Are There Absolutes in Your Faith Walk?

Matthew 7:26-27

Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

In Bible study yesterday – we were discussing heretical teachers and if there were absolutes in our faith walk. We were looking at 2 John and John was warning his readers about false teachers. The world seems to be filled with them these days – even the church seems to have its share of them.

One of my favorite shows comes on at different times and different channels most days – but as often as possible I try to be in front of the TV when it comes on. The Andy Griffith Show is one of my favorite all-time shows. I grew up watching Andy – Opie – Barney – and Aunt Bea. Times were good for many in Mayberry and even the unchurched were fairly moral and had values in town. This show took place during the 50’s & 60’s – just a few states south of Maryland.

I wish that the troubles Opie had would be the troubles our youth would get into today. Unfortunately – our youth – and our society as a whole – are far beyond the sins of Mayberry it seems. Our communities used to resemble Mayberry’s morals and values. I can remember growing up near here and feeling safe. As a matter of fact – I can remember watching Mayberry as a child. I remember doors without locks and a feeling of love and safety.

How did we get to the place we are today? How have we become so corrupt and sinful as a society? A 1994 survey conducted by Josh McDowell’s ministry team showed some startling results (even for 28 years ago). The study showed that among churched youth from 11-18 – within the last three months: 66% lied to a parent – teacher – or another adult; 59% lied to one of their peers; 36% cheated on an exam; and 23% intentionally tried to hurt someone. Additionally it showed that 55% have engaged in sexual behavior by age 18; 50% say they are stressed out; and 55% say they are confused. Remember – these were the churched youth! And only 28 years ago! Lord knows what the survey would show today!

Meeting Amazing People

Exodus 33:22

When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by.

Have you ever met someone that put you into awe mode? I’ve met some famous people over the years – and I’ve felt honored to meet them. I personally met several ball players over the years. I’ll name a few (some of our younger readers might not know some of them) – Johnny Unitas – Jim Palmer – Boog Powell – Eddie Murray (I remember him standing in the rain to give me an autograph) – Brooks Robinson – Harmon Killebrew – Frank Howard – Raymond Berry – Frank Robinson – Wes Unseld – Earl Monroe – Paul Blair – Don Buford – Al Bumbry – Justin Tucker – Matt Stover – and others. I once refereed a basketball game at old Andover High School where the visiting team was made up of Oriole ball players and others. I remember giving a technical foul before the game began – to Al Bumbry – for dunking in warmups – yes – I was a sticker for the rules back in the day.

Have you ever met someone that put you into awe mode? Maybe – with how close we are to Washington – you have met some politicians – like Presidents or others. Maybe – some of my friends who work with FCA have met some current players. I know I attended a dinner recently and met Coach Harbaugh along with some players.

Does Your Worldview Have Absolutes?

Matthew 7:26-27

Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

One of my favorite shows comes on at different times and different channels most days – but as often as possible I try to be in front of the TV when it comes on (or tape it for viewing later). The Andy Griffith Show is one of my favorite all-time shows. I grew up watching Andy – Opie – Barney – and Aunt Bea. Times were good for many in Mayberry and even the unchurched were fairly moral and had values in town. This show took place during the 50’s & 60’s – just a few states south of Maryland.

I wish that the troubles Opie had would be the troubles our youth would get into today. Unfortunately – our youth – and our society as a whole – are far beyond the sins of Mayberry it seems. Our communities used to resemble Mayberry’s morals and values. I can remember growing up near here and feeling safe. As a matter of fact – I can remember watching Mayberry as a child. I remember doors without locks and a feeling of love and safety.

How did we get to the place we are today? How have we become so corrupt and sinful as a society? A 1994 survey conducted by Josh McDowell’s ministry team showed some startling results (even for 26 years ago). The study showed that among churched youth from 11-18 – within the last three months: 66% lied to a parent – teacher – or another adult; 59% lied to one of their peers; 36% cheated on an exam; and 23% intentionally tried to hurt someone. Additionally it showed that 55% have engaged in sexual behavior by age 18; 50% say they are stressed out; and 55% say they are confused. Remember – these were the churched youth! And only 26 years ago!

Meeting God Face-To-Face

Exodus 33:22

When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by.

Have you ever met someone that put you into awe mode? I’ve met some famous people over the years – and I’ve felt honored to meet them. I personally met several ball players over the years. I’ll name a few – and some of our younger readers might not know some of them – Johnny Unitas – Jim Palmer – Boog Powell – Eddie Murray (I remember him standing in the rain to give me an autograph) – Brooks Robinson – Harmon Killebrew – Frank Howard – Raymond Berry – Frank Robinson – Wes Unseld – Earl Monroe – Paul Blair – Don Buford – Al Bumbry – Justin Tucker – Matt Stover – and others. I once refereed a basketball game at old Andover High School where the visiting team was made up of Oriole ball players and others. I remember giving a technical foul before the game began – to Al Bumbry – for dunking in warmups – yes – I was a sticker for the rules back in the day.

Have you ever met someone that put you into awe mode? Maybe – with how close we are to Washington – you have met some politicians – like Presidents or others. Maybe – some of my friends who work with FCA have met some current players. I know I attended a dinner recently and met Coach Harbaugh along with some players.

When The Foundations Are Being Destroyed

Psalm 11:3

When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?

Andy Griffith is one of my favorite all-time shows. I grew up watching Andy – Opie – Barney and Aunt Bea. Times were good and even the unchurched were fairly moral and had values in Mayberry. This show took place during the 50’s & 60’s just a few states south of us.

I wish that the troubles Opie had would be the troubles our youth would get into today. Unfortunately – our youth – and our society as a whole – are far beyond the sins of Mayberry. Our communities used to resemble Mayberry’s morals and values. I can remember growing up near here. As a matter of fact – I can remember watching Mayberry as a child – and thinking our community was like it. How did we get to the place we are today? How have we become so corrupt and sinful?

A 1994 survey conducted (I know – 25 years ago) by Josh McDowell’s ministry team showed some startling results. The study showed that among churched youth from 11-18 – 66% lied to a parent – teacher – or another adult in the previous 3 months. Continuing – 59% lied to one of their peers – 36% cheated on an exam – and 23% intentionally tried to hurt someone. I was blown away when I first read that survey in 1994 and I only imagine it has gotten worse.  Additionally – the survey showed that – 55% have engaged in sexual behavior by age 18 – 50% say they are stressed out – and 55% say they are confused. Remember – these were the churched youth! And 25 years ago!