; District 50
- Richard Bloom, Democratic
- Torie Osborn, Democratic
- Betsy Butler, Democratic
- Bradly Torgan, Republican
Member of the State Assembly; District 51
- Oscar Gutierrez, Democratic
- Arturo Chavez, Democratic
- Luis Lopez, Democratic
- Jimmy Gomez, Democratic
- Richard Friedberg, Democratic
Member of the State Assembly; District 52
- Norma Torres, Democratic
- Ray Moors, Democratic
- Paul Avila, Democratic
- Kenny Coble, Republican
Member of the State Assembly; District 53
- Michael Aldapa, Democratic
- John Pérez, Democratic
- Roger Young, Democratic
- Jose Aguilar, Republican
Member of the State Assembly; District 54
- Keith McCowen, Republican
- Holly Mitchell, Democratic
- Ed Nicoletti, Democratic
Member of the State Assembly; District 55
- Gregg Fritchle, Democratic
- Curt Hagman, Republican
Member of the State Assembly; District 56
- Corky Reynaga-Emett, Republican
- V. Manuel Perez, Democratic
Member of the State Assembly; District 57
- Rudy Bermudez, Democratic
- Ian Calderon, Democratic
- Noel Jaimes, Republican
Member of the State Assembly; District 58
- Sultan Ahmad, Democratic
- Cristina Garcia, Democratic
- Daniel Crespo, Democratic
- Patricia Kotze-Ramos, Republican
- Luis Marquez, Democratic
- Tom Calderon, Democratic
Member of the State Assembly; District 59
- Reginald Jones-Sawyer, Democratic
- Greg Akili, Democratic
- Rodney Robinson, Democratic
- Armenak Nouridjanian, Democratic
- Gertrude Holmes-Magee, Democratic
Member of the State Assembly; District 60
- Jeff Miller, Republican (Incumbent)
- Stan Skipworth, Republican
- JosÉ Luis Pérez, Democratic
- Eric Linder, Republican
- Greg Kraft, Republican
Member of the State Assembly; District 61
- Joe Ludwig, Republican
- Fredy R. De Leon
- Bill Batey, Republican
- Jose Medina, Democratic
Member of the State Assembly; District 62
- Steven Bradford, Democratic
- Mervin Evans, Democratic
Member of the State Assembly; District 63
- Jack Guerrero, Republican
- Diane Martinez, Democratic
- Cathrin Sargent, Democratic
- Anthony Rendon, Democratic
Member of the State Assembly; District 64
- Isadore Hall, III, Democratic
Member of the State Assembly; District 66
Since I am a candidate in this particular race, Election Forum will abstain from posting ratings or recommendations.—Craig Huey
- Craig Huey, Republican
- Nathan Mintz, Republican
- Al Muratsuchi, Democratic
Member of the State Assembly; District 70
- Bonnie Lowenthal, Democratic
- Martha Flores Gibson, Republican
State Senate
State Senator; District 21
- Star Moffatt, Democratic
- Steve Knight, Republican
State Senator; District 23
- Melissa O’Donnell, Democratic
- Bill Emmerson, Republican
State Senator; District 25
- Ameenah Fuller, Democratic
- Gilbert Gonzales, Republican
- Carol Liu, Democratic
State Senator; District 27
- Fran Pavley, Democratic
- Todd Zink, Republican
State Senator; District 29
- Greg Diamond, Democratic
- Robert Huff, Republican
State Senator; District 33
- Ricardo Lara, Democratic
State Senator; District 35
- Charlotte Svolos, Republican
- Paul Butterfield, Democratic
- Roderick Wright, Democratic
Judicial
Electionforum.org ranks every aspect of a judicial candidate’s record on a scale of 1 (most activist) to 10 (most constructionist).
Nothing is overlooked, from a judge’s rulings to on-the-record statements to American Bar Association ratings. We also look at their stated positions and contributions as well as who’s endorsing them.
Finally, each judge’s career is considered from a bird’s-eye view. Experience. Integrity. Commitment to community. We even personally talk to the candidates.
Ratings:
Judicial Index Average
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|
Judicial Activist | Strict Constructionist |
- Positions
- Contributions
- Rulings
- Statements
Qualifications
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|
Unqualified | Very Qualified |
- Experience
- Reputation
- Integrity
- American Bar
Association
ratings
Judge of the Superior Court; County of Los Angeles; Office 3
- Craig Gold – 4
- Laurence N. Kaldor – 4
- Sean D. Coen – 5
- Joe Escalante – 4
Judge of the Superior Court; County of Los Angeles; Office 10
- Kim Smith – 6
- Sanjay T. Kumar – 7
Judge of the Superior Court; County of Los Angeles; Office 38
- Lynn Diane Olson – 3
- Douglas W. Weitzman – 4
Judge of the Superior Court; County of Los Angeles; Office 65
- Matt Schonbrun – 4
- Shannon Knight – 5
- Andrea C. Thompson – 8
Judge of the Superior Court; County of Los Angeles; Office 78
- Kenneth R. Hughey – 9
- James D. Otto – 5
Judge of the Superior Court; County of Los Angeles; Office 114
- Eric Harmon – 5
- Berj Parseghian – 7
- Ben M. Brees – 1
County
District Attorney; County of Los Angeles
- John L. Breault, III
- Jackie Lacey
- Alan Jackson
- Danette E. Meyers
- Carmen Trutanich
- Bobby Grace
Supervisor; County of Los Angeles; Supervisorial District 2
- Mark Ridley-Thomas
Supervisor; County of Los Angeles; Supervisorial District 5
- Michael D. Antonovich
- M. A. C. “Maestro” Enriquez-Marquez
- Raj Pal Kahlon
Special District
Member, Board of Directors; Central Basin Municipal Water District; Division 1
- Ed Vasquez
- James B. Roybal
- Yvette Lizette Silva
Member, Board of Directors; Central Basin Municipal Water District; Division 4
- Rudy C. Montalvo
- Leticia Vasquez
Member, Board of Directors; Central Basin Municipal Water District; Division 5
- Tony Mendoza
- Jay W. Gray
- Phillip D. Hawkins
Party Committee—most districts not researched
Member, Republican Party County Central Committee; County of Los Angeles; Assembly District 43 (7 Elected)
- Judith Durning
- Ryan Ford
- Lenore Solis
- Mary “Mell” Flynn
- Mark Vafiades
- Dale Samson
- Chance Glasco
- Nicholas Paul Renzi
- Victor Phillip Alkana
- D. “Doffie” Lewis
- Linda P. Sheffield
- William E. Saracino
- Ben Jones
- Elliott Graham
Member, Republican Party County Central Committee; County of Los Angeles; Assembly District 48 (7 Elected)
- Robert B. Ewing
- David Miller
- Starret J. Meyer
- Marlene F. Osborn
- Judy Marie Nelson
- Valerie R. Evans
- Peggy A. Mew
- Sheena Lynn Ewing
- Kathy Howard
- Jorge Huaman
- Kevin Stapleton
- Mike Spence
Member, Republican Party County Central Committee; County of Los Angeles; Assembly District 58 (7 Elected)
- Grace Hu
- Allen G. Wood
- Haridas Terhanian
- Jo Marie Johnson
- Sergio Estevez
- Dan N. Cristea
- Paul Kim
- Rick Royse
- Matt S. Kauble
Member, Republican Party County Central Committee; County of Los Angeles; Assembly District 62 (7 Elected)
- Marco Antonio “Tony” Leal
- Julius D. Wilson
- Carl Frederick Davis, Jr.
- Douglas G. Ehlers
- Maureen Johnson
- Dale A. Wallace
- Jennifer Tyler
- David J. Picard
- Mary Miller
- Carol L. Cole
- Gabriel Dibble
Member, Republican Party County Central Committee; County of Los Angeles; Assembly District 66 (7 Elected)
- David Frederick Hadley
- Bryan Wayne Matthews
- Patricia O. Lagrelius
- Kenneth Martin Adler
- William L. Schmidt
- Kenneth A. Hartley
- Paul A. Contreras
- Steve Redlich
- Kim Mac Mullan
- Ketnapa Siri
- John H. Nunn
- Paul M. Nowatka
- Larry E. Jones
- Laine Truelove McNally
- John J. Parsons
- G. Rick Marshall
- Kyle D. Ebersole
Member, Republican Party County Central Committee; County of Los Angeles; Assembly District 70 (7 Elected)
- Lydia Gutierrez
- Nancy Jean Sciortino
- Davina M. Keiser
- Dave Najar
- Charles R. Eldred, Jr.
- Mark A. Voelker
- John Fer
- Tina M. Thompson
Local Measures
City of Compton
NO Measure B City Council District Formation — City of Compton (Charter Amendment – Majority Approval Required)
County of Los Angeles
NO Measure H L.A. County Hotel Occupancy Tax Continuation Measure — County of Los Angeles (Ordinance – Majority Approval Required)
City of Los Angeles
NO Measure L L.A. County Landfill Tax Continuation Measure — City of Los Angeles (Ordinance – Majority Approval Required)
City of Pasadena
YES Measure A Formation of Geographic Sub-Districts Within Pasadena Unified School District — City of Pasadena (Charter Amendment – Majority Approval Required)
NO Measure CK School Improvement Funding — Sulphur Springs Union Elementary School District (School Bonds – 55% Approval Required)
NO Measure CO School Improvement Funding — Charter Oak Unified School District (School Bonds – 55% Approval Required)
New study finds that repeat abortions greatly increase the risk of breast cancer
Posted in Abortion, Pro-Life on May 16, 2012| 2 Comments »
I think it’s so ironic that organizations that supports efforts in ending Breast cancer would donate money still to organizations that commit abortions.
From Life News.
Excerpt:
A new study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention in February reported a very statistically significant increased risk of breast cancer for women with previous abortions as opposed to women who have never had one.
The study, consisting of 1,351 women and led by researcher Ai-Ren Jiang, reported a statistically significant 1.52-fold elevation in risk for women with induced abortions and a “significant dose-response relationship between (the risk) for breast cancer and number of induced abortions,” meaning the risk climbed with a higher number of previous abortions.
For premenopausal women who have had abortions, the numbers were relatively small, and the observed 16% risk elevation was not statistically significant. However, for those with three or more abortions, the risk climbed to a statistically significant 1.55-fold elevation.
“The results have revealed that induced abortion was related to increased risk of breast caner. Premenopausal…
View original post 314 more words
Is There a Lack of Fulfillment in God’s Prophecies? Part 2
Posted in Theology, tagged Apologetics, Unfulfilled Prophecies on May 15, 2012| 2 Comments »
In order to avoid the confusion regarding the apparent lack of fulfillment and the undermining of biblical inerrancy, I believe that such interlocking of the words, dynamic and predictive discourse, should be dichotomized in order to have absolute identifiable terms.
Before I explain why I believe that such interlocking of the words dynamic and predictive discourse, should be dichotomized, in order to have absolute, identifiable terms that will help decrease the undermining of biblical inerrancy, I will first try to identify and define what is unfulfilled prophecy, synthesize the issues, and contrast the various possible views.
So how do we define and identify unfulfilled prophecy? In laymen’s terms, unfulfilled prophecy means a prophecy that has not been fulfilled, carried out, or brought into completion yet. In God’s timing—not our own theological schemes, His prophecies will be fulfilled. And before I start to identify where the unfulfilled prophecies are, let me first take some time to clarify an area that I think needs more explanation (Barrick, 2). The area of explanation has to do with the terms “altered” or “unrealized” prophecies, and “provisionally cancelled” prophecies.
When it comes to “altered” or “unrealized” prophecies, and “provisionally cancelled” prophecies, some will go to Jonah’s prophecies to substantiate their claims. Jonah’s prophecy was predictive because it was concerning the destruction of Nineveh. But here is the question people pose, “Is it still a predictive prophecy even though God withheld His judgment of Nineveh when they repented?” (Barrick, 2). I think the right question to ask is this, “Is the judgment, applied to Nineveh only or was is it tied to a specific generation? (Barrick, 2). It appears that the judgment of Nineveh was applied to a later generation (Barrick, 2). As a result, this account that people see as an apparent lack of fulfillment was not a permanent lack of fulfillment (Barrick, 2).
Some will say Exodus 32:9-14 is another example of an apparent lack of fulfillment because God did not judge them. It must be clear, that this is faulty reasoning that inherits conjectures. The prophecy was still predictive and not altered or provisionally canceled in any manner, because God did ultimately judge and destroy the entire generation in the wilderness (Barrick, 2). They only received postponement of punishment for a little while, but the wilderness was their doom (Barrick, 2). Exodus 32:34-35 says, “But go now, lead the people where I told you. Behold, My angel shall go before you; nevertheless in the day when I punish, I will punish them for their sin. Then the Lord smote the people, because of what they did with the calf which Aaron had made” (NASB). Psalm 106:19-23 and Deuteronomy 9:13-20, 25-29 recalls this event between Yahweh and the wilderness people too (Barrick, 2).
Another element I also would like to elaborate on before I start to identify where the unfulfilled prophecies are located, is the employment of אוּלַי, which means “perhaps or “maybe” (Barrick, 3). This word can be located in Jeremiah 26:3 and Ezekiel 12:3. When אוּלַ is used, it is more accurate to say that it is more hortatory as opposed to predictive (Barrick, 3). Using this term in juxtaposition with אוּלַ can seem quite arbitrary. But some will contest and say that there are certain prophecies that are contingent upon human stimuli (Barrick, 3). While there are some prophecies that are contingent upon human stimuli, one will have to analyze what kind of prophecy are we talking about? We need to examine the prophesy in its context. It is safe to say that when looking at many of the prophecies in the OT, most would be predictive rather than hortatory (Barrick, 3).
Another passage that some will try to use in order to establish the concept of the “so-called dynamic” prophecy is Micah’s speech in 3:12. However, it must be noted that the impending judgment was fulfilled at a later time. Although the prophecies may be contingent upon human response, God’s promise to His covenant is firm. He does not change His mind. He is immutable when it comes to covenants or decrees. It just happens that God uses humans sometimes as secondary causes to bring about His will. The same applies to Jonah’s case. Because of their repentance, in Jonah’s story, the judgment was withheld for a moment. It was not revised or reapplied (Barrick, 3). It was just fulfilled at a later time, when the conditions that originally prompted the judgment resurfaced (Barrick, 3).
In addition, when it comes to the predictive discourse in Isaiah 40-55, which some incorrectly use: the term dynamic predictive discourse—fails to see it as a section that focuses on repentance and salvation (Barrick, 3). When analyzing Isaiah 40-55, I would not consider it a dynamic predictive discourse, but a predictive prophecy that has elements of the hortatory elements (Barrick, 3). Isaiah tells them what the future of the Jewish people will be like if they respond in repentance (Barrick, 3). Once they repent, salvation will be granted to them. Although this section of Isaiah is clearly not an example of an unfulfilled prophecy, I would not see it as a dynamic prophecy either. This naming convention implies that if man responds not the way God desires—the prophecy is cancelled, altered, etc. At the end of the day, God’s promises supersede human responses. I see this as a prophecy that has both hortatory and predictive elements (Barrick 3).
On another note, one fundamental caricature about Isaiah’s prophecy and the other prophets mentioned is the depiction of Yahweh’s ability to accurately fulfill what He prophesies (Barrick, 4). However, Yahweh stands in stark contrast to the false pagan gods in the ancient near eastern kingdoms because He is a God that fulfills what He promises (Barrick, 4). He is not slow at His promises nor does He lie because that will go against His attributes. He is also a God that acts in absolutely clear ways when bringing history to pass, (Barrick, 4). He does it because He wants the nations to see how transcendent His Words are. But a dynamic-non-performative perfection would not exalt God in this manner (Barrick, 4).
This now ultimately brings me to some of the examples of what unfulfilled contingent prophecies are. There are many examples, but I will only focus on two. One cogent example would be the prophecy of Haggai (2:6-9), which centers on the glory of the temple. This promise did not happen during Haggai’s time nor at any other period (Barrick, 5). It will come to pass when He returns at His second coming. This prophecy in the Book of Haggai, does not require an immediate promise, because contingency in this case is based on Christ’s return (Barrick, 5).
Psalm 89 is also another good example of an unfulfilled contingent prophecy. In this chapter, God made promises to David that is filled with loyal love to him and his descendants. But because of difficult circumstances, David becomes disillusioned with confusion and disappointment (Barrick, 5). However, if you continue reading Psalm 89, David also acknowledges that God is a faithful covenant keeping God (Barrick, 6). Basically, David knows that God will fulfill what he promises. What a sobering reminder for us. May we have faith like David when difficult circumstances surround us.
On the grounds of an important point I made earlier: “In order to avoid the confusion regarding the apparent lack of fulfillment and the undermining of biblical inerrancy, I believe that such interlocking of the words dynamic and predictive discourse should be dichotomized, in order to have absolute identifiable terms.” This is significant because God expresses Himself in clear, absolute, and in identifiable ways. And because He is also intrinsically holy, He will not alter nor change the promises that He has made. Hence, we need to remember that no matter what circumstances occur, God will fulfill the promises He stated.
Here is part one of the series if you have not read it yet:
Is There a Lack of Fulfillment in God’s Prophecies? Part 1
Bibliography
William D., Barrick. “Response to Robert B. Chisholm, “Making Sense of Prophecy Recognizing the Presence of Contingency’”.” ETS Far West Region Annual Meeting (April 20, 2007): 1-8.
Why did God kill Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6?
Posted in 2 Samuel 6, bible difficulties, Uzzah on May 15, 2012| 15 Comments »
The question:
Were only priests or members of the Levi tribes allowed to touch the ark of the Lord? Is that why Uzzah died in 2 Samuel 6? Or did he die because of some unknown sin in his life?
The Answer:
When it comes to transportation of the ark of the Covenant, only those in tribes of Levi and specially those of Kohath descendents were tasked with this duty. It is important that when we read the Old Testament narrative (which 2 Samuel 6 is), we need to have the Mosaic Law informs us as to what God wants His people to do. If we approach 2 Samuel 6 with Numbers 4 informing us of how God wants His ark to be transported, we see that in 2 Samuel 6 they were disobedient with the way God wants His ark transported. They are to cover the ark with a veil and apparently this point was important enough that the author repeats it three times (4:5,4:6a, 4:15a). Numbers 4:15 makes it clear that what happen in 2 Samuel 6 should not have been a surprise for the people, since Numbers 4:15 explains that the reason why the ark was covered was so that they would not touch the ark physically, lest they die. In contrast to the situation in 2 Samuel 6 where the ark was transported on a cart pulled by animals, Numbers 4:15 mandated that the sons of Kohath were to be the ones carrying the ark; the question would be, how do they do so without touching the ark? Numbers 4:6 mention that they are to “insert its poles,” suggesting the means was by inserting poles into holes in the Ark and thereby the sons of Kohath are to physically carry it by means of the poles. I think if we remember Numbers 4, it shows that the incident in 2 Samuel 6 should not have suprised the Jewish readers. I think there are lessons for us today that are still timely: If worship is really about God, we should worship Him the way He wants to be worshiped, and just because a way of worship appears to be popular does not mean all is okay if it goes against God’s requirement. Sobering.
Mid-May 2012 Presuppositional Apologetics Links from the Web!
Posted in Apologetic Links, Presuppositional Apologetics, presuppositionalism, Reformed, steve hays, Van Til on May 14, 2012| 2 Comments »
Here are half-dozen or so Presuppositional apologetics links that I found worth the reader’s attention!
1.) John Frame and Vern Poyhress’ website is asking for financial support for their excellent website, which many of you might have benefited from their free resources…which will also have a major overhaul!
2.) Understanding the Nature of Scripture, of Jesus, and the “Dis-Ease” of Theistic Evolutionists (BioLogos) by Callie Joubert, over at the Answer’s Research Journal.
3.) Perspicacity and Ignorance--by RazorKiss over at Choosing Hats blog.
4.) New E-book sold: The Sure Existence of Moral Absolutes: The Proof that God Exists, by Mike Robinson.
5.) A Non-Specialist Can Earnestly Defend the Faith by Ben Russell.
6.) Thoughts on the Use of Exegesis in Apologetics by Fred Butler.
7.) Triablogue’s 10,000 Post– I have been challenged and encouraged by the amazing crew at that blog when it comes to apologetics, theology, politics and worldview, with the incredible Steve Hays leading the way!