BAD CHRISTIAN!!!

SHAME ON ME!
"BAD CHRISTIAN! BAD CHRISTIAN!
HOW DARE YOU STATE WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN?!"

We should just all come to the realization that everyone in the world is angry at everyone else for some reason or another. In this photo, you see me... as the Hulk because I am angry about something or another everyday that I live and wake up... but why are we wasting our time and energy being angry all the time?

An anonymous poster commented on my last post [which I deleted the comment for the sake of posting it here.] saying something to this affect: "How dare she not sing Christian music? Perhaps she should be stoned! It is because of Christians like you that people stray away from your religion."

Well, Well Angry Beaver! My Oh My! Perhaps you have been a victim of condemnation yourself. For that I am sorry, and I would like to take this opportunity apologize to you and any other person who has been in that position. Condemnation is when a person or person[s] place blame onto a person, judge them and almost literally sentence them to Hell. I'll be doing a more in-depth post on Condemnation later, maybe next post. But condemnation also comes from the teachings of modern man's idea of "Religion". When one is condemned it is usually by beliefs of a specific church or group's traditions.

In which case, I first must add I do not believe in a sure "Religion" I believe in the Word of God and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Religion is just a set of traditions and beliefs set out by man in addition to those of God, or in remission of those of God or the one true God. If you are reading this Angry Beaver, I hope that you can understand the differences. Please understand that I am not "fighting with you" debating, or promoting an online quarrel. I would just like you to understand more thoroughly what I believe and my statements in my previous blog.

In no way have I intended on condemning Katy Perry or anyone of the sort. I have not sentenced her to eternal damnation in Hell and it is not my job to judge her, her works, or lack thereof. I could make a long list of "Judases" in our midst today. There are also many "Prodigal's Sons", Katy Perry seeming to be one of those as well. Am I chastising or blaming them? No. I have merely pointed out a few facts that other people may not be aware of. I am expressing concern for her seemingly fading relationship with God. I want other Christians to be aware of her past and present so that we can pray that she is not being led astray and that God will bless her in a way that she realizes she truly needs him in her life. I'm not making a "big deal" out of her change in music. I'm wanting to share that she was once a Christian artist, and now she is singing about kissing girls and making bookoo[sp?] bucks for it, after which she has admitted that her Gospel career was on the rocks. The point is she has most likely done it for the cold, hard, cash. I want people to pray for her, not tear her down.

Perhaps our friend did not read the entire post, for it was a long post indeed. I apologize for I tend to be long-winded. [Or long-finger movemented?] I do see where my Angry friend is coming from, such as those who scream "You're going to Hell! Repent now!" I do not believe that way. I believe in stating the facts when prompted to do so, sharing my beliefs and showing Christ in my ways and actions, not by force or by scaring someone, such as threatenings of Hell. Although I do believe in Hell, I don't believe that Jesus would want me to scare anyone into serving him. In a way I would say... Jesus now, Hell later. But thank you Angry Beaver, for assuming I am a stereotypical, insane extremist because I have enough boldness to type my views on Katy Perry's globally advertised life in a Blog. I needed that for inspiration in this post.

Moving On...
Now, why am I the Hulk?
What makes me angry?
When we say "Let's keep prayer in schools, and if a student doesn't believe that way, they can do something elsewhere for that period of time." It's stupid, and unconstitutional.
When we start a petition saying "In God We Trust" should stay on our money... it is too.
And apparently, so is a Christian posting a blog, a video on youtube, or making a website... maybe not unconstitutional, but certainly bogus.
Anyone can post something online, but if it spreads a message of Jesus,
they are often harassed, and beaten down for it.

When Non-Believers mock us and our God, it's freedom of speech.
When Non-Believers say "No prayer in Schools!" It's freedom of speech.
Saying No to God, posting their Blogs and Videos...
All freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of blah blah blah.

WHERE'S MY FREEDOM?
Why can't I say "Jesus loves you" on someone's blogs and videos, [or even my own!] without being attacked?

Well, I want to know why it's so fair for every Non-Believer to post their views on a Blog and not be attacked for it. [I recognize there are many exceptions, but usually, even when there is a Christian who stands up for Jesus and their beliefs, there is seldom a blaming or hateful way of coming across about it. Maybe a loving gesture such as "Jesus loves you, even if you don't believe he is there" or a Bible verse.]

Why all the animosity?!

I found this study outline for those out there who love Jesus and study their word!
It's an amazing outline showing positive ways to deal with and express anger.
It also discusses the anger of GOD himself, instilled in you.
Here's the ANGER page

So, I'd like to know...
WHAT MAKES YOU ANGRY?

Thanks for reading!
-Crystal

Father and Son Enlist and Mom Turns to Faith

I found this story on the LA Times Website by Jia-Rui Chong and thought it was great. You can check out the full story by clicking here!

Devie Olivas was having trouble focusing on the pastor's sermon. Her thoughts kept coming back to her son Joseph M. Rankins. "God, I have so much faith in you," she prayed silently. "Why do I feel like my son is not coming back?"

She knew that the next day her 19-year-old boy would stand next to his 40-year-old father -- her former husband -- and swear into the U.S. Army.Devie had asked her former husband, Gary J. Rankins, to talk to their son about the Army. Gary had been in the Army before and was reenlisting now after growing frustrated with his work with a delivery company.It was a story the news media, and the public, couldn't resist: father and son enlisting together. But behind the scenes were a mother's hopes and worries, and a newfound relationship between a father and son.

That Sunday at the International Pentecostal Church in Bellflower, Devie reached for the Bible next to her. She found the heading "God's Promises" and a verse from Genesis.The verse told of God stopping Abraham's hand as he was about to sacrifice his son Isaac: "I swear by myself," declares the Lord, "that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you."An ocean of relief washed over her.

Please go here for the full story.

Prayer in Schools

I got this in an email earlier this week and saw a couple posts on Facebook about it...

This is a statement that was read over the PA system at the football game at Roane County High School , Kingston , Tennessee, by school Principal, Jody McLeod.

"It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football games,to say a prayer and play the National Anthem,to honor God and Country. Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a Prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law.

As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it 'an alternate lifestyle,' and if someone is offended, that's OK. I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity, by dispensing condoms and calling it, 'safe sex.' If someone is offended, that's OK. I can even use this public facility to present the merits of killing an unborn baby as a 'viable' means of birth control. If someone is offended, no problem... I can designate a school day as 'Earth Day' and involve students in activities to worship religiously and praise the goddess 'Mother Earth' and call it 'ecology.' I can use literature, videos and presentations in the classroom that depicts people with strong,traditional Christian convictions as 'simple minded' and 'ignorant' and call it 'enlightenment.' However, if anyone uses this facility to honor GOD and to ask HIM to Bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, then Federal Case Law is violated. This appears to be inconsistent at best,and at worst, diabolical.

Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone, except GOD and HIS Commandments. Nevertheless, as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily agree. For me to do otherwise would be inconsistent at best, and at worst, hypocritical... I suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression. For this reason, I shall 'Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's' (1), and refrain from praying at this time. However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank GOD and ask HIM in the name of JESUS, to Bless this event, please feel free to do so. As far as I know, that's not against the law ----yet."

One by one, the people in the stands bowed their heads, held hands with one another and began to pray.They prayed in the stands. They prayed in the team huddles. They prayed at the concession stand and they prayed in the Announcer's Box! The only place they didn't pray was in the Supreme Court ofthe United States of America- the Seat of "Justice" in the one nation, under GOD. Somehow, Kingston , Tennessee Remembered what so many have forgotten. We are given the Freedom OF Religion, not the Freedom FROM Religion. Praise GOD that HIS remnant remains! JESUS said, "If you are ashamed of ME before men, then I will be ashamed of you before MY FATHER." (2)

1 - Allusion to Matthew 22:212

2 - Matthew 10:33 (Indirect quotation)

Book Review : For the young Ladies out there

The Truth About Guys
"One Guy Reveals What Every Girl Should Know"
By: Chad Eastham

Recommended for-
Gender: Female
Age Group: 12-17
OR AS A TOOL FOR YOUTH LEADERS
Quick Point-
"This book is really cute!"

In The Truth About Guys, author Chad Eastham writes all about guys including some of his own experiences, both in life and as a professional speaker visiting places like schools and youth groups across the country. He also travels with the Revolve tour.

(In case you didn't know, Revolve is a Christian magazine, like teen people or seventeen for Christian girls. They hold a tour featuring many current Christian recording artists each year... If you would like to know more, or check out show dates and locations, visit their website at http://www.revolvetour.com/.)

In this book, Chad teaches you mostly how to love yourself, and attract the RIGHT guys. It includes a lot about the way teenage boys think and how they really feel about girls. It has some really good information that many girls need to see and will also enjoy for a good laugh.
I would recommend this book to ladies 17 and younger. Chad wrote this book with a preteen to teen audience in mind. I think an 18 or above young lady would mostly find this below her level, and find herself thinking "Yeah, I already knew that" a lot during reading. But, there are many facts, tips, and statistics that I as a nearly 21 year old found interesting.
I had been reading these books and reviewing them in preparation for a young ladies youth class, and I will most likely use material from this book. I would say that it could be used as a great tool for anyone who might be running a youth class, or maybe a youth pastor/leader. I personally enjoyed it, even though I wouldn't recommend for someone my age to purchase this book, I would recommend that those in that age bracket do.

I also added Chad as a friend on MySpace and saw many girls of that age praising his book and even saying things like "This book really changed my life" and "I used some things I learned from the book to help a friend of mine get out of a tight spot".

I find it very positive for young ladies, and recommend it to you!!

-Crystal

Welcome to Today's Christian Blog

We this blog is a new endeavor for myself and my best friend Crystal. I had this idea last night before I went to bed and we are going to try to put it into action. I want to create a site for Christians who are interested in interacting with other Christians discussing politics, movies, music, religious debates, and everything else. We want to start a prayer group so feel free to contact us with prayer requests or to sign up for our prayer group. For now Crystal and I will talk about what interests us in the world of Christianity in hopes of getting a dialogue started with you!

We are open to any suggestions as this site is as much for you as it is for us. Feel free to contact me (Andy) at andywclark@gmail.com and Crystal at crystalmarie922@lycos.com. Please check back for updates or subscribe to our blog to receive information about our newest features!

Thanks! God Bless!