Should we abandon the Boy Scouts?

It seems the popular thing to do now is to run fast and far from Scouting.

Unhappy homosexuals first led the exodus by influencing corporations and other supporters to abandon the Scouts. This led to the BSA compromise on the acceptance of openly gay scouts. Which in turn led to many churches ending their relationship with them as well. It's as if you can't please all of the people all of the time.

I have already expressed my disappointment with the BSA's compromise, but now that the damage is done, how should we respond?

As I stated before, the new ruling appears to be more of a gesture than a functional change. Most troops shouldn't expect to see that many changes. I don't foresee a large influx of gay scouts joining the rural Ohio troop in which I volunteer as a den leader and my three boys attend. On the practical everyday level of our Cub Scout pack, things will most likely continue on as they always have. I hope anyway.

Some troops may not be so fortunate. Obviously, if there is a San Francisco troop, things may get a little crazy. This is one reason some may forced to leave scouting. I would first recommend looking at the possibility of joining a different troop, if in fact this is your situation. Troops vary greatly depending upon location, the passion and abilities of the leaders, the availability of funds, and numerous other variables. Better options may be available just down the street.

As an individual or family the decision to leave or remain in scouting will be based largely on the actual conditions of their particular troop.

Should Churches continue to support and sponsor Boy Scout Troops?

The answer to this one will have a huge impact on the entire Scouting program. Churches and religious organizations have traditionally been the largest supporters of scouting. Many churches sponsor an individual troop, often providing the facility and funds that allow them to operate. This is the case for our troop. Without our sponsor opening the doors of their church building and paying the electric and other utilities that come along with it, we would literally, be left out in the cold!

Lately the news has been filled with stories of churches cutting all ties with the BSA. Should all churches follow this lead? I have been back and forth on this issue many times. Without a doubt, homosexuality is a sin. There is no denying this without denying God's Word. It is easy to see why many churches would choose to separate themselves from an organization that stands in opposition to the truth. We don't want our boys being mislead into believing that such actions are no longer sinful. This is a strong argument for separation.

But what about the boys? The Scouting program? Are they worth fighting for?

The BSA has made a terrible blunder. Their current direction is way off course. Can they be righted? If we all leave, if all of the churches back out, who will be there to influence, to stand for truth? Should we so quickly abandon ship?

At this point in time, I would recommend basing your decisions off of your individual, local troop, rather than making a blanket assessment off of the actions of an out of touch governing body. Get involved with your troop and see where they stand. How do they feel about these events? What direction would they like to travel? Some will remain devoutly Christian. Some never were to begin with! These are the troops that should be dropped.

To sum it all up

At this time, I would urge everyone who does or has ever enjoyed and supported Scouting to spend some time getting to know the organization at their local level. While the official BSA decision is regrettable, there still may be a chance to be a godly influence and enact the needed changes. Thankfully gay leaders are still not allowed, the ruling only applies to the scouts themselves, but the BSA is still under pressure to make further changes. The homosexual activists are wanting these same provisions to be extended unto the leaders and volunteers as well. This is the BSA's last chance to stand strong. If they were give into these other demands, I would then have to leave scouting behind. Our youth are too precious to put in harms way.

Let's pray they don't give in again.

The Boys Scouts, Homosexuality, and What Do We Do Now?

What have they done?

The Boy Scouts have been under constant pressure by homosexual activists to change their policies concerning their ban on homosexual scouts and leaders. Sadly, all of the pressure has finally weakened the Boy Scouts of America's (BSA) resolve. This statement added to their Membership Standards Resolution is the result.

“No youth may be denied membership in the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone.”

So what's the damage?

What hasn't changed is the BSA position on adult leaders. Openly homosexual adults are not permitted to be leaders, volunteers, or members.

The new policy only applies to the youth. Kids will not be denied membership based on sexual orientation.

My question is, why are we pushing youth to express their sexual orientation? Should this even be an issue? By what age do kids have to decide this? In practice this new ruling is just a concession, an appeasement to the gay agenda. I don't see the day to day operation of individual Boy Scout troops being overly effected by this decision. As long as a member doesn't use their sexuality in such a way to be a distraction, in which case they could be dismissed on the grounds of inappropriate conduct, there shouldn't be much change.

The biggest issue will most likely be in the area of camping. Obviously, if a scout declares himself to be homosexual then it would necessitate separate sleeping arrangements, as well as restroom and shower facilities. We wouldn't allow boys and girls to share a tent, this would be no different.

The decision - Good or Bad?

I'm disappointed with BSA's decision. I was hoping they would have stood strong against the onslaught of the homosexual agenda. They are headed in a direction that will lead only to more and more trouble. The activists will not be satisfied with the BSA's concession. Their rage against God's authority will never end. Unless the Boy Scouts abandon this attempt to pacify the enemy, it will lead to their demise.

The Boy Scouts have always stood for traditional values. Their core beliefs include an affirmation of God's reality, a standard of reverence, and a pledge to keep oneself morally straight. Against these the devil will always rail. As our culture drifts further from our foundation which was built upon Christianity, anyone who attempts to uphold these values will come under fire.

These attacks should not be taken lightly though. It's easy to dismiss their tactics as we view from the couch, but they are powerful and effective. I'm sure the BSA was under extreme pressure to change from every side, especially on the financial front. Unfortunately, money is often the enemy's fiercest weapon.

The problem is that by compromising on a core belief they lose some of what has been their greatest strength. The program's appeal has always been on the building of boys into responsible, morally upright, productive men. When we are forced to change the definition of morality and manhood, of what use will a program such as Scouting be?

Next time, Should we abandon Scouting?

Christ Formed In You - Review

Christ Formed in You: The Power of the Gospel for Personal Change 

I believe I have found my new personal favorite book on Sanctification. Christ Formed In You: The Power of the Gospel for Personal Change, by Brian Hedges, is one for personal study and sharing with others.

I have read more than a few books on growing in Christ-likeness. They can either be over simplified books encouraging you to just try harder, or they can be so theologically weighty, they lull you to sleep, lacking any practical application.  Brian Hedges succeeds in delivering that elusive middle ground, revealing the important doctrines of the Gospel, the power and provision of the Spirit, and our own individual role, in the life long process of being conformed into the image of Christ.

Growing in Christ is a topic that we all find ourselves going back to. So often we fight the good fight against sin for a season, but it seems we are quick to return to a position of complacency. Whether you are just starting out on your journey, or are seeking to regain your foothold, Christ Formed In You, will set you off in the right direction.

On The Seventh Day - Review

On the Seventh Day

No one wants to be alone. The only one standing for a cause against an innumerable force.

We cry out as Elijah, fearing we are left all alone and destined to fall.

“I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” (1 Kings 19:10, ESV)

The Lord answered this fear by reassuring Elijah that not only was God in control of the situation, but that he also had seven thousand more who were faithful to him in Israel. Though Elijah may feel alone in his trial, there were in fact many who stood just as he.

Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” (1 Kings 19:18, ESV)

We need this same assurance today. That we are not alone and that God is in control. We need to see the seven thousand.

This is why a book such as, On the Seventh Day, is so important. In the fields of science and academics the pressure to conform to the secular ideas of evolution and humanism can be overwhelming. Believers can feel isolated and alone, without the support they need to continue on in their faith.

On the Seventh Day is comprised of articles written by forty of these believers who struggle to shine as lights in these dark places. In it they share their love for Jesus and science, how they came to faith, and remain faithful in an environment that has mostly rejected even the idea of God.

The book is broken into two sections. The first includes writings on the reasons the writers have embraced the faith, while the second deals more with what the individuals have experienced as the result of their faith in their studies and work.

The charge has been made that Christians are afraid of science and reason, yet it is science and reason themselves that often reveal to many the reality of our Creator God.

One of the surprising finds, is that the same curiosity and desire for knowledge is one of the main factors in many of those who contributed for believing in God. As they examined the beauty and complexity of nature and life, they arrived at the logical conclusion that there must be a designer who created with a purpose and plan. Time and chance could not explain what they have seen.

In the second half of the book, they share their experiences. They tell of God's supernatural leading in their lives. How what at the time may have confused them, turned out to be for their own good and God's glory. Each of them reveals how though they love science, they haven't closed their eye's to the miraculous.

I recommend this book to those who are in or looking to have a career in science or academia. The message is that, You are not alone. There are believers out there. You don't have to choose between on or the other. You can love and obey the God who has established all science.

I would like to thank Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing Group, for this free review copy.

Contentment, Prosperity, and God's Glory - Review

Contentment, Prosperity, and God's Glory

Contentment

We often think of its importance in times of want and adversity.

But what if finding contentment is even more difficult in times of prosperity and ease? America is the wealthiest nation on the planet. Its citizens live at a standard most of the world can only dream of. Yet, are we happy? Are we satisfied? Or are we constantly hungering for more, looking for that missing piece in our puzzle of peace?

Though he lived 400 years ago, Jeremiah Burroughs, has provided for us a timely message that speaks to our  heart's condition in this land of plenty. Contentment, Prosperity, and God's Glory, should be handed out to congregations across this nation. Burroughs wrestles with the unique dangers that come with wealth and possessions, and shares with us how to identify and overcome the temptations to live for God's Glory.

The thrust of the book, is that we need to learn how to be full. We need to be able to enjoy and utilize the material blessings God has provided us, while offering them back to God in grateful service. This requires that we see clearly our condition and motives. The dangers are many, yet with God's grace we can heed the warnings and find contentment in our Lord.

This work was originally published as the appendix of Jeremiah's most famous book, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment. Reformation Heritage Books has graciously published this work with updated language making it more accessible to modern readers. It is an excellent read, cutting to the heart of the matter. I can't emphasize enough how powerful and important this message is. One I needed to hear myself.

I would like to thank Cross Focused Reviews for sending me this free review copy.

Humble Orthodoxy - Review

Humble Orthodoxy: Holding the Truth High Without Putting People Down

Nobody likes a jerk.

Even a right jerk. I don't care how "right" their words may be, I'm not hearing it from them!

As bad as this situation is, it's devastating when the jerk is talking about Christ and his church. How many souls have been turned off to the Gospel because of situations like this one?

My wife has been telling me for years, "It's not what you say, but how you say it!" How can we share a message of mercy and grace when we act as though we possess neither?

Sadly, one of the biggest culprits of this are those who care most about having right doctrine. The Bible refers to them as Pharisees. You remember, the ones Jesus reserved his harshest words for. It seems as though the stronger the desire to obtain sound doctrine, the more likely it is to become prideful in one's new found knowledge.

So, is it possible to love theology and people? To have a humble orthodoxy?

Joshua Harris explains how we can in his book, Humble Orthodoxy. Though it is a quick and easy read, the sting of conviction will last. It seems we are often the last to know just how much we are in need of this message. Ouch!

Sometimes our problem is that we forget that it is all about God and what he has done for us, not our own accomplishments.

One of my favorite quotes,

 "When you truly understand the doctrine of grace in the gospel, you don't go around checking people's IDs to see if they are in or out. You walk around with tears of gratefulness in your eyes, saying, "Why in the world would he choose me?"

Humble Orthodoxy is a must read for every lover of doctrine. The danger of becoming a pharisee is just too great. Joshua Harris gives us the gentle reminder, that even if we have all the right theology, but have not love, we are nothing. (1 Corin. 13:2)

I would like to thank WaterBrook Multnomah publishing for sending me this free copy for review.

The Genesis Factor: Myths and Realities

The Genesis Factor: Myths and Realities

Normally, I'm not much of a conspiracy theorist, but I have to ask, why isn't this information confirming Biblical Creation and refuting evolutionary models of origins, receiving more attention? Having just finished reading The Genesis Factor: Myths and Realities, I'm at a loss as to why the challenges to the currently accepted evolutionary framework are ignored by the very scientists that claim they are seeking the truth, wherever it may lead. What are they afraid of? I guess "who" are they afraid of would be the better question.

The Genesis Factor is a compilation of articles written by leading scholars of creation science. While they all affirm that everything won't be known this side of Heaven, they present compelling evidence for a young earth. The writers reveal evidence found in everything from geology, the oceans, and the atmosphere, which support Bible's record of a recent creation. And yes this is real science, so much so that while I could easily understand the points being made, some of the facts were beyond my less than scientific mind. It goes to show, that while the scientific community tries to cover their eye's to the truth, it is out there waiting for biblically minded men and women to uncover.

I recommend The Genesis Factor for all who desire to learn more about the realities of God's miraculous creation.

I would like to thank Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing Group, for this free review copy.

Tower of Babel: The Cultural History of Our Ancestors - Review

Tower of Babel

The Tower of Babel
If you're like me, you probably think of bad guys building a big tower and God confusing their languages. What else is there?

Well it turns out there is more to the story than first meets the eye. Bodie Hodge reveals the often overlooked truths to this world changing event in his book, Tower of Babel. If you've ever wanted to explore this subject in greater detail, then this is the book for you.

The book is arranged in concise, easy to read chapters, covering everything from the why, when, how, and now what. Hodge, takes us deep into this ancient and mysterious world, unlocking that which may be hidden from modern readers.

What surprised me most, was the ability to follow the different languages and people after the dispersion. Up until recent times, scholars utilized the Bible and the account of Babel to study the movements of ancient man. It is amazing the amount of data we have that corroborates the biblical narrative. I can assure you, that I never learned that in public school!

I highly recommend the, Tower of Babel, to any who are curious of this monumental moment in mankind's history.

I would like to thank Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing Group, for this free review copy.

Crucifying Morality - Book Review

Crucifying Morality 

They say that a person tends to remember exactly where they were when they first experience a major event. It is a little before my time, but many people remember exactly where they were when JFK was shot. I remember sitting in my Elementary School's cafeteria when I first learned of the Challenger shuttle explosion, and who can forget the moment they watched the towers fall on 9/11?

Well, I have a snapshot stored in my mind of the first time I read the Sermon on the Mount. Chapters 5-7 of Matthew blew my mind. Immediately I went back and re-read every word. I don't know how much I actually understood at that point, but I knew there existed an unfathomable depth of wisdom and truth, just waiting to be discovered in those precious words of our Savior.

It is for this reason I jumped at the chance to review R. W. Glenn's, Crucifying Morality: The Gospel of the Beatitudes.

In this book, Glenn seeks to correct the multitude of wrong teaching that often accompanies the subject of the beatitudes. So often these verses are treated as commands, guidelines of morality.

"Thou shalt be poor in spirit."

"Thou shalt mourn."

"Thou shalt be meek."

You get the point.


But, what if instead of commanding, Jesus was describing those who have already entered his kingdom as opposed to those who are working to enter in?

Glenn, walks us through these oft misunderstood verses revealing how it is Jesus, and not us, who fulfills this perfect righteousness. Our focus should be on Jesus, and how the beatitudes were expressed in his life, and not on the beatitudes themselves.

You will come under the conviction of the Holy Spirit while reading, Crucifying Morality. Many times I felt a sting, as I was exposed to areas of my life that I have been less than Christ-like. But this isn't a reason to avoid this book, but on the contrary, only the more reason to read it. May it wake you from your slumber as it did me.

I'd like to thank Cross Focused Reviews for sending me this free copy.

Broken-Down House: Living Productively in a World Gone Bad - Review

Broken-Down House: Living Productively in a World Gone Bad

This world is a mess. We all know it. We can't deny it. But we must live in it.

For most of us, all if we are honest, the question we seek to answer each day is how? How do we, how should we, live in this mess?

Paul David Tripp has written an excellent book answering this tough question. In Broken-Down House, he shares hope and wisdom on how we as Christians are to live in this sin cursed world.

Broken-Down House

The first thing the author makes clear, is the fact this world isn't the way it was meant to be. What started out as good, quickly began to fall apart once sin entered in. Now death, disease, sorrow, and pain, are experiences which are common to all. None of us can escape the damage that has been done. Paul Tripp compares our world to a broken-down house. For sure it is a house, but nothing is quite right. Everywhere you look you can see the deterioration and experience the inconvenience of its dilapidated condition. Living here is anything but easy.

I would have to say that this is one of the best books I have read on Christian living. Tripp's advice and insights are both biblical and practical. Time and again I was convicted as he opened my eyes to areas to which I had been blind. His lifetime of Christian counseling and teaching manifest themselves in the loving and honest truth, he presents in every chapter. This is one book I would recommend reading more than once.

The Kindle edition is on sale for $1.99 here Broken-Down House