Of Gungor And Scripture And Discernment And...

I am perplexed. Baffled. Puzzled. Bewildered. Confounded. Utterly confused. I can’t seem to figure something out that is taking place in perceived Christianity.

I have been a champion for always being wary of what you are consuming, especially when it comes to the entertainment that you allow to enter your mind and affect you to the core. (See Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here and here. I have been aware of the namesake for the band Gungor’s recent remarks about his views against Biblical accuracy. I did not, however, look into exactly what his remarks were until today.

I first starting reading an article about Ken Ham, of Answers in Genesis and the Creation Museum, which he was addressing Gungor’s stance against Biblical accounts of creation and publicly calling Gungor to repent. I stopped reading shortly into the article because I wanted to read Michael Gungor’s actual words first, without having an opinion formed about what Gungor said, without reading what Gungor said. (Here is a post directly from Ken Ham)

Having never listened to Gungor, the only opinion I had formed about Gungor was based on people expressing how “great” the music was that the band had been producing. I have never heard a Gungor song, I have never heard Gungor talk even. I had a fresh slate, no kind of preconceived notions of what this man believes. As I read Michael Gungor’s words I began getting the feeling that the term “fundamentalist” was being used derogatorily and that Mr. Gungor harbored some animosity for those that might actually believe what the Bible says.

Gungor’s arguments seemed to match up with the world outside of perceived Christianity. From belittling those that believe the Biblical accounts of creation and Adam and Eve to be factual to likening the Bible’s account of Noah and the ark to an episode of Star Trek I was seeing that Gungor has been heavily influenced by this world’s lack of understanding of Scripture. (Original Gungor post - Followup post)

I will stop short of calling Michael Gungor a non-Christian, but I think that may be a real likely thing. Why is that? Can’t someone believe science trumps scripture and still be a Christian? Sure they can. How is that? Because there are a lot of Baby Christians out there who do not have the proper understanding of scripture and do not understand the Bible’s true nature. It is The Word of God. Period. The Bible is not simply a narrative of events, a collection of nifty stories or an outdated list of rules as Gungor and others would try to persuade. It is a reflection of the Nature of God. And with that statement I end up firmly on Gungor’s naughty list of Biblical Fundies.

I am praying that the Gungors take Ken Ham up on his invitation to visit the Creation Museum and to learn what the Biblical narrative really is. The scientists at the Creation Museum have volunteered to meet with the Gungors and show them how a ship could fit all of the animals that scripture says it did. They will be able to see where the water came from, the paths that it carved as it receded, the fossil beds that its aftermath left. If Michael Gungor visits the museum and is a Christian he certainly must change his understanding of what the Bible says and change his perceptions of Scripture as true and stop ridiculing those that actually believe what the Bible says.

Saying all of this I come to the real point of this post, the reason I am confused. Many a true believer have held the wrong understanding of the Biblical accounts as Michael Gungor holds. I would even venture to say that there are probably other mainstream CCM musicians that hold the same beliefs. What I find perplexing is the castigation of Gungor in light of this, the night and day perception of Gungor without actually trying to have a straight forward and heart to heart discussion with and to Michael Gungor. Michael Gungor has been accursed by a lot of people for his views and his words (rightfully so?). So why is that perplexing to me? Because other musical groups that blatantly and obviously believe and teach heretical doctrine are openly welcomed in Christian circles.

It is a sad state that a wrong view of the Bible, maybe caused by a lack of study or discipleship, sets someone outside the camp with folks washing their hands clean of Gungor while groups like Philips, Craig and Dean are defended, praised and lifted up as “brothers” when their view of God is blatantly heretical. PC&D not only believe heresy they also teach the heresy of Modalism with a kicker of a Prosperity gospel in the “churches” that they “pastor”.

Discernment is a rare commodity these days. False teachers/ prophets abound in our world today, smiling and telling you that your best life is now, that you can speak things into existence. False religions are being held as acceptable simply because the popular adherents hold the same political views as most Conservative Christians do (Glenn Beck, Mitt Romney). The ones that must be named get a free pass, while Gungor gets tied to the stake in mainstream circles. Rather ironic, I must say.

So, what to do? My suggestion is to see how Michael Gungor reacts to Ken Ham’s invitation. No preconceived narratives from me on what “might” happen or what Mr. Gungor “might” say or do with the invitation. I am fairly confident though, that if Michael Gungor accepts the invitation, sees the Christian view of Creation, with the scientific backing of Christian scientists, with PHDs, that he will change his view of Scripture and become a radical fundie, just like me.

What this boils down to, in my view, is that people are too heavily influenced by the musicians they like. Entertainment, music, musicians, movies, etc. are all chosen with what the flesh seems to enjoy. That is an alright thing, but that definitely doesn't trump Biblical accuracy and doing a little research into a band that catches your ear. We are to test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and I am really certain that music, which impacts your mind and spirit, must be investigated before "liking" it and adding it to your MP3 player. Christians must be diligent to always look beyond what their foot taps to and see what theology has laid the foundation for what you are consuming. If you know a band or singer has some questionable theology then you would be wise to avoid them at all costs. If the TV preacher teaches contrary to scripture then you must mark them as anathema and avoid them, not "chew up the meat and spit out the bones". 

Discernment is lacking greatly in all areas of Christianity. How is that remedied? By knowing what the Bible says, by studying scripture, by taking God at His Word and applying it to your life and letting it shape you (Romans 12:2, Philippians 2:5). Simply follow Christ and God's Word. Let God be your guide and not what is popular in the world or within Christian circles.

Why Are You Snapping At Me?

Day 336 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

This picture is deceiving. This snapping turtle as a lot larger than it looks by this picture. I would guess it was about as long as a football and about 1 1/2 times as wide. It was a little perturbed too because our do decided to bark at it and my uncle from next door wanted to poke it with a stick to make it snap. He did and it did and Chandra saw up close how fast a turtle can really be.

Even though I would never pick one of these fellows up I do look at it with awe and amazement as I do with all of God's creation. This turtle, though it seems like a menace to most, was wonderfully designed and made by our Lord. What's the purpose of a snapping turtle? Other than showing the creative power of God, that is? I have no idea, but then again I have no idea why wasps, moles or platypus' are on this Earth either. I do know that each does point to the creator.

Creation proves there was a creator, just as a building proves there was a builder. Your city hall just didn't appear one day, there were many hands that built it. The painting on you wall proves that there was a painter that painted the picture. Nature around us, i.e. creation, proves that there was a designer, a Creator. Romans 1:20 tells us:
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
1 John tells us that all things were created by Him and through Him (Jesus). That means that everything bears witness that God created it.

I suggest that you not only stop to smell the roses, but you stop to admire His creative power. Also realize that His same creative power is what is used when He creates a new heart in someone and makes them a new creation. Now that is truly Good News.

Purpose Driven Anthill

Day 291 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

I've seen this anthill behind our house many times. Usually I just snarl my nose up at it and hope they don't migrate into our house. Today was a little different. I just watched these little ants working their little legs off. I was impressed with their agility, their strength and how they all seemed to be on a mission.

I wondered what they were actually working for. What is their goal? What do they do under the ground? Do they ever sleep? What do they eat? Where do they relieve themselves?

It's hard to think about a life form that seemingly has no impact on anything other than its ant hill. To us humans these ants are a nuisance, but what is their actual purpose? For that matter, what is the purpose of any life form? I know the I know the chief purpose of man is to glorify God. I've not really followed catechisms before, but I do know that the Westminster Shorter Catechism's first question is: "What is the chief end of man?" With the answer: "To glorify God". I would tend to agree with that, even though we fall way short most of the time and seem to always want to glorify ourselves.

But what about other life forms? Do we really need organisms that live in the volcanic discharges in the oceans? Would we be fine without the platypus? How about things like poison ivy? What purpose does that serve, other than to make us itch? Then there is the question of the vastness of the universe. What is the purpose of having billions of planets and stars? To which the answer to all is to point to our awesome God that created it all. The smallest microbe screams praises in its life to our God. The endless universe, as recently observed by modern science" shows just how small we are and how big God is. Everything that God created naturally points to Him, even us rebellious humans.

I just hope that if I ever start feeling down or "useless" that I think of the ant. It's purpose is being carried out without delay and very diligently. An ant never once questions its purpose or shakes its ant fist at God. I hope that I can be the same as the lowly ant and just do what I was designed for - Glorify God. The rest will fall into place as He directs my steps.

Hail Storm

Day 264 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Today we had a little hail storm as I was getting off of work. Thankfully I had just made it into my truck when it started coming down. They were probably close to marble size and I am sure they would have smarted a little bit if I got hit with one. If it would have came 15 seconds sooner I would have been pelted.

I've always heard that hail is a precursor to a tornado, so I immediately began to scan the sky. All I saw were clouds, rain and hail. Tornadoes carry some very awesome power behind them, as do hurricanes, earthquakes, wind storms and about any other known weather extreme. But the power of those combined does not even match an iota of the power of the Creator.

God has set these forces in motion. They are part of His creation that happen from time to time. When they do happen a lot of outlets say, "Where was God in this disaster?". He is right where He is all the time - on His throne. Just because God doesn't stop a hurricane from destroying cities and taking lives doesn't mean that God is somehow powerless against His creation. As far inferior humans we cannot grasp God's ways. We only fail miserably when attributing our ways and thoughts to Him. It is actually blasphemy to try and make God like us, since He is so far above and beyond what humans on this earth will achieve.

I thank God for Hi graces and for His love. He is worthy of all and Lord of all. I praise Him in the sun and I praise Him in the rain. I still fail miserably at that as well and must seek Him for renewal almost daily so I can achieve a closer relationship with Him. Although I do not like the trials and tests I do like the fact that I must lean on God through them. I gain strength from Him and His Word and He leads me by the minute.

He Is Seen In All Of Creation

Day 245 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

This morning started off a little on the rainy side. It actually continued through the day and now, at 10:45 PM it is still raining. It has not been a constant rain, but it has lasted throughout the day and is to continue through tomorrow morning.

You know what the weather reminds me of? Spring. Even though we are still a little shy of 3 weeks from the official beginning of spring. The signs of new growth are visible wherever you look. The grass in our yard that went dormant through the winter months is showing spots of green. The Easter lilies are poking heir stems through the ground and the rains are falling and bringing the all important water.

The seasons come and go and we adjust our lives accordingly. The days grow longer so we actually adjust our time keeping to keep more daylight hours even. Our choice of clothing will change. Our activities will change. We will begin to plant gardens, mow grass, play outside, go on vacations, have picnics and take walks through the park. Not that we couldn't do any of those things in the winter time, but we choose not to.

This time of year (but all year should be) is perfect for getting out and seeing the miracle of life that God has created for us. We can see life spring forth (no pun intended) from the seeming death of winter. We will see the colors of nature explode around us declaring the glory of our God. Everywhere you look will be shown God's creative powers. Look at a leaf and see how intricate it is, with its veins that supply the water throughout. Look at the vivid colors of the flowers, gaze at the oak tree spreading its canopy high into the air and be amazed at God's workmanship.

Romans 1:18-20 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse

The Lesser Light

Day 231 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Genesis 1:16 Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also.

What a beautiful look at the moon this evening. Tonight the moon was very bright and full and was reflecting the light of the sun as it has since God spoke it into existence. Sorry that my picture is not that great. I still have a long way to go before I can take quality photographs. I did take this one with my DSLR and not my typical post from my iPhone camera, so it is a little better.

So many people probably saw the moon hanging in it's orbit tonight and thought nothing about it. They think it common that every 30 days or so a full moon lighting up the surroundings through the night. Sometimes the reflection from the moon is almost powerful enough to read a book by if you went outside. That's pretty awesome in itself if you think about what is actually happening there. The light from our sun shines across 93 million miles of space, hits the surface of the moon and is then cast back onto our planet which is 238,000 miles from the moons surface. Now that is some really intense light. If you think about it, the Earth also does the same thing to the moon during our daylight hours and its night time phases. Imagine how awesome it would be to look up from the surface of the moon and see a full Earth at night, but of course forget about the lack of sustainable atmosphere and the less than 150 degrees Celsius.

God's creations are amazing. If you just stop and meditate on the things that you come across everyday and the complexity of things such as trees, leaves, flowers, rocks, animals, butterflies, the sun, our bodies and the moon. Have you ever said that you were bored during a day? Then why not take your boredom on a journey to explore the wonderful planet God has put you on? Think of it as an adventure as you examine things along your path or even in your front yard.

Take the time to look into the trees and see the birds that land on its limbs and the squirrels that chase one another through the leaves. Scrutinize the petals on a flower and watch as the bees dart in to gather its pollen to carry back to the hive to feed the larvae. Watch the ants trample across the yard in a line, carrying bits and pieces many times the weight of their own bodies. Stop and listen to the sounds of your children as they giggle and laugh. Then dialog with God and bask in His awesomeness and sing praises to Him. Now that is truly reflecting God's greatness as the moon reflects the sun.