Why I hate some worship songs

I hate it when worship songs emphasize the value of "my praise" and "my worship"... As if it really has any value especially compared to what the object of our worship, adoration, and praise is worthy of. There are many things "worthy" of my priase, but the fact of the matter is, God is worthy of ALL my worship plus more. That's why He deserves all my praise, not because nothing else is worthy, but because He deserves everything I could possibly muster to give.

There is nothing significant or spectacular about my worship because there is nothing significant or spectacular about me.

To Choose or Be Chosen

I recently read a paper recommended to me by a friend about C.S. Lewis's views on predestination and free will and comparing them to John Calvin's. I have been a big fan of C.S. Lewis since I read the Chronicles of Narnia, but one thing I never realized (probably because I have not had a chance to read any of his non-fiction yet) was that he firmly believed in free-will. The paper described Lewis and Calvin as two of the greatest and most influential thinkers in Christianity, while I'm not sure that Lewis is quite up there with Calvin (it's a bit early to say!), I did appreciate the author of the paper's efforts to reconcile the two opposing beliefs.

The first thing that stuck out about the paper was the use of scripture to back up most, if not all of it's claims, albeit, some of the claims are out of context. Not far into the paper, the writer hit on exactly what my issues with Calvinism: "those therefore, whom God passes by he reprobates, and that for no other cause but because he is pleased to excludes them from the inheritance which he predestines to his children". If someone is not predestined for Heaven, they are by default, predestined to Hell. He also hit on the next loophole I found in the theory... that God only predestined and regenerated those He knew would choose him on their own, saying that by taking this stance, Calvin would be taking the "easy way" out.

Wrestling with things I don't really like to wrestle with...

I wrote this while at work today:

I do not like the idea of the "elect". I have found myself leaning towards the reformed theology (Calvinism) school of thought, but the brick wall I always hit is the concept of the "elect". Yet the elect is a crucial concept in... Calvinism/Predestination/Reformed Theology. Logically, it makes sense. Take into account the sovereignty of God, and his all-power and omnipresence, election makes sense. Even many scripture passages seem to support it. But think about God being merciful, loving, and just and election does not make sense. It makes God seem sadistic and cruel. Much like the God Richard Dawkin's describes in The God Delusion. I don't like that God, quite frankly.

How can I be sure of my own salvation then? Have I really been called? Regenerated? How could I know? It does not seem like I am producing much fruit as I would be if I were regenerated, called, and saved.

Scary [stuff]...

I don't really like wrestling with the tough issues regarding the character of God, makes me uncomfortable, but as a friend so wisely pointed out, it's not what makes me comfortable, it's about what's true.

(Hopefully) more to come...

Let’s preach the Gospel to any one, any where, and at any time; let’s share it as gently, lovingly, patiently, and as often as we can; because if we truly love our neighbor, then preach it we must.

-Ken Silva of Apprising Ministries

I hear from a lot of people that religion is something that is to be kept private. That you shouldn't share it with other people for fear of offending or hurting them. This is something I've never understood for this very simple reason: If you believe you know of the one and only way to Heaven, why would you not shout from the rooftops and try to help everyone understand?! Especially if the only alternative to Heaven, is Hell, a place of eternal damnation, punishment and torture.