Adieu

We bade a fond farewell to our friend Charlie Pace last eve as our lifegroup watched the final installment for this season of LOST.

I think "Chalie" as his girlfriend is fond of calling him... says goodbye the best in the lyrics of his hit song.

You all, everybody

You all, everybody

Acting like your stupid people

Wearing your spencive clothes

You all everybody

You all, everybody

You all, everybody

Day 3 down...

Ok, so American Idol is done. Finally.

Big Surprise... Let's see if she disappears as quickly as Taylor... Ruben...

I don't know about you - but I was not very impressed by the show this season... big YAWN.

Tonight we watch LOST!

BY THE WAY: Tonight begins the BEST TV (now that 24 is over).

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE

I like this show better than American Idol. Maybe cuz my inner me always wanted to be a dancer...

Daily Ponderings...

I have been having a recurring discussion on this topic... Predestination.

I believe Mark Driscoll says it best;

Will everyone be saved?

Simply, no. Hell does exist and sin against an eternal God is an eternal offense requiring an eternal payment to be made by God’s enemies (Dan. 12:1–2; Isa.66:22–24; Matt. 5:22–30; 10:28; 25:46; John 3:36; Rom. 1:18–32; 2 Peter 2:4–22). When the Bible says that God wills that all would be saved (1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9) and that Jesus Christ died for all (1 Tim. 2:6; Heb. 2:9; 1 John 2:2) and that all are invited to salvation (Matt. 28:18–20; John 3:16; Acts 16:31) it cannot mean that all will be saved because the Scriptures are clear regarding the eternal state of punishment for unbelievers.

The Scriptures also teach that Jesus’ death is sufficient for only particular persons and not everyone in general as indicated by such statements as He died for man and not all (Matt. 20:28, 26:28; Rom. 5:17–19). The particulars include:

• His people (Matt.1:21; Heb. 13:12)
• Friends (John 15:13)
• Sheep (John 10:15)
• Those the Father appointed (John 17:1–11)
• The church (Eph. 5:23–26; Acts 20:28)
• Us (Titus 2:14)
• Me (Gal. 2:20)

Also, Jesus’ death and resurrection actually does redeem (Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 1:18–19; Heb. 9:12), reconcile (Rom. 5:10–11; 2 Cor. 5:18–20; Col. 1:22); and propitiate (Rom. 3:25; 1 John 2:2). Therefore, if Jesus truly died for everyone, then everyone would be saved. Therefore Jesus’ work was particular, or definite, for the elect (John 6:38–39, 11:52; Rom. 8:32–33).

Some, however, will argue that God should save all people. But God has the right to give grace as He determines (Matt. 20:12–15; Rom. 9:20–21), and has done so throughout history (John 15:16; Acts 9:9, 9:15; Rom. 3:1–2). Some will accuse God of being unfair, but if God were completely fair and just rather than merciful then all would go to hell and none would go to heaven. Also, God has the right to create people for His purposes (Rom. 9:22–25).

Therefore, the Scriptures are clear that only some are chosen for salvation (Acts 13:48; Eph. 1:3–11; 2 Thess. 2:13), and salvation is solely a work of God (John 1:13, 6:44, 10:26; 1 Cor. 1:30, 10:30; James 1:18).

This is from the Gospel Class taught at Mars Hill Church.

Day 2 down...

I loved seeing the TRUE American Idol from last year!

Congrats! The best dancer won this year - quite the opposite of last year or the year before.

Day 3 - AI finals, Lost finale'... whew... (oh, wait, I can't watch Lost until Thursday!)

Day 1 down....

Whew! What an ending - Unlike LOST there is a lot of closure! (or is there!)

Rest well over the summer Jack! See you in January!

More proof!

Here is more proof that you can learn from watching movies....

Learn to count backwards from 100 to 1.




My favorites...

Well, #73...#70...#43...#8

Get out the dustpan - it was a SWEEP!

The Anaheim Angels completed the three-game SWEEP over the Dodgers in the first weekend of interleague play!

9-1
6-2
4-1

They didn't even have a chance!

And on Tuesday & Wednesday...

We find out the winner of..

AMERICAN IDOL

Jordin vs. Blake? Who do you choose?

24 Season finale'

Oh, this coming week is going to be GREAT!!!

It starts with:




In case you forgot what Jack was recently reminded of...
"Jack, everything close to you ends up DEAD!"

LOST Season finale'

I can't wait!

Our lifegroup is getting together to watch the season finale!

Oh my... look what ABC is running...



and if that wasn't bad enough, they are putting this on too... 1.27 of the actual show!

Jesus and Country Music

Since we are currently learning through the life of David at church, and the 'look' is country western - I remembered this song that was done by Johnny Cash, just before he died. I thought I would share it with you.

I know many of you readers are not 'country music' fans... but this song, originally written by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails is presented with powerful images that contain the Gospel message! Give it a listen/view!

My baby girl and the bridge

Ashley Scarlett Bambrick

Cadet Girl Scout!

This was the big week long trip to San Francisco so that Ashley could 'bridge' from Juniors to Cadets with her Girl Scout Troop by walking over San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge! Ashley sold over 700 boxes of cookies so that she could take this trip.

Here is how it went:

We took the 5th wheel and headed north. Arrived at Candlestick park RV park. We were the first from the troop to get there - we set up "camp" in the parking lot across from "Monster Stadium formerly candlestick park". Which, for those of you who don't know - is located in the GHETTO... and I am pretty sure that this is where all of the winds that blow across the country begin! It was windy - ALL THE TIME and C...O...L...D... we felt really bad for the one family from the troop that was in a tent! We don't have any pictures from the campsite cuz it was too windy and cold to go out most of the time.

Here are a few photos of the girls making their 'swaps' to trade with the other girls during the festivities at 'Crissy Field'.

Of course, I was blessed with having to watch the 'brothers' in our 5th wheel...

Here are some more photos of Ashley and her friends at the beginning, middle and end of the walk over the bridge.

Next post... our visit to San Francisco, the city...

Tomorrow, find out why Ashley was making this face!!!

Discussions around the dinner table

John Calvin

7/10/1509 - 5/27/1564

Last night after dinner with some really good friends - my belief system seemed to become open for discussion - yet again. I have come to understand that when people want to discuss what I believe about a certain topic, they are seeking clarification of their own belief systems.

I am a Calvinist - I ascribe to all "5 points" that seem to be gris for the mill when theology discussions arise. The latest discussion - Predestination. I, being a Calvinist, believe that God predestines folks for salvation. I believe it to be biblically correct and generally discussion on the matter proves entertaining. The best part is I can see the struggle people have with trying to get their mind around what God has done/is doing. I enjoy dinner table discussion around things theological because they tend to solidify my beliefs. Though, many who discuss these topics with me believe they are making me change my mind.

I find it educational to see both sides.

In support of my belief's I offer this article I found while writing a position paper on Predestination last night.... I find it a great synopsis.

You can find it online here:

What is predestination? Is predestination Biblical?



Question: "What is predestination? Is predestination Biblical?"

Answer: Romans 8:29-30 tells us, “For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.” Ephesians 1:5 and 11 declare, “He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will…In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.” Many people have a strong hostility to the doctrine of predestination. However, predestination is a Biblical doctrine. The key is understanding what predestination means, Biblically.

The words translated “predestined” in the Scriptures referenced above are from the Greek word “proorizo,” which carries the meaning of “determine beforehand,” “ordain,” “to decide upon ahead of time.” So, predestination is God determining certain things to occur ahead of time. What did God determine ahead of time? According to Romans 8:29-30, God predetermined that certain individuals would be conformed to the likeness of His Son, be called, justified, and glorified. Essentially, God predetermines that certain individuals will be saved. Numerous Scriptures refer to believers in Christ being chosen (Matthew 24:22, 31; Mark 13:20, 27; Romans 8:33; 9:11; 11:5-7,28; Ephesians 1:11; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; 1 Timothy 5:21; 2 Timothy 2:10; Titus 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1-2; 2:9; 2 Peter 1:10). Predestination is the Biblical doctrine that God in His sovereignty chooses certain individuals to be saved.

The most common objection do the doctrine of predestination is that it is unfair. Why would God chose certain individuals and not others? The important thing to remember is that no one deserves to be saved. We have all sinned (Romans 3:23) and are all worthy of eternal punishment (Romans 6:23). As a result, God would be perfectly just in allowing all of us to spend eternity in hell. However, God chooses to save some of us. He is not being unfair to those who are not chosen because they are receiving what they deserve. God choosing to be gracious to some is not unfair to the others. No one deserves anything from God – therefore no one can object if they do not receive anything from God. An illustration would be me handing out money to 5 people in a crowd of 20. Would the 15 people who did not receive money be upset? Probably so. Do they have a right to be upset? No they do not. Why? Because I did not owe anyone any money. I simply decided to be gracious to some.

If God is choosing who is saved, doesn’t that undermine our free will to chose and believe in Christ? The Bible says that we have the free will choice – all we have to do is believe in Jesus Christ and we will be saved (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10). The Bible never describes God rejecting anyone who believes in Him or turning away anyone who was seeking Him (Deuteronomy 4:29). Somehow, in the mystery of God, predestination works hand in hand with a person being drawn by God (John 6:44) and believing unto salvation (Romans 1:16). God predestines who will be saved, and we must choose Christ in order to be saved. Both facts are equally true. Romans 11:33 proclaims, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out!”

Recommended Resource: Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J.I. Packer.