Intelligent Design debate in the Netherlands

Weblog William A Dembski - ID proponent, mathematician and philosopher

Recently a fierce debate erupted in our little country by the North Sea about an issue that is relatively new to the wider audience in the Netherlands: Intelligent Design (i.e. the view that nature shows tangible signs of having been designed by a preexisting intelligence).

Out of personal interest I've been reading about the ID debate in the USA for the last two years or so. I think it is exciting that this discussion is now also starting to heat up in our notoriously 'tolerant' country. It is interesting to see how many scientists, journalists and politicians react as soon as somebody suggests that there might be traces of intelligent design in nature! Many people rather believe that complex structures, such as DNA molecules, are the product of chance and coincidence than intelligent design. 'Design' seems to be a no-no word in natural sciences! And Rodney Blevins (a.k.a. The Donkey's Mouth) tells us why:

You see, if there is a God, or a Designer of some kind, then that must ultimately mean that there are standards that exist outside of ourselves, even outside of our known universe. This is what the atheist and the evolutionist fear in their very heart of hearts. Make no mistake, that is the real impetus behind the attacks on ID.

An innocent weblog entry from Dutch Minister of Science and Education Maria van der Hoeven about a "fascinating conversation" she had with Cees Dekker, professor of Molecular Biophysics and a world-renowned nanophysicist at Delft University of Technology, triggered the commotion. Especially her call for an academic debate about ID caused some heated exchanges in our Parliament and the media.


Even before the publication date, a new book entitled Schitterend ongeluk of sporen van ontwerp? (”Wonderful accident or traces of design?”) co-edited by Cees Dekker, Ronald Meester and René van Woudenberg, attracted similar emotional reactions. It makes you wonder how 'tolerant' and 'open-minded' the Dutch really are!
One of the prominent scientists opposing Maria van der Hoeven's idea of debating ID is Dutch biologist Ronald Plasterk. In a televised column he even said: "Ik ken geen bioloog die intelligent design aandacht waard vindt" ("I don't know a biologist who thinks intelligent design is worth paying attention to").

Well, I am just a stupid Dutchman, but it took me a couple of minutes to find a list with names of scientists (including biologists) who signed their names under this statement:

“We are skeptical of claims for the ability of random mutation and natural selection to account for the complexity of life. Careful examination of the evidence for Darwinian theory should be encouraged.”

Click here to download this list (PDF). Scientists listed by doctoral degree or position. Updated January 2005. Free advice for Mr. Ronald Plasterk: try Google!

I never cease to be amazed how some can look at a flower in a clay pot and conclude that the flower in all it's beauty is a product of random chance while the clay pot is undeniably a product of intelligence. [Anonymous posting on atheist website]

Interesting links
Click here and here for more information on Cees Dekker
Homepage Molecular Biophysics Group at Delft University of Technology
Uncommon Descent (ID weblog of William A Dembski)
The Donkey's Mouth (weblog of Rodney Blevins)

God isn't dead - He is Dad

I've been a bit quiet for a while. Don't worry - I am still alive and well. It is just a very hectic period and I've been busy with my publishing work and with reading the best apologetic book I've read since The Case for God by Peter S Williams (you can read more about that book here).

I was going to recommend I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist by Norman L. Geisler and Frank Turek to all of you out there, but - being a simple Dutchman with a limited vocabulary in English - I just can't outdo the recommendation below - written on Amazon.com by an atheist who had enough courage to put his unbelief to the test! And you shouldn't waste time reading my review, just buy this book and reach your own conclusions.

But first read the five star review below by this sincere atheist. Pray for this person if you are a Christian and if you are an atheist yourself - I am happy to pray for you as well, just ask. (On second thought, don't take my word for it. Start praying yourself. You can do it secretly, so it will not be too embarassing and it won't hurt you at all. Moreover, you might be surprised by the answers to your honest prayers that I know you will receive).

I guess it would be wise to lock yourself away for a couple of days and read this book from cover to cover. It is truly a great read! And remember: I am a publisher so eventhough I consider myself to be a simple Dutchman - and proudly so - I do know something about books... I am still reading (263 of 448 pages) and enjoying every single word!

I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH FAITH TO BE AN ATHEIST

Having read quite a few Christian apologetics books, I feel I can say that this one is by far the best in scope, logic, and wit. The authors convincingly build up their case in layers, starting with well-reasoned arguments why God exists, and building in stages as to why Jesus is the way to go, once everything else is accepted. The authors include run-ins they've had with professors and debate opponents, making for an interesting read. The appendixes, which feature a mock dialogue between a Christian and an atheist, are entertaining. The book covers all the important issues that this topic entails, from cosmology, life origins, evolution, morality, and a defense of the Bible. No honest atheist can read this book without being impressed by the quality of the theistic arguments as presented by the authors. The objections of skeptics are confronted with confidence. Did it change my mind? It may have planted a seed. I highly recommend this book to both atheists and Christians, and to anyone else interested in this topic. It is VERY convincing. These guys know their stuff.

Paperback: 448 pages; Publisher: Crossway Books; (March 2004) ISBN: 1581345615

READ MORE ABOUT THIS BOOK HERE

When Graphic Artists Get Bored

When graphic artists get bored... they invent a World Cow - for example. Or they make other graphic masterpieces like these.


Holland rules! (And the rest of the world says: "MOO!")

Well said!

"Jesus died to take away our sins not our brains"
[David Bruce in a newsletter from Hollywood Jesus]
Read more here. Comment from a visitor to David Bruce's site:

"The test of being a Christian is NOT being in agreement with a particular political agenda. Being a Christian is being in agreement with Jesus."

Amen to that!

32,000 Christian teens gather in Arnhem Stadium

Last Saturday 32,000 excited Dutch teens gathered in the Gelredome Stadium Arnhem for the EO Youth Day 2005. Robin, our 13 years old son, was one of them - travelling together with the youth group of our Baptist church. At home we have been watching this event live on national TV. We really enjoyed the great performances by Paul Coleman, Rachel Lampa, KJ-52 and the Newsboys.

32.000 teens gathering in Arnhem's Gelredome Stadium
Some Dutch VIP's came to the stadium and the TV studio and were clearly impressed by the enthusiasm of the teens. The celebrities really had a hard time explaining what it was they were experiencing in and around the stadium. They called it 'a positive vibe' and one of them, popular soap actor Winston Post, compared it to 'feeling butterflies in his stomach'.

Actor Winston Post and TOTP presenter Hanna Verboom

One Christian caller explained to him that this could only mean that he was experiencing Jesus' love at that moment... In the studio Winston Post listened attentively to this explanation, nodded, and just said 'Amen'. Wow - that really touched me! Dutch Top of the Pops presenter Hanna Verboom was also among the visitors. She told that she was raised as a Christian, occasionally visited a church in Amsterdam and was 'on a spiritual journey to discover God'. Search and you will find, girl...

Even Dutch PM Jan Peter Balkenende turned up for this event. I heard that two kids went up to him to ask for an autograph. When Balkenende gave them his signature, they also asked whether they could pray with him. And so they did - right then and there... Praise God for these kids who are not too shy to pray openly with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands - and praise God for a Prime Minister who is neither too proud, nor too embarrassed to join them in public prayer!

I think it is great that so many young Christians were able to share their faith and sing God's praises together. Many TV viewers at home must have been stunned by what they've seen. This was not a dull Christian mass meeting, but a joyful, massive rock concert with great speakers and top quality musicians!

This makes me think of what Martin Smith (Delirious) said:
"This is not a youth movement, this IS the church!"

This is all it takes to be saved

If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9 NIV)

What can a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26 )

Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (1 John 5:5)

My little sunshine

Today we are celebrating Pascalle's eight's birthday! Our youngest girl is growing and becoming a beautiful lady. I am sure you will all agree. Happy birthday little sunshine!

Barnabas and the 'lost art' of encouragement

The apostle Paul is the most prolific contributor to the New Testament. He travelled everywhere, told everybody about Jesus Christ, planted churches, mentored young leaders, endured hardships, countered the opposition and encouraged his fellow Christians whenever and wherever he could. If he was in prison (and he was often jailed) he wrote long letters to instruct, correct and coach the young churches around the Mediterranean Sea.

It must have been so frustrating for a man with Paul's abilities to be thrown into jail so many times. And I guess these jails were a far cry from the Holiday Inn. Here he was - willing and able to bring the good news to everyone everywhere, exactly as the Lord had told him to do. But what happened? He was captured, beaten-up and thrown into a dark, stinking dungeon again and again.

I don't know about you, but I would have been very upset about this. Why Lord? Why do you allow this to happen to me? I didn't act like Jonah! I wasn't running away from you when you told me to go! I was following your instructions - taking my orders directly from HQ. Why do you allow the opposition to lock me up in this filthy place? Why do you give them the power to silence me? Why Lord, why!?

No such thing. Paul - this giant theologian, this world-class scholar, this bright man with his big mind - he just trusted the Lord and always made the best out of every situation. We know that he wasn't complaining but singing in prison. Can you imagine that? What a man! Did he know that his prison letters would be read by a wider audience someday? I guess not. But God knew exactly what He was doing - He didn't make any mistakes. And Paul trusted his Lord.

But Paul wasn't acting alone. First of all he was acting as a humble servant of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and he received the power of the Holy Spirit to carry out his Mission Impossible. Of course he could also rely on his co-workers, his team mates, his brothers in arms! That is why Paul could go on singing and praising and dictating long letters filled with knowledge, Spirit and wisdom!

Let’s think about one of these reliable friends that shared the burdens with Paul. I am referring to an unsung heroe called Barnabas. What do we know about this great man?

His name means Son of Encouragement and we know that he gave his possessions to be owned in common with other disciples (Acts 4:36, 37). He introduced Paul to the disciples in Jerusalem who were all very afraid of this former enemy and persecutor of the church (Acts 9:27). We know that he was a prophet and a teacher in the church of Antioch (Acts 13:1) and that he also was one of the apostles (Acts 14:14). He accompanied Paul on many dangerous journeys. In Lystra he was mistaken by the crowd for the Greek god Zeus! (Acts 14:12). When Paul and Barnabas couldn't agree on one of their travel companions, they went their separate ways for a while. Barnabas was strong enough a character to disagree with a man like Paul (Acts 15:36-41). But - just like his companion Paul - he was not too proud to work with his hands to make ends meet (1 Corinthians 9:6).

When Barnabas was sent to Antioch, we read this about him:

When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. (Acts 11:23, 24)

My name is Paul and I do write long postings... (I am sorry, but I just can't help myself). But I would like to become more like Barnabas! I started blogging because I like to communicate and I enjoy sharing my thoughts with all who care to read them. I am a teacher by education and a publisher / writer by profession, so no further explanation is needed. But I would like to be a son of encouragement!

Recently I’ve noticed that God is using my postings and comments on other blogs to encourage others all around the world. And I am so grateful for this blessing!

Do you want to become a Barnabas as well?
Support your church leaders. Equip believers and help the people of God grow in discernment. Encourage your fellow believers. Offer consolation and do it prayerfully. Bridge gaps between people when there is dissent and disagreement. Be a son (or daughter) of encouragement!

The title of this lengthy entry is: Barnabas and the 'lost art' of encouragement. Well, a title should be catchy... But it is probably better to talk about the 'lost gift' of encouragement. Because it IS a gift and - thanks be to God - it is not completely lost! Some people I know are real encouragement specialists. You can also try to (re)discover your gift of encouragement and perhaps you can become a specialist too!

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. (Romans 12:6-8)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)

Street paintings

These street paintings are just breath-taking...

Bye-bye fly! Take a look here if you want to see more stunning street art work!

The dark side of the Force?

Yesterday I went to the movies to see Star Wars Episode III (Revenge of the Sith) with 'the boys' -and one girl- from our extended family. To be honest: I am NOT a devoted Star Wars fan. I just like to do some nice things together with my friends and family and personally I am not so fond of grown men fighting each other with fluorescent TL-tubes (Philips® ™). It is all a bit childish, don't you think? Sorry - I didn't mean to offend you.

However, I do love the visual effects and the story telling. And I can't help myself, but I see many connections between the Star Wars epic story and the true story of the Bible. I am sure that there will be many sites on the www fully dedicated to this aspect, and I am not planning to spend too much time thinking this through. It is just a fantasy story, right? (The movie, I mean).

Three things I do want to mention. First of all there was this quotation from Scriptures in the movie: 'He saved others but he couldn't save himself.' Of course this is based on the Bible verse Luke 23:35 - And the people stood by, watching; but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!" Keeping in mind that Anakin is presented to us as the Chosen One, this can't be mere coincidence.

Talking about Anankin Skywalker, he also says in this movie: 'Those who are not with us are against us.' Of course this can be seen as a shot at President Bush - for he said something like this when he wanted to form his own coalition to defeat the evil empires of this world. However, a really interesting thing is that these words are first spoken by Jesus! "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." (Matthew 12:30). This phrase has quite a different meaning when Darth Vader is the one who's using it, because in that case it is an open invitation to join the dark side. But if Jesus is saying this, it is an invitation to join the Light Force!

Obi-Wan Kenobi's reply to this statement is also very interesting. He comments: "The one who speaks in absolutes is already gone." Well put. But isn't Obi-Wan Kenobi speaking in absolutes here as well? If so, this one is self defeating...

You can find tons of websites discussing the Force. I won't say too much about this. But this movie (or Mr. George Lucas) assumes that there is such a thing as 'The dark side of the Force.' I know you can't disagree with fiction, but let me put this right before you draw the wrong conclusion:

THERE IS NO DARK SIDE OF THE FORCE
(i.e. not if you are referring to God!)

This is the message we have heard from him (Jesus) and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5)

Yes, I do believe in the existence of good and evil forces in the real universe, but they are completely separated from each other. God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. Satan, the enemy, is not the dark side of the force - he is a separate being that is abusing his power to rebel and destroy. You don't have to travel to a far away galaxy to see that this is true. Satan is full of darkness and in him there is no light at all!

Yes, I do think there is a spiritual battle going on in the heavenly spheres. And yes, I do believe that the darkness has no other option but to disappear as soon as the Light of the world rises in all his mighty splendour! The battle against Satan is already won by Jesus on the cross, but God is not completely finished with his enemy yet... I have joined the Winner! Who's side are you on?

My fellow blogger and brother in Christ from Singapore Joshua recently posted a very short summary of the Good News. Let me quote:

God is good, the devil is bad and we win!

I couldn’t agree more!

Go to this posting if you want to read more about the moral universe of Star Wars. Here you can find an excellent review of this movie from a Christian perspective (PDF).

The Body is getting into shape

I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols. [Isaiah 42:8]

Yes, this is a FREE Bible study! Enjoy it. It is a bit like looking at a puzzle where you have to connect the dots to discover the image. Please let me help you, because I have given it some thought...

Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you? But I have been watching! declares the LORD. [Jeremiah 7:11]

Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. "It is written," he said to them, " 'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it a 'den of robbers.' [Matthew 21:12]

The Jews replied, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?" But the temple he had spoken of was his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken. [John 2:20-22]

Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. [Hebrews 10:5-6 NIV see also Psalm 40:6]

Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. [Romans 6:13]

I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. [Romans 6:19]

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. [1 Corinthians 6:18-20]

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. [1 Corinthians 12:12]

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. [Galatians 2:20]

And he (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. [Colossians 1:18-20]

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form...
[Colossians 2:9]

Old Testament
God tells us in the Old Testament that he doesn’t allow idols. There is simply no room for competition. JHWH, the Great I AM, is the one and only true God. He is like a jealous lover and he will never share his bride (his people). The most holy place or holy of holies was where God dwelled in the tabernacle. Sacrifices were offered to him and people came to the temple to worship and pray. JHWH, the Almighty God, is holy and perfect. He refuses to share his glory with idols!

New Testament
Jesus overturned the tables of the money changers and reclaimed the temple for his Father. He acted like a jealous lover. In the same way Jesus needs to come into our lives to drive out what is wrong and prevents us from worshipping God.
When Jesus walked the earth, his presence replaced the temple. He was 'the fullness of the Deity in bodily form' as Paul phrased it in his letter to the Colossians [2:9]. When Jesus went back to his Father in Heaven, he had fulfilled many prophecies. He had raised the temple (his own body) in three days. On earth a new body of Christ was formed, consisting of all believers in Jesus Christ the Messiah, the Son of God. The Holy Spirit of God came down to connect the different parts of the body. And being God, the Holy Spirit is not limited to time or space. He lives and moves within the Body throughout the ages and transforms it into one perfect organism. Yes, this is a great mystery... You really have to connect the dots to see the whole picture.

Same DNA
Every body consists of an infinite number of smaller parts (cells). Every cell has the same, unique DNA pattern. In the same way, every single believer represents Christ on earth. And the Holy Spirit of God is able and willing to dwell within such a confined human body. But he is not limited! He is also moving between bodies, between Churches and between the individual cells of the whole organism. He truly makes us - Christians from all nations and backgrounds - one.

Get the picture?
Jesus will drive out all the wrong influences. His body, also known as the Church, will become clean, pure and holy and fully devoted to God again. God's Spirit was not confined to the temple in Jerusalem. In the same way God's Spirit is moving in and through us, human followers of Jesus Christ. He wants us, as a church without walls or any other confinements, to be united in holiness. And he wants every individual part of the body of Christ to be holy as well.

I ask you to re-read the Bible texts that I have quoted above. Try to connect the dots and you will discover a beautiful picture. I know, it is still a fragmented image, but look a bit longer and closer and you will see that this image is becoming sharper!

Allow Jesus to clean up the house. Don't grieve God's Holy Spirit - let him do his cleansing, purifying work in you! Get into shape, with the help of the perfect Coach (the Holy Spirit - instructing, correcting, motivating and inspiring). Read the Instruction Manual (the Bible), do your daily exercises and use your wireless connection (prayer). Become a purified part of the holy Body of Christ! Flee from sin! Be a disciple!

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. [James 4:8]

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[1 Thessalonians 5:23]

Please read the beautiful lyrics from Jars of Clay below...

All Bible texts: NIV - UK

Love of a jealous kind

Jealous Kind - (Jars of Clay - Who We Are Instead)

I built another temple to a stranger
I gave away my heart to the rushing wind
I set my course to run right into danger
I sought the company of fools instead of friends

Chorus:
You know i've been unfaithful
With lovers in lines
While you're turning over tables
With the rage of a jealous kind
I chose the gallows to the aisle
Thought that love would never find
Hanging ropes will never keep you
And your love of a jealous kind
Love of a jealous kind

Tryin' to jump away from rock that keeps on spreading
Solace in the shift of the sinking sand
I'd rather feel the pain all too familiar
Than be broken by a lover i don't understand
'Cause i don't understand
[CHORUS]

Love of a jealous kind, yeah
Love of a jealous kind
Love of a jealous kind

One hundred other lovers, more, one hundred other altars
If i should slow my pace and finally subject me to grace
And love that shames the wise betrays the hearts deceit and lies
And breaks the back of foolish pride
[CHORUS]

Love of a jealous kind
Love of a jealous kind
Love of a jealous kind

(Lyrics Jars of Clay)

Taming the Tiger

The remarkable story of Tony Anthony
three-times Kung Fu World Champion

Our Publishing House in Amsterdam has recently acquired the Dutch language rights to Taming The Tiger by Tony Anthony, a true story with more thrills, spills, twists and turns than a Hollywood blockbuster...

Winner of the prestigious CBC Book of the Year Award 2005


Taming The Tiger relates Tony’s astounding life story, beginning when he is sent to China as a four year old to become a Kung Fu disciple, where he spends eight hours a day following a cruel and brutal training regime, overseen by the Grand Master, his grandfather.

Quickly developing into a Kung Fu expert, Tony becomes an elite bodyguard, protecting some of the world’s most powerful people whilst also winning the world Kung Fu championships three times. Personal tragedy, however, alters Tony’s sense of extreme discipline and he begins to use his skills for illegal means, becoming embroiled in a world of violence, destruction and death.

Eventually incarcerated in the notorious Nicosia Central Prison in Cyprus, Tony hits rock bottom. Through the visits of a stranger, he is introduced to the reality and life-changing power of Jesus Christ and he finds himself freed from the hate which had so consumed him.

The Dutch readers have to wait until February 2006, but if English is your first (or second) language I advice you to BUY THIS BOOK NOW - you won't regret it. It is an awsome testimony of God's life-changing power and I am looking forward to publishing our edition in the Netherlands.

Authentic Media is the original publisher - you can visit their website if you want to know more about the English edition.

Today Tony Anthony is working as an evangelist and director at Avanti Ministries. He visits prisons to tell the inmates that Jesus can set them free on the inside by offering total forgiveness and by transforming them into a new creation. Tony Anthony certainly has the credentials to bring this Good News. Read Tony's biography here and his personal testimony here.

Always Be Prepared

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” [1 Pet. 3:15,16].

Are you prepared to give your answer - right here, right now? Let me know. I'll go first because no one else has said anything yet and I am prepared. Feel free to leave your comment. But first read my answer (it'll give you some extra time to think).

I am in love with Jesus and the heart has its own reasons. Even if things seem hopeless, even if I have many questions and even if I stumble and fall again, again and again... I trust my Lord, because I love Him and He lifts me up again, again and again. That's the reason for the hope that lives in me. Jesus compensates all my shortcomings, forgives all my stupid mistakes, forgets about my ugly sins and loves me anyway. If it sounds like nonsense to you, don't worry. Love usually doesn't make any sense.

“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” [1 Corinthians 13:11-13 NIV]

Believe it or not. This DC Talk song is on the radio and I've just typed EVEN IF I STUMBLE AND FALL. God, You are so good.

[The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today
Is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips
Then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle.
That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.]

What if I stumble?
What if I fall?

Is this one for the people?
Is this one for the Lord?
Or do I simply serenade for things I must afford?
You can jumble them together, my conflict still remains
Holiness is calling, in the midst of courting fame

Cause I see the trust in their eyes
Though the sky is falling
They need your love in their lives
Compromise is calling

(chorus)
What if I stumble, what if I fall?
What if I lose my step and I make fools of us all?
Will the love continue when my walk becomes a crawl?
What if I stumble, and what if I fall?

What if I stumble, what if I fall?
You never turn in the heat of it all
What if I stumble, what if I fall?

Father please forgive me for I can not compose
The fear that lives within me
Or the rate at which it grows
If struggle has a purpose
On the narrow road you’ve carved
Why do I dread my trespasses will leave a deadly scar

Do they see the fear in my eyes?
Are they so revealing?
This time I cannot disguise
All the doubt I’m feeling

(repeat chorus)

What if I stumble?
Everyone’s got to crawl when you know that
You’re up against a wall, it’s about to fall
Everyone’s got to crawl when you know that (2x)

I hear you whispering my name [you say]
My love for you will never change [never change]

(repeat chorus 2x)

What if I stumble, what if I fall?
You never turn in the heat of it all
What if I stumble, what if I fall?
You are my comfort, and my God

Is this one for the people, is this one for the Lord?

Source

A Brotha of Colour

In 2004, Jesus was voted greatest black icon of all time by the New Nation newspaper, which prompted a debate about Jesus' skin colour. "Despite the common depictions in Western cultures of Jesus as a blond, blue-eyed hippy looking man, all reasonable evidence points to the fact that Jesus could not have been of Scandinavian extraction and certainly was a brotha of colour," said the paper.

Well, I'm no expert. I think Jesus looked very Jewish, but of course there are many Jewish brothers with a dark skin colour. Come to think of it, He did look like Dutch football player Patrick Kluivert - if you have to believe the anonymous artist who made the beautiful painting on the left hand side.

---------------------------------------------Patrick Kluivert

Whatever. Love comes in all colours and Jesus is truly LOVE and He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords! And if you agree with that, you are MY BROTHA (or sista, of course) - no matter what COLOUR!

Can I Get An AMEN? Leave a comment and/or read more

Doggie Look-alikes

Curse marks, Paul's back and broken hearts...

"Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers." 2 Corinthians 11:24-26

"Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city." Acts 14:19-20

After all those beatings, lashes and the stoning, can you imagine what Paul's back looked like? The fact that he survived all those things is a miracle in it self. A lot of people didn't live through those things, especially not stoning. The point of stoning was to kill. It was capital punishment. Still, after Paul recovered "he got up and went back into the city"!!!

Could you tell Paul, or any other person for that matter, that being in the center of God's will is a safe place to be?

Just keep the picture of Paul's back in your mind.

Read on at Life is beautiful from Katrín Guðlaugsdóttir Reykjavík, Iceland. If you try to unscramble her name, she seems to be Guðlaugs' daughter, but I am sure she is most of all a daughter of the King of Kings. You Go Girl!