It's not all about you!

Again I sit and ponder upon this topic of holiness. I mean i know the definition of holiness and i know what the Bible says about holiness and holy living. The question i often ask myself is why isn't holiness being lived out and practiced? I am sick of hearing "well I'm definitely not perfect... i mean all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God." True that is right.. you're not perfect and yes, that is Scripture but notice "sinned" and "fallen" are in the PAST tense! God knows we can't be perfect although sometimes we put on that persona as Sunday morning Christians. So often especially college students even religion majors use this Scripture to make themselves feel better about their own sin in their lives. I think we sometimes get so caught up on not being perfect or sinful acts that we have committed in the past that we forget there is a future to be lived out and that future can be one of TOTAL consecration and holiness. Holiness isn't just for the people over 50 in our congregations. Holiness isn't just for pastors and district superintendents. Holiness is a real experience that is lived out starting with ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION and is maintained by consecrating oneself to the Lord and living a life of repentance for sins that are committed.

Just today I had a friend here at Trevecca say to me, "well i don't really think drinking alcohol makes you not a Christian". Before i get on my soap box I would like to point out that drinking alcohol is a whole other topic that i am sure i will address later. I just find it funny when Christians say "well i don't think the Bible means that" or "that's irrelevant because it's Old Testament and we are clearly the new covenant." I think sometimes people should just take scissors and cut out all the "stuff" in the Bible they don't agree with. I mean they are living this way anyway! Who are we to pick and choose with passages of Scripture are "right" or "wrong"? When did we acquire the power to mold our own form of Christianity? I'm just afraid sometimes that we are getting away from the principles of the faith. I'm glad that God doesn't allow me to form my own form of how "I want to live" because honestly I don't think it would be very beneficial or enjoyable. So instead of getting on the topic of alcohol with my friend who said this statement to me earlier today. I wanted to say "well drinking may not affect your relationship with God but what about the sex you have with your girlfriend?" My point here is this: I think when we try to justify ourselves or interpret the Bible in our own language and we play with it and mold into what we want it to say we are getting ourselves into trouble. Why can't we just listen to what God says and just follow it? Lord help me to follow your will and your way. Help me to hear clearly and clearly 100% obediently walk in all the light i have.

Sorry i got on one of my rants but i just needed to jot down some thoughts... feel free to comment! Just overlook the errors and sentence fragments, after all it is 4:00 a.m. :)

First Post

I noticed that Jared, Caleb, Brett and Josiah were bloggers so i thought i would join in and see what the fuss was about.

I don't really know what to talk about just yet so i will just ramble a bit.

Today i noticed just how bad i am when it comes to translating Greek. I feel like everyone else in my class is light years ahead of me. Present indicative subjunctive aorist future.. blah blah blah. Does anyone really understand Greek? Caleb i know you do ol' buddy boy! I may need you to tutor me! Finals are on the horizon and it may make or break me.

In my Church history class we talked about the different persona's us Americans give to Jesus. We are reading a book titled, "American Jesus" and from what I've read it's pretty interesting. My favorite persona had to be black Jesus followed by masculine Jesus who was portrayed as being a muscular boxer with long flowing hair. It reminded me of the song "Mama said knock you out" by late great LL Cool J. In all seriousness the book is interesting and is worth reading if you have the time.

As far as extracurricular activities go I have a TIA wiffle ball game and playoff basketball game to play tonight. The team we play in basketball beat us earlier in the season by 20 so we shall see what happens tonight. I should probably be reading ol' Manfred Oeming's book "Contemporary Biblical Hermeneutics" but that would be too much fun and i don't want to over do it!