Yes, my nickname used to be bear. I had long hair, and a beard. Also being a bass player... well, anyone that knows of bass players knows our attitudes, which I guess depending on the situation, might have some correlation with a bear.
__________________ [SIZE="1"]To those that are cast down on account of their sins Christ must be introduced as a Savior and Gift, and not as an example. But to sinners who live in a false assurance, Christ must be introduced as an example. The hard sayings of Scripture and the awful judgments of God upon sin must be impressed upon them. Defy Satan in times of despair. Say: "O cursed Satan, you choose a nice time to talk to me about doing and working when you know very well that I am in trouble over my sins. I will not listen to you. I will listen to Christ, who says that He came into the world to save sinners. This is the true Christ and there is none other. I can find plenty of examples for a holy life in Abraham, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Paul, and other saints. But they cannot forgive my sins. They cannot save me. They cannot procure for me everlasting life. Therefore I will not have you for my teacher, O Satan."[/SIZE]
[CENTER]Martin Luther, Commentary on Galations 5:8[/CENTER]
Well, it was my personal web page on angelfire years ago. At the time, they had subdirectories set up by state. Since I lived in Minnesota, that gave me the MN part. At the time, I was involved with semiconductor research and my undergrad degree was in physics. Thus my page was mn/physicist.
__________________ [SIZE="1"]To those that are cast down on account of their sins Christ must be introduced as a Savior and Gift, and not as an example. But to sinners who live in a false assurance, Christ must be introduced as an example. The hard sayings of Scripture and the awful judgments of God upon sin must be impressed upon them. Defy Satan in times of despair. Say: "O cursed Satan, you choose a nice time to talk to me about doing and working when you know very well that I am in trouble over my sins. I will not listen to you. I will listen to Christ, who says that He came into the world to save sinners. This is the true Christ and there is none other. I can find plenty of examples for a holy life in Abraham, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Paul, and other saints. But they cannot forgive my sins. They cannot save me. They cannot procure for me everlasting life. Therefore I will not have you for my teacher, O Satan."[/SIZE]
[CENTER]Martin Luther, Commentary on Galations 5:8[/CENTER]
There was an interesting letter to the editor in our local paper. The writer called upon Christian's to contact their legislators to tell them not to cut social programs. In a nutshell, what the writer said was that in tough times, the poor get hit the worst, and that taxes should be raised to compensate them. He felt it was what Christ would want us to do.
There is some value in what he had to say.... the poor do often times get hit much more so than the rest. The problem is, taxes are not the way to solve the problem. If Gov't truely did look out for the little guy, chances are few if any would have a problem with tax increases, especially amongst those who walk with Jesus. We do want to take care of others. The problem is that Govt looks out for itself #1, and often times the little guy gets left out in the cold. As such, my opinion is that Govt should get out of the arena of social programs, and taxes should be reduced. Its an area where the economies of scale are often times counterproductive.
A couple recent scenatios come to mind. At my alma matter, a public institution, they are having to make some huge budget cuts, especially in critical areas like staffing and curriculum. However, they are funding a number of major building projects. Hmmm, something seems really wrong here. If we cut curriculum, and we limit enrollment, we will have fewer students and classes. As such, we should need less building space, not more. One might look at it as a future investment to be fair. The problem is, that faculty are more of a future investment. If you cut tenure track positions, you are cutting your core competancy. If you cut class selection, you are cutting your core competancy. If you have a space issue, you need to be better at facilities management and scheduling, you do not need new buildings. One can see this very explicitly in the arena of Christian schools. Often times the facilities are marginal, but they put their spending where it does the most good, faculty and curriculum.
Another scenario occured here in Minnesota. We're building more jails, we're building more fancy buildings, we are cutting funding for school curriculum. We are cutting funding for special education. We are reducing medical benefits for those unable to attain health insurance. We are reducing funding for key programs to help those who really need it. But we are building monuments, and funding new programs on an almost daily basis. Do we really need a DNA database for those accused of commiting a crime, when little Joey is hungry, or Grampa Bob can no longer get his noon meal. It makes no sense....
The key is what would Jesus do? He would do it himself, or with his followers. He would not abdicate the responsibility for his children to Ceasar, as he knows Ceasar would build palaces, and let Joey starve. The church has really failed in its mission to be as the Good Samaritan. We do not place value on individual assistance anymore. If one in the flock has fallen on hard times, we tell then to go to the govt, we tell them to get another job, we tell them to shape up. We do not help the fallen, as it takes time, effort, and commitment on our part both as individuals and as a group of believers. Has our church become like the priest in Luke 10:29, we pass by on the other side....
My belief is its the local community of faith that needs to take up the cross and deal with social programs. Time and time again, the govt has failed, either through inefficiency of distrubution, or plain and simple neglect. While many of our officials do try hard to do the right thing, they cannot accomplish much on the local level. They are too far removed from it to be very effective. Chances are, they do not know Joey and Bob are hungry, or that they cannot recieve appropriate medical care due to rationing. They can only work within the confines of the big picture, and thats were the little guy doesn't fit. He is under the radar. The church otoh, if it wants to can take it upon themselves to ensure that Joey and Bob are taken care of. They can also help with medical care, (although I am sure they would approach it with fear and trembling), it is what Jesus called us to do. The good Samariatan took care of the medical needs first, and then provided food and lodging via the inn keeper.
There will be those that still will fall through the cracks, eg those without a fellowship of believers. Imho, the church could also help in those circumstances. If we think about it further, the class and cultural differences between the Samaritans and the Jew's were huge. They would have little to do with each other. Yet the compassion of the Samaritan transcended those barriers... should we as followers of Christ see it any differently?
__________________ [SIZE="1"]To those that are cast down on account of their sins Christ must be introduced as a Savior and Gift, and not as an example. But to sinners who live in a false assurance, Christ must be introduced as an example. The hard sayings of Scripture and the awful judgments of God upon sin must be impressed upon them. Defy Satan in times of despair. Say: "O cursed Satan, you choose a nice time to talk to me about doing and working when you know very well that I am in trouble over my sins. I will not listen to you. I will listen to Christ, who says that He came into the world to save sinners. This is the true Christ and there is none other. I can find plenty of examples for a holy life in Abraham, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Paul, and other saints. But they cannot forgive my sins. They cannot save me. They cannot procure for me everlasting life. Therefore I will not have you for my teacher, O Satan."[/SIZE]
[CENTER]Martin Luther, Commentary on Galations 5:8[/CENTER]
This was mindblowing, and hit me pretty hard. To some extent, there is a tendency to really distance yourself from the science and the emotional impact of seeing human body parts.
Its easy to study anatomy in a text book. One sees pictures and images, and memorizes the different parts. Its sort of an academic exercise. However, once you get in lab, and all of a sudden, you are holding and inspecting a persons heart, it is incredibly humbling and awesome experience. The intensity is unlike any other coursework I have ever encountered. One has to continually remind oneself of the reverence and respect for God's creation. There is almost a tendency to want to cope via inappropriate responses.. eg ewww, or man, that is really weird looking, or even humor. Yet, we all show the utmost respect, despite the intensity, and to some extent the fear and trembling in awe of what we are experiencing.
I still remember inspecting a spinal cord, and to some extent, it was a surreal experience, it just did not seem possible that what I was holding was an indiviuals spinal cord who was up walking around, and talking up until just a few months prior to class. There is something humbling and awe inspring when we look at God's creation in this fashion. One also feels a little odd.... this was a human being, no doubt someones parent or relative... and yet here I am, a meer student, holding their spinal cord in my hands.
Here is a good image contrasting a normal spinal cord, and one where in the patient had als.
__________________ [SIZE="1"]To those that are cast down on account of their sins Christ must be introduced as a Savior and Gift, and not as an example. But to sinners who live in a false assurance, Christ must be introduced as an example. The hard sayings of Scripture and the awful judgments of God upon sin must be impressed upon them. Defy Satan in times of despair. Say: "O cursed Satan, you choose a nice time to talk to me about doing and working when you know very well that I am in trouble over my sins. I will not listen to you. I will listen to Christ, who says that He came into the world to save sinners. This is the true Christ and there is none other. I can find plenty of examples for a holy life in Abraham, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Paul, and other saints. But they cannot forgive my sins. They cannot save me. They cannot procure for me everlasting life. Therefore I will not have you for my teacher, O Satan."[/SIZE]
[CENTER]Martin Luther, Commentary on Galations 5:8[/CENTER]
I was doing some research early this morning on writings from the past. Pope Benedict XV has a lot of very powerful things to say. His Humani Generis Redemptionem is particuly poignant for those who have concerns for the future.
Although it was written in 1917, it has great relevance for today.
He discusses the importance of preaching. "Faith then cometh by hearing; and hearing by the word of Christ." [Rom. x:17] and how critical it is. He also makes a statement that time comparison's are irrelevant. "For no one can maintain that the Apostles were living in better times than ours, that they found minds more readily disposed towards the Gospel or that they met with less opposition to the law of God." Today some long for the days of old.... I think Pope Benedict XV hit that one on the head. If anything, people have more oppurtunities to accept the salvation of Jesus today, than at anyother time in history.
He then goes on to discuss the charateristics and procedures for selection of those who would preach the Word of God. There is great wisdom in his writings, beyond what I a mere layman can even think to summarize. If only all of those in Christ's church could see and hear these writings. I think its a must read for any who aspire or who are preaching the word of God.
One thing that really stands out. "Whatever is required for admission to the priesthood, is likewise needed if one is to be considered eligible and fit for the office of preaching. "Neither doth any man take this honor to himself, but he that is called by God." [Heb. v:4] Such a vocation is easily determined." I guess it may well be for the leadership, but for the individual being called, its anything but easy for many. A high school friend of mine went down a number of paths, including some time as a rocket scientist before he knew he was being called. The same story seems to repeat itself amongst many. Yet if anything, Pope Benedict XV's writings serve to reinforce it is God's call, and not man's selection to preach his Word.
In section 16, he makes a very poignant point. "But such zeal for God's service as that demands a soul so prepared for hardships that it will not avoid labor or trouble of any kind, and that is the second quality that was conspicuous in Saint Paul. For when the Lord had said to him: "I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake," [Acts ix:16] he so eagerly embraced suffering that he could write: "I exceedingly abound with joy in all our tribulations." [II Cor. vii:4]" This reminds me of John Paul II. The suffering he endured, yet he carried on, his zeal for God's word is a very high standard to follow, yet it is what Jesus requires.
And in section 17... Wow!!! "What gives a man's words life and vigor and makes them promote wonderfully the salvation of souls is Divine grace: "God gave the increase." [I Cor. iii:6] But the grace of God is not gained by study and practice: it is won by prayer." This would have been of great encouragement during the time I took preseminary Greek classes years ago. Its not that study is bad, its not.... but it is truely God who is doing things, not the works of man.
Lastly in section 19... again, one of those admonishments that is exceedingly powerful. "For our "Preacher of truth" never imagined that he should avoid such subjects, because, owing to the corruption of the age, they appeared too stern to his hearers. Therefore it is clear how unworthy of commendation are those preachers who are afraid to touch upon certain points of Christian doctrine lest they should give their hearers offense. Does a physician prescribe useless remedies to his patient, merely because the sick man rejects effective ones? The test of the orator's power and skill is his success in making his hearers accept the stern truth he is preaching. How did the Apostle unfold the subjects of which he treated? "Not in the persuasive words of human wisdom." [I Cor. ii:4] It is perfectly plain, Venerable Brethren, how important for everybody it is that they should thoroughly realize this, since we see that not a few of our sacred preachers overlook in their sermons the Sacred Scriptures, the Fathers and Doctors of the Church," and the arguments based on sacred theology, and for the most part, make their appeals only to reason." Pope John Paul II took a stand on many issues of controversy. He did not shy away, nor try to justify them with human reasoning. The Word of God was preached without apology, plain and simple, the way it is.
__________________ [SIZE="1"]To those that are cast down on account of their sins Christ must be introduced as a Savior and Gift, and not as an example. But to sinners who live in a false assurance, Christ must be introduced as an example. The hard sayings of Scripture and the awful judgments of God upon sin must be impressed upon them. Defy Satan in times of despair. Say: "O cursed Satan, you choose a nice time to talk to me about doing and working when you know very well that I am in trouble over my sins. I will not listen to you. I will listen to Christ, who says that He came into the world to save sinners. This is the true Christ and there is none other. I can find plenty of examples for a holy life in Abraham, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Paul, and other saints. But they cannot forgive my sins. They cannot save me. They cannot procure for me everlasting life. Therefore I will not have you for my teacher, O Satan."[/SIZE]
[CENTER]Martin Luther, Commentary on Galations 5:8[/CENTER]
This was cool, I just heard of a new tv show for the fall. In early 2004, I was involved with TechTV's forums quite a bit along with an attorney, and a bunch of other guys. One of the things we discussed was a new type of reality tv show. Either A, our thoughts and ramblings were the same as the tv execs, or B, someone ran with the idea. To me, either one is super cool!!!
The show is call Made in the USA, and has Nolan Bushnell, Joy Mangano, and Karim Rashid. I may have to spring for cable for a few months just to see it.
I'm pretty jazzed, even made some posting on my boards.
__________________ [SIZE="1"]To those that are cast down on account of their sins Christ must be introduced as a Savior and Gift, and not as an example. But to sinners who live in a false assurance, Christ must be introduced as an example. The hard sayings of Scripture and the awful judgments of God upon sin must be impressed upon them. Defy Satan in times of despair. Say: "O cursed Satan, you choose a nice time to talk to me about doing and working when you know very well that I am in trouble over my sins. I will not listen to you. I will listen to Christ, who says that He came into the world to save sinners. This is the true Christ and there is none other. I can find plenty of examples for a holy life in Abraham, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Paul, and other saints. But they cannot forgive my sins. They cannot save me. They cannot procure for me everlasting life. Therefore I will not have you for my teacher, O Satan."[/SIZE]
[CENTER]Martin Luther, Commentary on Galations 5:8[/CENTER]
My blog entry for today concerns elevator hacking and is an expansion on another fellows blog where he tells one how to access express mode. I mention a few other things that can happen, such as cal mode, where upon the elevator locks up for short period of time.
I tried to find express mode some years ago. I knew it was there, somehow, as a couple of my friends worked for the big elevator companies. They would never fess up to what it was though. I also found that some combinations of keys would put the elevator into some type of calibration mode, thus locking it up for a period of time, per memory, a couple minutes. As a result, if you do start hacking them, be a little careful. You may end up locking yourself in.
What is cool about elevators is their fail safe system. Its mechanical, and totally independant. As a result, its impossible to program the unit to drop, as the over speed breaks will kick on, and stop the elevator. However, once they trip, if the elevator has not been kept clean, there is a possibility, you won't get out until an elevator guy comes to service it.
Also, interfloor exits are darn dangerous. It is nothing to fool around with. Most of the time, a special screen/net is available to seal the shaft, should an interfloor exit be needed. There is always lots of time when it comes to elevators, don't take chances.
One last thing, should you ever be tempted to try a Bruce Willis die hard exercise, be warned. Ventilation ducts are often times secured with sheet metal screws. They are great for ripping your clothers, and impaling ones hands and knees. I know, I have spent many an hour crawling shafts in my younger days. Unlike the movie, I never saw a rat.
__________________ [SIZE="1"]To those that are cast down on account of their sins Christ must be introduced as a Savior and Gift, and not as an example. But to sinners who live in a false assurance, Christ must be introduced as an example. The hard sayings of Scripture and the awful judgments of God upon sin must be impressed upon them. Defy Satan in times of despair. Say: "O cursed Satan, you choose a nice time to talk to me about doing and working when you know very well that I am in trouble over my sins. I will not listen to you. I will listen to Christ, who says that He came into the world to save sinners. This is the true Christ and there is none other. I can find plenty of examples for a holy life in Abraham, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Paul, and other saints. But they cannot forgive my sins. They cannot save me. They cannot procure for me everlasting life. Therefore I will not have you for my teacher, O Satan."[/SIZE]
[CENTER]Martin Luther, Commentary on Galations 5:8[/CENTER]
Last edited by mnphysicist; 22nd November 2005 at 04:09 AM.
I've got blogs scattered all over the place, and today, I cranked out another website to place our kittens (we got over-run with them), and they need more attention than I can give them. As a result of playing with php and all the fun web stuff, I revisted my main blog. Its becoming a little challenging to keep up with all of them. Otoh, my main blog has a readership of around 1400 views a month, so I really can't complain either.
Anyhow, I did a little googling, and came across a pastor's blog which also included a big list of other pastor's blogs. There is some interesting reading there.
__________________ [SIZE="1"]To those that are cast down on account of their sins Christ must be introduced as a Savior and Gift, and not as an example. But to sinners who live in a false assurance, Christ must be introduced as an example. The hard sayings of Scripture and the awful judgments of God upon sin must be impressed upon them. Defy Satan in times of despair. Say: "O cursed Satan, you choose a nice time to talk to me about doing and working when you know very well that I am in trouble over my sins. I will not listen to you. I will listen to Christ, who says that He came into the world to save sinners. This is the true Christ and there is none other. I can find plenty of examples for a holy life in Abraham, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Paul, and other saints. But they cannot forgive my sins. They cannot save me. They cannot procure for me everlasting life. Therefore I will not have you for my teacher, O Satan."[/SIZE]
[CENTER]Martin Luther, Commentary on Galations 5:8[/CENTER]
I was reading Mark Robert's blog, and he was discussing a selection of the patron saint of blogging, and came up with Martin Luther as a possible, though unlikely candidate. Certainly one very unpopular with the Church at that time, but contemporaneous writing, and being bold were a couple of characterisitcs than many bloggers share.
While I doubt that many would be bold enough to nail their writings to a church door, effectively placing them out on the net can effect a much wider audience, although certainly not as attention getting as nails! Not that I haven't considered taking a hammer and nails to my Dell when it keeps falling apart.
Mark Roberts took the following from one of Martin Luthers tabletalks, specifically #75 as an example.
“Since God,” said some one, “Knew that man would not continue in the state of innocence, why did he create him at all?” Dr. Luther laughed, and replied: The Lord, all-powerful and magnificent, saw that he should need in his house, sewers and cesspools; be assured he knows quite well what he is about. Let us keep clear of these abstract questions, and consider the will of God such as it has been revealed unto us.
Seems like good blog speak to me
__________________ [SIZE="1"]To those that are cast down on account of their sins Christ must be introduced as a Savior and Gift, and not as an example. But to sinners who live in a false assurance, Christ must be introduced as an example. The hard sayings of Scripture and the awful judgments of God upon sin must be impressed upon them. Defy Satan in times of despair. Say: "O cursed Satan, you choose a nice time to talk to me about doing and working when you know very well that I am in trouble over my sins. I will not listen to you. I will listen to Christ, who says that He came into the world to save sinners. This is the true Christ and there is none other. I can find plenty of examples for a holy life in Abraham, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Paul, and other saints. But they cannot forgive my sins. They cannot save me. They cannot procure for me everlasting life. Therefore I will not have you for my teacher, O Satan."[/SIZE]
[CENTER]Martin Luther, Commentary on Galations 5:8[/CENTER]
Last night, my wife decided she wanted key lime pie, at 11PM. Ok, sure I'll go get one. So, off to Bakers Square, (we used to eat their pies a lot years ago, but now we settle for take out). They used to be extremely busy, and were open until 1 or 2 in the morning. I pulled in at 11:40PM, and there were no cars in the lot at all.... 10 years ago, the place would have been full of people, and the pies are still really good. I picked up the pie, went over to Walmart to get some OJ and groceries for the morning, and then got home at 12:45AM There was very little traffic, which again is odd for a Friday night. Makes me wonder if the economy is taking a header.
You might guess I live in a rural area... well, its not as rural as where I used to live. Now, I can get to a small city (around 100K population) in under 35 minutes. Years ago, it used to take closer to 90 minutes, so I guess I'm less rural than I used to be.
__________________ [SIZE="1"]To those that are cast down on account of their sins Christ must be introduced as a Savior and Gift, and not as an example. But to sinners who live in a false assurance, Christ must be introduced as an example. The hard sayings of Scripture and the awful judgments of God upon sin must be impressed upon them. Defy Satan in times of despair. Say: "O cursed Satan, you choose a nice time to talk to me about doing and working when you know very well that I am in trouble over my sins. I will not listen to you. I will listen to Christ, who says that He came into the world to save sinners. This is the true Christ and there is none other. I can find plenty of examples for a holy life in Abraham, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Paul, and other saints. But they cannot forgive my sins. They cannot save me. They cannot procure for me everlasting life. Therefore I will not have you for my teacher, O Satan."[/SIZE]
[CENTER]Martin Luther, Commentary on Galations 5:8[/CENTER]
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