The Humanity of Christ Matters - It just doesn’t seem right to us to imagine Jesus feverish or vomiting or crying in a feeding trough or studying to learn his Hebrew. From the very beginning of the Christian era, those who sought to redefine the gospel argued that it doesn’t seem right to think of Jesus as really flesh and bone, filled with blood and intestines and urine. It doesn’t seem right to think of Jesus as growing in wisdom and knowledge, as Luke tells us he did. Somehow such things seem to us to detract from his deity, from his dignity. – Russell Moore

Some Thoughts on the Elephant Room - The embrace of Jakes and the subsequent glowing affirmations of what the “Holy Spirit” did during this meeting may communicate that Jakes only disagrees with orthodoxy on a few details and that he’s solid on the main things. The warm reception to Jakes may give viewers the impression that there is no real threat to God’s people in Jakes’ teaching. From what I saw, that would be a false impression. As a pastor, I would still give a grave warning to anyone from my congregation who comes under the influence of Jakes’ prosperity gospel. – Denny Burk

I love debates.  I watch debates and primaries like most normal people keep up with the NFL.  Yet, this debate just left me bored.  I thought several questions were at just plain irrelevant (i.e. the Everglades and Terri Shiavo).   Even the answers weren’t all that great.  Sure, it’s always fun to see Newt and Mitt duke it out, but even these exchanges just didn’t seem to have much energy.  In short, it was just a snore-fest.  To be honest, the only reason why I even bothered posting this quick review is for the increase in hits that my blog welcomes every time I post anything about a debate…

If I had to pick someone to be a winner, it would either be Newt or Paul.  Newt always sounds good in any debate.  I loved Ron Paul’s comment about being tired of the isolationism of not talking with other nations.  Way to turn the issue right around!

So, what was different about this debate?  Why was this so different.  I suggest one of two possibilities.   First, we’ve had dozens of debates in these past few months.  Did we really learn anything new tonight?  It seems like the same old stuff, just addressed to a different audience and perhaps a few slightly different questions.  But the second (and more likely possibility) is I have turned into a political version of a NASCAR or pro hockey fan:  I’m just looking for a wreck or a fight to keep me engaged.

As always, here are my live thoughts tweeted throughout the debate.

Ok, so Newt’s record on advancing conservatism on a national level just can’t be topped. No else needs to answer after this! #fldebate

What have you done to advance conservatism? Mitt’s first answer was “raise a family.” Good answer. #fldebate

I am noticing that perhaps I am taking a nascar/hockey perspective on presidential debates – I need a wreck or a fight to keep my interest.

Ok, I love debates, but even I am getting bored with this one. #fldebate

Mitt, do u remember how many times Bush was criticized 4 playing golf during his 2 terms? Only conclusion – Presidents need a new hobby.

I really miss Governor Perry’s view on this whole immigration issue. Candidates, you have to have a heart when explaining your view here.

Is self-deportation really going to fly in the state of Florida? #fldebate #nbcdebate

Is English as the national language really an important issue? I just don’t see the need – but I do see the downsides of it… #Fldebate

Ok, other than the sweater vest trend which I love, Rick Santorum just plain scares me… #FLdebate

Ron Paul just said he doesn’t like the isolationism of not talking to people. Reframing the issue, good job. #Fldebate

Newt – Castro will not meet his maker, he’s going to another place… #Fldebate

Too bad @reformedcast is podcasting tonight, otherwise I’d be enjoying his tweets on tonight’s debate.

I was wondering when Brain Williams would jump back in this thing… #Fldebate

Newt – “I understand your method – you used it on McCain and Huckabee…” #Fldebate

Will a zero percent cap gains tax rate ever fly in the age of occupy? #Fldebate

I would back a Newt/Paul ticket 100% – but there’s probably a better chance of monkeys flying… #Fldebate

I agree with @RonPaul – despite what EVERYBODY says, Ron Paul could beat Obama if he somehow got the nomination (which is doubtful).

I can’t believe I missed the first ten minutes of tonight’s debate. I forgot all about it!

So, there are my thoughts, how about yours?  Who do you think won tonight’s debate.  And by the way, more than Ron Paul spammers are welcome to leave their comments…

“Abortion is as American as Apple Pie” — The Culture of Death Finds a Voice - With predictable regularity, cultural authorities call for the emergence of a moderating position between the pro-life and pro-abortion positions. But efforts to achieve a stable compromise on the abortion issue are doomed to failure. The two positions hold irreconcilable views of reality. The pro-life movement holds that the central issue is the unborn child’s right to live. Abortion activists have staked their entire case on the claim that the only determinative issue is the woman’s unrestricted right to choose.  A middle position would require pro-lifers to accept that the deaths of some unborn children are acceptable, and abortion rights activists to accept that some decisions for abortion are wrong. Given the logic of their positions, there is no means of compromise. – Albert Mohler

Ask RC: Should churches observe Sanctity of Life Sunday? - On the other hand, Sanctity of Life Sunday is as fitting, as sensible, as reasonable as observing the Incarnation from the pulpit.  Just as we must preach the glory of the incarnation, sometime, if not in December, so we must preach the horror of this evil sometime, if not in January.  To be silent is to be complicit. It is to tell our children and grandchildren that we are as guilty as those Germans who knew, and were silent.  Of course our pews are filled with the guilty. The same is true of every sin we preach against. Of course the grace of God in Christ trumps even this great evil. – R.C. Sproul, Jr.

Why we celebrate Radical Reformation Day - Radical Reformation Day? Absolutely! But isn’t Reformation Day enough? Absolutely not! While Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary continues to celebrate the biblical progress made during the Protestant Reformation with Reformation Day on Oct. 31, we are compelled to honor the recovery of New Testament Christianity with Radical Reformation Day on Jan. 21. On this day in 1525, after an extended period of intense Bible study in the original languages, a period described by an early chronicler as an “extraordinary awakening and preparation by God,” the first Anabaptists or “Brothers,” as they called themselves, recovered the New Testament practice of baptizing only believers. - Malcolm Yarnell III

Among the host of theological issues Piper is known for is the issue of abortion.  I doubt there are many pastors in our nation who have managed to take the stand Piper does on this important issue.  What I love about Piper’s bold pro-life stance is that he manages to keep it clear from a conservative political agenda.  Yet at the same time, he has not been afraid of calling out even our own President over his pro-death (aka pro-choice) agenda.

Today Pastor Piper is making a short e-book on this subject available as a free e-book download.  I would strongly recommend that you download a copy today!

We are children of the light. Abortion is a work of darkness. The apostle Paul said, “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them” (Ephesians 5:11).

Our aim, by the power of the Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ, through the authority of his word, is to glorify God by making much of his image in the unborn, and his mercy in forgiving sinners.

We would like to give you a free eBook based on three sermons I preached on abortion. We hope it helps you speak out. Please feel free to download it, print it, copy it, and share it with as many people as you like.

Here’s a sample sentence:

God is calling passive, inactive Christians today to engage our minds and hearts and hands in exposing the barren works of darkness. To be the conscience of our culture. To be the light of the world. To live in the great reality of being loved by God and adopted by God and forgiven by Christ (yes—for all the abortions that dozens of you have had), and be made children of the light. I call you to walk as children of light.

Thanks for caring,

John Piper

Download the book directly by clicking on the link below:

My brother is severely autistic.

I won’t lie, growing up with Kelly was sometimes a challenge.  He was my older brother, yet at the same time he was my younger brother.  He needed constant attention and oftentimes did things that would be seen as an embarrassment by most standards.  Among my friends and peers he was made fun of and mocked.  His autism would cause him to develop certain fixations that were, and still are, irritating and annoying.  What was worse is that he could not pick up on this.  Catching social cues is just not his thing.

Yet, I deeply love my brother, autism and all.  How did I get used to all these things?  I just did.  It was my life, it simply became what I was accustomed to.  He’s my brother.  For all of his annoying traits, there are many more enduring ones as well.  As someone whose mental development will never be complete, Kelly is in a sort of constant sate of child-likeness.  It’s fascinating to see just what fascinates him.  It’s great to see what delights him and lights up his face.  He’s someone who is constantly learning and I continue to be amazed at what he remembers and picks up.  To this day I still enjoy watching Sesame Street with him, spelling out words together and repeating various lines of dialogue from TV game shows he loves to watch.  He has the curiosity of a cat and loves to play silly little games.  And boy is that guy ticklish!

As much as I love my brother, let’s be honest, you expect that from me.  I’m his brother.  How cruel would it be for me of all people to look at him as weird?  But, that is exactly how most other people see him.  He’s different.  He’s a retard who acts strange.  Let’s keep the kids away from him just in case…  Let’s not be rude, and let’s not be rude from a safe distance away…  It’s always been difficult and awkward during those times when Kelly has to interact with others or even when we go out in public.  I notice the looks he gets and I think he does as well.

I would love to say that such experiences and attitudes were confined to merely secular confines, but I can’t.  My father brought Kelly and I to church every week.  Yes, every week.  And even there we got the looks and the awkwardness was plain for all to see.  Even the church leadership didn’t quite know how to handle my brother at first.  It took years for the church to finally be accepting of my brother and his disability.

With all of this in mind, I thought I would share a few thoughts about how to interact with children and families with such disabilities.  I am neither a doctor nor any sort of expert.  I am not a pastor, professional theologian or scholar by any stretch of the imagination.  I’m just a guy who grew up with an autistic brother.

(1)   Show Understanding toward Parents.  I cannot stress this enough.  My dad would be the first to admit that he made many mistakes in raising his two boys.  But, all fathers do.  But parents of disabled children need not merely sympathy, but good dose of understanding.  We all get embarrassed at the kids who act out in church or cause a seen.  Sometimes our first reaction is to criticize the parenting of that young hellion.  If they’d only teach that kid some discipline…  That kid just needs a good swat on the behind…  Come on, you know you’ve said it before – just not out loud.  But embarrassing scenes become common in these families but they never become less embarrassing as lots of misunderstanding looks are thrown in their direction.  I still remember the first signs of encouragement our church showed us.  It was a Sunday morning service and Kelly was acting up again.  The service was going a little too long and Kelly was ready to hit the road.  In his way he decided to let us know he was not happy.  So as his temper tantrum began erupting we did what we always did, got up and left as quickly as possible.  But this time, as my dad was leaving his pew, a woman in front us turned around and whispered with a smile, “It’s ok, Jim, we understand.”  That one little comment went a long way to a single, unemployed father at his wits end.  Reach out to these parents.  Don’t let the awkwardness of the situation prevent you from sharing the love of Christ with someone in desperate need of it.

(2)  Don’t Ignore the Child.  This is probably the most difficult to do.  It’s easy to love the little child or new born baby, buts it hard to communicate with someone who may not be listening or even understand what you are trying to say.  This will take work and effort.  But, the worst thing you could do is simply ignore the child.  Again, my brother is not entirely aware of the world around him, but I’m certain at times he is aware of the reaction of others.   In my brother’s case, there are two incidents that come to mind when discussing this particular point.  First, there was a black bald man in our congregation who broke through to my brother in a remarkable way.  Kelly, not having the social graces to know better, was fascinating with this tall man with no hair and a different skin color than his.  The other gentleman couldn’t help but notice.  Instead of being offended at this, this guy would actually let Kelly rub his head!  It was the oddest thing.  But, eventually Kelly began to look forward to it.  Every Sunday as the piano played and everyone else was shaking hand with each other, my brother would be rubbing this guy’s bald head and enjoying every second of it.  That not only went a long way with Kelly, but also with our whole family.  It was a sign of respect and acceptance.  It also was a signal to the rest of the church that Kelly could be dealt with.  The other scene that comes to mind was that of an older Assistant Pastor who served in our church.  Every Sunday this man would greet my brother, shake his hand, and give him a little piece of hard candy.  It wasn’t a huge gesture, but it meant a lot to Kelly.  He would look forward to it every Sunday.

(3)  Remember such people are not obstacles to ministry but should be the objects of ministry.  I recall a man in a church I once had contact with who had some sort of mental disability that was caused by some sort of trauma in his childhood.  The man was living in a home where he could be monitored but came to church faithfully every week.  You knew he was there because of the smell he brought with him.  His clothes were often dirty and his hygiene was not what it should have been.  Sadly, some saw him as merely an obstacle in the way of ministering to others.  His stench may drive others away.  Yet, these people failed to seem as an object of ministry.  Yet a friend of mine thought differently.  Faithfully he would make sure this guy was picked up for church each week and even stopped in on him from time to time to help out.  Sometimes we think of how to minimize the effect disabled people have from ministering to others and forgetting they are called to minister to them as well.

(4)  These are people made in the image of God, not mistakes.  In our arrogance, we often look down on the disabled with a sense of pity.  It’s too bad they’re that way…  My brother was not a mistake or accident.  My brother was born with autism because a Sovereign God declared it to be so. God did not make a mistake.  While I understand all disability and physical imperfections are the results of the Fall, my brother is still a part of God’s plan.  You bare the scars of Eden as well.  Your scars may just be more common…

(5)  Sometimes there’s no glory but lots of love.  Here’s what I mean by this – you will not always “break through.”  As a teacher, I love to watch movies about those exceptional teachers who find some way to reach their students and somehow get through to the rejects that everyone else gave up on.  When working with the disabled, that doesn’t always happen.  My brother will never understand the message of the gospel (though as a young child I got him to repeat the sinner’s prayer many times).  It’s not a matter of trying to break through the barriers and reach him on his level.  His mental capacity for such things just isn’t there.  He may not even learn to appreciate all the things that are done for him by others who make great sacrifices to do so.  He can be very demanding.  The payback isn’t much.  But, it’s a labor of love.  There’s no real reward.  This is real ministry.  So why do it if he’s not going to understand it?  Because he needs love too… He’s one of the “least of these” Jesus spoke of in the gospels.  Christ often reached out to those who would never accept His offer of love.  The only reason why some of us have embraced his plan of salvation is through the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit.    By nature we are children of wrath warring against our Creator.  Our ministry to the disabled is a wonderful picture of the gospel.

(6) Grace is needed all around.  My temptation here is to sound like the guy who’s got it all figured out.  I don’t have it all figured out.  In fact, I’ve failed in this respect many times.  As much as I want people to be accepting of my brother, I’ve not been accepting of others I know who have similar disabilities.  In fact, I am probably guilty of gross hypocrisy when it comes to this issue.  (Ok, so strike the word “probably”)  I give the weird looks and have sought to purposefully keep my distance from these “weird” folks.  So, let me conclude this little blog post with a sense of understanding.  I understand how difficult, awkward and just plain difficult this whole subject is for people who don’t live with this on a regular basis.  Just as you may need to seek my forgiveness, I know I need to seek yours.  But, let’s also pray that this doesn’t end with merely forgiveness or a resolution to do better.  Let’s ask the Lord to break out hearts for the outcast s He loves so much.

Well, those are just a few thoughts off the top of my head.  I’m sure others have delved deeper into this topic than I have.  I also fear because I am posting this late at night without my wife’s wonderful editing… I hope this at least makes some sense.  I just thought maybe someone would read this and starting thinking about it a little more.

My Brother’s Life: Very Valuable Despite Down Syndrome - How does one measure whether a life was a success, or a failure?  Some would measure it by recognition, that is, how many knew the person’s name. For others, the measure of a successful life would be the amount of wealth accumulated, or possessions held. Still others would say a life was successful if the person made a major contribution to society — in medicine, sports, politics, or the arts… By that standard my brother, Marshall Stephen Thomas, who died January 5, was a failure. If, however, your standard for a successful life is how that life positively touched others, then my brother’s life was a resounding success… Shortly after he was born in 1950, Marshall was diagnosed with Down syndrome. Some in the medical community referred to the intellectually disabled as “retarded” back then, long before the word became a common schoolyard epithet. His doctors told our parents he would never amount to anything and advised them to place him in an institution. Back then, this was advice too often taken by parents who were so embarrassed about having a disabled child that they often refused to take them out in public. – Cal Thomas

Why I Love (Pure) Religion, But Hate False Dichotomies – Jesus loves His church. I worry about the conclusions that many will draw from rhetoric like this. Many who dislike “religion” also dislike “the church,” thinking it’s full of disingenuous, self-righteous people. And they’re right – the church is full of disingenuous, self-righteous people because the church is full of sinners! But Christ loves His church. He created it, sustains it, and is Lord over it. And He desires that His people live, worship, and evangelize the world in community. There’s no such thing as a “lone ranger” Christian. We were (re)created for Christian community (aka, the church). Additionally, the New Testament clearly outlines a certain organization, structure, and authority for the church. Yes, it can be abused, but that doesn’t mean we have the right to throw it out. Pitting Jesus against “religion” is potentially dangerous.

Jesus was Religious -  Some make a boogeyman out of the idea of “religious people,” by which it becomes clear what they mean is “traditional people” or the uncool. My feeling is that the Bible-thumping, starched suit-wearing, hellfire and brimstone religious people taking the fun out of fundamentalism are becoming fewer and farther between, while the church is brimming with self-righteous hipsters and cooler-than-thous. The Pharisees look like Vampire Weekend now. I’m not saying Jefferson is one of those guys; I’m just saying he’s offering them red meat. – Jared C. Wilson

This is last week’s chapel message.  I would have posted it earlier but I’ve been having some issues with my laptop.

In second place was the vest himself, Senator Rick Santorum.  Rick had a pretty good night tonight.  He took on Ron Paul and I think effectively so.  He tried taking on Romney, but it was quickly forgotten as everyone moved on… I don’t think tonight’s performance will hurt him at all.  However, I also don’t see it helping him much.  Bottom line, he was able to sustain his momentum.  My advice to the Senator – try to remember what the question is.  having to have it repeated doesn’t make you look good.

Third placed goes to Newt.  I loved his answer concerning homosexual marriage.  I think he even did a decent job at battling back against Ron Paul’s accusations that he was a “chicken hawk” having taken deferments during the Vietnam War draft.  Newt was Newt tonight.

Tied in fourth would be Governors Rick Perry and Jon Huntsman.  Huntsman refuses to engage and sounds more pompous - which is hard to do when surrounded by politicians!  However, he does have his moments of sanity when he actually sounds like the only adult in the room.  Perhaps he over plays that.  Perry was almost a forgotten entity who seemed to jump out of obscurity every once in awhile to answer a question.  But, in his one memorable moment he told us he wants to send troops back into Iraq.  Perhaps he should have dropped out after Iowa after all.

Now comes to the part I really don’t want to post.  I was deeply saddened by Ron Paul’s performance.  I think he was the loser in tonight’s debate.  I have been a big Ron Paul fan in the past.  I love the guy.  But, tonight he was attacked on all sides and the bruises are starting to show.  Since his surge, he has been receiving a lot of extra attention.  That was obvious tonight as both New and Santorum went after him pretty hard.  I don’t think he recovered well.  I think he was the clear loser tonight.  However, I will say this – he’s down but not out.  I did see some encouraging signs tonight.  First, he didn’t seem focused on the fed, the money supply or the gold standard.  While those are areas I agree with him on, they are not going to win him any elections.  In the past, he used every question asked of him to pivot to that subject.  This is a step in the right direction.  Second, he did clarify his foreign policy and clearly say he did not want Iran to have a nuclear weapon.  Third, he hammered away on spending cuts – actual spending cuts.  Now he’s speaking the language of Republican voters.  He needs to continue in this direction while its not too late.  However, he still has not found a good answer to his newsletter problem.  He tried to pivot to racism inherent in the Judicial system, but it was a dodge that no one was buying.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – own it.  Denounce the racist comments, admit you should have known about them before they were published and then apologize.  Do that and the issue will die soon.  Until then, it lives.

As always, here are my live tweets during the debate.  To read them in chronological order, start from the bottom and work your way up.

ATTN: twitter/blog followers, I will not b live tweeting tomorrow morning’s debate.  I will b in church- y not join me, Its more important.

As a non-athletic,political geek, I sympathize with Newt trying to sound cool but failing miserably in mixing up sports references…

Newt confuses football and basketball while Paul reads economic textbooks in response to a stupid closing question to tonight’s debate.

I don’t think speaking Chinese will help @JonHuntsman all that much in this election… #NHdebate

@MittRomney accuses @Jon2012HQ of spending the last two years of his life implementing Obama’s policies in China. #NHdebate

“There are no classes in America… Classes shouldn’t be in the Republican lexicon.” – @RickSantorum #NHdebate

Obama is sincere in his effort to create a “radical, socialist model” – @Newt2012HQ

@MittRomney tries to be nice when questioning the legitimacy of the questions being asked – looks week. Take a lesson from @Newt2012HQ

I could live with a flat tax. But I think the fair tax would be much better. #NHdebate

Quick jab at @MittRomney – @Jon2012HQ reminds him that MA was 47th in job growth when Mitt was governor. #NHdebate

@RonPaul is doing what Ron Paul does best – hammering away on spending cuts and serious debt reduction. #NHdebate

My wife just said @RickSantorum did a smart thing – one the few debate statements she’s ever uttered in her life. Way to go, Rick.

Did @GovernorPerry actually say he would send troops back into Iraq? Really, Governor? #NHdebate

So why did the folks at ABC choose the contraception debate moment to playback as a highlight and not anything from the foreign policy part?

Glad to hear @RonPaul say he didn’t actually want Iran to have a nuclear bomb. #NHdebate

So I came back just in time for a commercial break…

Ok, I gotta take a little break – be reading @reformedcast tweets while I’m away – he’ll keep you up to date on the debate.

So in certain camera angels, @RickSantorum looks a little like Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man. #NHdebate

@GovernorPerry again brings up Obama’s “war on religion.” I don’t think that’s a winning strategy, or entirely accurate. #NHdebate

@RonPaul is pretty much ruling out a 3rd party run – but does leave the door slightly open – so speculation continues though unwarranted.

“I’m doing pretty well, catching up on Mitt every day!” – @RonPaul

@Newt2012HQ had the best answer concerning homosexual marriage. #NHdebate

Are we really talking about states banning contraception? Who is this an issue for? Who is still debating this? #NHdebate

@Mittromney calls @RonPaul “A constitutionalist” while ducking a question that should never have been asked in the first place. #NHdebate

Despite what twitter pundits are saying, I think @RickSantorum is doing well so far tonight. #NHdebate

@Ronpaul is waxing eloquent about racism and the judiciary – but completely dodged the question about his newsletter. #NHdebate

@Newt2012HQ vs. @RonPaul on the draft and military record – winner is @Newt2012HQ #NHdebate

Ok, ABC, that last reference to “Rick” was talking about Santorum – so why is your camera on Perry? #NHdebate

“Dr. Paul makes a lot of statements, that’s his style.” – @Newt2012HQ – Hello, kettle, this is pot calling…

@reformedcast – who do you think is winning thus far?
1 hour ago

I think @mittromney is looking pretty presidential here – he just looks like a leader here. But, looks alone won’t win my vote. #NHdebate

@JonHuntsman never gets into the nasty in-fighting in any of these debates. That’s probably why he’s not polling higher. #NHdebate

@RonPaul is getting hit pretty hard. Welcome to the top tier. I don’t think he’s giving it as good as he’s getting it. #NHdebate

@GovernorPerry calls @RonPaul a hypocrite for placing earmarks in a bill then voting against it. Perhaps there is a point here… #NHdebate

Hey, where did @GovernorPerry come from? I forgot he was here.

“You vote against everything.” – @RickSantorum to @RonPaul

Gotta admit, @RickSantorum is debating like a top tier candidate with a shot.

“I’m a conservative not a libertarian. I do believe government has a role.” – @RickSantorum

“There it goes again” – @RonPaul trying 2 sound like Reagan? 2 bad @RickSantorum quickly replies “its picking up on your lies.” Point Rick

@Jon2012HQ sounding good. Here’s a candidate not afraid of his record, nothing to run away from or spin. #NHdebate

So when did this become a debate on Mitt’s record. Don’t we have bigger issues to get talk about? #NHdebate

Despite my dislike of @MittRomney – I still like Staples and Sports Authority. #NHdebate

@Newt2012HQ sounds smart saying anything…

I’m disappointed that @RickSantorum is not wearing a sweater vest. Hey may have just lost my vote. #NHdebate

“The commander-in-chief is not a CEO.” @RickSantorum trying to hit @MittRomney

I hope George and Diane do a better job than last time they hosted a debate. Their entire goal was to get these guys fighting. #NHdebate

I hate to say this, but I’m glad not to have the endure Michelle Bachmann tonight. Yes, you’re a foster mom and tax lawyer… #NHdebate

WARNING – tonight’s GOP debate will begins in a minute – my twitter/facebook feed is about to explode! You have been warned…