What's the Church Really Teaching?

There seems to be a lot of confusion about what the church is teaching and what Christians believe.

I can't speak for every church in the world, of course, but over the years scholars have agreed that the Apostles Creed is the best representation of the beliefs of Christianity. Sure, my church uses electric guitars and my old church used an organ, but that stuff doesn't matter and the church knows it. This is what matters. If you've never studied the Apostle's creed, I recomend it.

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again.

He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting.

Amen.

Can't think of much else to say. Just thought I would post something rather blunt. Here's what the church really does think. It's not about politics or social standing at all. And it shouldn't be.

(That picture is me and my wife in church.)

Does Anyone like Chavez?

Can you imagine uprooting rare and unknown plant life to build a pipeline? Or evacuating natives from their simple mud houses and forcing them to move because you want to sell natural gas to another country?

It's a plan Chavez (the acclaimed socialist dictator of Venezuela) has been trying to push for some time. I can't help but think that if an American were to do this it would result in an international outcry, but no one is really talking about this.

The plan has been stalled by other leaders in South America, but Chavez insists that he is being persecuted. (That man always thinks he is being persecuted by someone.)

Happy 4th! Support Our Troops

It's the fourth of July, so, consider checking out this website about ways to support the troops who are overseas.  Some of it is pretty easy stuff you can do quickly.  If not today, bookmark the site and check back when you have more time.  We really can't do enough for those people.

(And, yes, I will talk about my wedding on here, soon.)

Is the Bible Irrelevant?

Ecclesiastes 9:9
Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun— all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.

In this interesting book of the Bible, Solomon talks about the futility of life.  Working hard, finding true love, all of it is meaningless (he goes on to say more about this in the next verses) because life is always difficult; you can't escape the hardships of life.  This is an ancient reminder of the human condition. 

Whenever someone says that the Bible is not relevant, I just remember Solomon trying everything to be happy and not finding true happiness.  It's like that John Mayer song, Something's Missing, where he says he has money, friends, girls, and everything he could want, but something is still missing.

After searching for happiness in the world, Solomon came to a conclusion and wrote about in the 12th chapter of Ecclesiastes:

 13 Now all has been heard;
       here is the conclusion of the matter:
       Fear God and keep his commandments,
       for this is the whole duty of man.

 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment,
       including every hidden thing,
       whether it is good or evil.