Saturday, March 31, 2007
Belief in God
There are many different ways I could go with this blog. I could talk about the other strange numbers that don't jive with the above percentage. For instance "Nearly half (48 percent) of the public rejects the scientific theory of evolution; one-third (34 percent) of college graduates say they accept the Biblical account of creation as fact. Seventy-three percent of Evangelical Protestants say they believe that God created humans in their present form within the last 10,000 years; 39 percent of non-Evangelical Protestants and 41 percent of Catholics agree with that view. "
91 % of Americans believe in God, but only 48 % in creation by God? Ummm...okay.
I could talk about the comments made of this 'Godly' public being cool with atheist. Or I could go political and comment on the numbers regarding the influence of religion in politics and how electing a guy cool with abortion is insync with Christian values.
Instead I will go a different direction. In celebration of Resurrection Sunday (Easter) next week, I want to focus on that 91% of the population.
It is an unfortunate event when people read these numbers and comment on how great it is that so many believe in God. They will often say it is proof that everything is okay and that these hardy, gung-ho Christians are crazy for thinking that the U.S./the world is going to pot. I would love to ask some of these people who they think God is. Believing in God and worshiping/following God are two entirely different things. I believe that George Washington was real, but I don't worship the guy. I really don't know that much about him either. Sure, I know some of the main points but nothing detailed. Out of that 91%, who could tell me how to get to Heaven (hint:being a good person has nothing to do with it)? One of my favorite things to say about these numbers is that even Satan and his demons believe in God...and the Bible says they tremble at the thought of Him.
I live in an area where there is a very skewed view of God. Yeah, people believe in him. These same people also visit mediums and trust what they have to say. They party all week and then show up on Sunday to sit and stare. They go through rituals (in Catholic churches),but can't tell you why they do it or what it means. They don't understand what I mean when I talk about ministry or serving God. They are dumbfounded that I won't do something because it goes against my beliefs often thinking I am following some forced rule of the church instead of my heart.
Out of that 91%, how many of them will be in Heaven? Of course only God himself knows their hearts and it is not my place to assume. I can however share how one can be there.
We live in a fallen world. It was created in perfection but fell under the curse of sin (the bad stuff as I call it) under Adam and Eve's watch. God is a sinless and holy God. He rejects sin and can in no way allow it into His presence. The punishment he places on sin is death. Physical death. Death leads to Hell, total separation from God in never ending, burning torment. This curse passes down to everyone through the man's seed.
Humans cannot obtain holiness on their own. As I stated, being the best you can be or trying to do good won't get you anything. I know a lot of nice people who don't believe in God. After Adam and Eve sinned, God promised them that one day He would restore all things and would send One who would save us. Until that time, the people were required to sacrifice animals in order to receive forgiveness of sins (hold on to this info). The Israelites would sin and sacrifice. The problem is that they would always go back to their sinful lifestyles (much like we do today).
This brings us to Jesus, God's son. He is the one God promised to Adam and Even. He was born of the virgin Mary. Why is that important? Because Jesus was born without sin since he was born by the seed of a woman, not man. Jesus lived his entire life without sinning. Then he was arrested and killed. He didn't have to die. He had the authority and power to leave. It was a choice. Before I stated that the punishment for sin is death. Jesus took our punishment. He was our sacrifice. He died and went to Hell for us. He took all our sins and made them his own. And in his power, He rose from the dead three days later. Through belief in Him, we are promised eternal life.
If we truly believe in God and that Jesus lived, died and rose again, then we can ask God to forgive us of our sins. The price has been paid for them by His son. He will immediately give you forgiveness. You don't have to ask a priest or light any candles. You just simply talk to God right where you are and tell Him you have sinned, want to be forgiven and that you want to follow Him. All have sinned too. No one except Christ is perfect. Ever steal something? You are a robber. Ever told a tiny white lie? You are a liar. Ever looked at another and lusted? Then you are an adulterer. It doesn't matter how big or small, all have sinned.
Forgiveness is yours though if you believe. God has given us all a choice. We can either believe in God and do nothing about it or we can trust in and follow God and be forgiven of our sins. Don't be fooled by the numbers. There is a huge difference in believing in and truly following God. Thinking He exist, going to church, and/or being good won't get you to Heaven. Only accepting the gift He gave you (for free) through His son Jesus will. This Easter, I hope you will consider this.
Please feel free to comment or email me with any questions.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Brady Fumbles
It is being reported that Tom Brady is going to be a dad...to two different women. A few months ago, it was confirmed that Brady's ex-girlfriend was preggers with his child. Apparently, most people thought this was great. Because all children born out of wedlock to ex-lovers is the way we are supposed to do it. Besides, Tom is a great and stand up guy who is probably sent from Heaven to save mankind (at least that is the impression I generally get from reports I read...though I live in the lion's den when it comes to the Patriots). Everyone ooo'ed and ahhh'ed at this fantastic news. Again, isn't it everyone's dream to have a child with someone they have ALREADY BROKEN UP WITH? Apparently, yes.
The real kick comes with reports today that Tom Brady is also expecting a child with his new lova'. Is anyone outraged? Nope. Most seem to be having fun coming up with creative sentences and headlines (like mine, or more uplifting ones like "It seems there's no defense that can stop Tom Brady — on or off the field."...seriously? Thought he lost the last two years in the playoffs) instead of asking, "are these two married?" and "what about the chick who is carrying his other kid"?
But it doesn't matter because we are currently a world that accepts such behavior as this and turns our noses up at 'close minded' people with morals and Godly beliefs.
It is sad. The role models for our children are pathetic. Little girls adore Britney Spears and Lindsey Lohan, both of whom have rehabphobia...but that is okay, getting drunk all the time and the like is wicked cool! Boys (and girls) love Tom Brady. He is the epitome of perfection. Great athelete, nice, yadda. And he gets women pregnant that he isn't even married too! Reach for the stars children!
We can't control how these adults act. I may come across as judgmental above, but I do no wish to be. I am not perfect. I once heard a preacher say that you can't expect better when they are not saved...they don't know any better. And a lot of parents don't know any better to tell their children that this is nice behavior. That they should't act that way or dress that way. The sadder part is this. A lot of Christian parents won't say anything about it either. They do know better.
Oh, and Tommy boy...take a cue from the field and get some better protection.
Couldn't resist.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Coach Tony Dungy
Congrats Coach Dungy. You deserve it.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Did Boston Overreacct?
On Wednesday, Turner Broadcasting tried to do some 'advertising' for the Cartoon Network's "Adult Swim". This advertising included placing make shift light brights in 10 U.S. cities with a crude and angry looking character shooting the bird. These creations featured a battery pack, electrical tape, and wires (in some instances protruding). An employee at one of the MTBA (mass transit) stations where a sign was posted first reported it to authorities. Out of those 10 cities, Boston was the only to take the matter as a possible threat. Boston's finest came out in force along with the bomb squad and quickly investigated the matter. People watched and waited for any report on the matter. When it was announced as a publicity stunt by Turner Network, people were relieved. Now a day later and after the fact, people are asking 'did Boston overreact?' Monday, January 22, 2007
The Centrality of the Home.
Click on the picture to listen to a powerful and deeply insightful message by Dr. Voddie Baucham Jr. He is a preacher at Grace Family Baptist in Spring, Texas. It is only about 20 mins long so turn it on, do some work, and listen to a very wonderful Bible study.I will be posting my thoughts on this in a day or two.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
White and Nerdy
My two week mini-semester ended Thursday, so I should be up for some more mind stimulating blogs in the near future. Hope you all enjoyed the videos.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix July 13, 2007
Friday, January 19, 2007
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Smallville

Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Fantastic Four 2
"Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" June 15, 2007
Sunday, January 14, 2007
300
WARNING: This video may contain content that is inappropriate for some users.
300 March 9, 2007
Friday, January 12, 2007
TMNT
Teenage Mutnat Ninja Turtles March 30, 2007
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Evan Almighty
Evan Almighty Summer 2007
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Epic Movie
Epic Movie January 26
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Shrek the Third
So, for the next few weeks, I will begin posting movie previews for the most anticipated movies of 2007. We start off with...well I don't really need to say because its the title of the blog. Perhaps I should change it in order to build suspense for this very moment. But doing so would take a lot of time. Time I just don't have to waste. Funny how time is like that eh? I mean, you have it and use it, but then when you need it it isn't there to be had. Sure, I could change it but think of the effort involved. Those 10 seconds are important and could be spent elsewhere. Alas, I shall leave it as it is. Boy, think of all the time I just saved.
Shrek the Third
Friday, December 29, 2006
Raey ni Weiver
Best Movies
1. Superman Returns - Don't be fooled by the less than expected numbers this movie pulled in over the summer. It was reviewed better than Pirates 2 which ran away with the box office. This movie is visually stunning, has a great story, and is the perfect spring board for this once powerful franchise. If you didn't see it, do yourself a favor and rent it.
2. The Departed - This star filled film by legend Scorsese made me want to be a cop and a mob boss all at once. Or I could just be a dirty cop and get the best of both worlds. Great film.
3. Invincible - A great sports movie that does have some of your typical sports film moments, but the true story in itself will keep your attention throughout.
4. Mission Impossible 3 & Cars - In what will probably be Cruises' last MI film (since being fired from the studio), this film had it all. I had never seen any of the other MI films but was immediately engrossed in the story and special effects. Pixar pulls off another winner in the cute comedy featuring the voice of Owen Wilson.
Worst Films
1. The Wickerman - Don't you love when previews look so great and present such a fascinating story? Such wicked lies. This was one of Cage's worst films...something he seems to do a lot of lately. Perhaps it is a good thing he will be taking a break for awhile. This film fell flat at every single level and in the end I didn't know whether to laugh ("Oh my legs! You have broken my legs") or cry that I paid the price of admission.
2. Silent Hill - Never again will I look forward to a movie inspired by a video game. If ever a movie had the potential for thrills and plot twist, the game Silent Hill would surely provide it. However this film simply stunk and blew a great opportunity.
3. Date Movie & Scary Movie 4 - there comes a time in every franchises life when it is time to end it. Please stop and let us be.
Best Sports Moments
1. Seeing the up and coming potential of the young 49ers offense. QB Alex Smith, TE Vernon Davis and RB Frank Gore are growing under the supervision of Dallas mastermind Norv Turner. They should be fun to watch next season.
2. The glory of the NFC division. Only here can a team with a losing record still have a shot at making the playoffs. Really gives a person hope.
3. Texas A&M finally beating the Longhorns.
4. The play of the Tennessee Titans under Vince Young. I was the guy who said he was overrated going so high in the draft. But hey, I am human. The kid is really good (looks like everything Michael Vick was supposed to be) and should have the Titans in the thick of the playoff race next year.
5. The following article. Maybe its because I read it when I was tired, maybe it is because of the cold meds, or maybe its because I work with kids all day. Or it could just be that it was really poorly worded. Sports writer Mike Tanier explains how QB Alex Smith is doing better at holding on to the football thanks to a new rule that "allows each team to bring a dozen balls with them to away games for use on offense. The balls must be examined by a referee, but they can be doctored to some extent to remove the slick waterproofing from their surface."
Tanier goes on to say, "Smith isn't the only one who is happy after a thorough ball-buffing. Frank Gore had some fumbling problems early in the year. But Gore doesn't seem to have any trouble holding onto Smith's balls. The Broncos, who come from the capital of ball-doctoring, may want to keep Jay Cutler's balls in a humidor so the rookie's passes don't sail on him. But the Broncos backs and receivers may have trouble grasping soggy balls."
Yeah, its been a few hours since I read it and it is still funny.
Best Books
1. The Ezekiel Option - Joel Rosenberg
2. Showdown by Ted Dekker
3. The Rapture - Jerry Jenkins & Tim Lahaye
Best Songs
1. So Long Self by MercyMe
2. Your Name - Paul Baloche
3. A Greater Song by Paul Baloche
4. Made to Worship by Chris Tomlin
5. Grace Like Rain by Todd Agnew
Best Shows
1. Heros (Monday on NBC) - the surprise show that has taken the country by storm. "Save the Cheerleader. Save the world." With plot twists and new questions in every episode, Heros has built more than a cult following, it has even been nominated for two Golden Globes (best drama and best actor). If you haven't seen this great drama, catch the marathon on January 1. Trust me, after 1 or 2 episodes and you'll be hooked.
1. Smalliville (Thursday on CW) - The sixth season has seen many changes for Clark Kent. As he begins to develop a greater sense of need in the world around him, we are treated to the new addition of Green Arrow. Coming up: the first look at the Justice League. This show has done an amazing job at staying fresh after this many seasons.
3. House (Tuesday on FOX) - Dr. House faces more than medical challenges these days in what has been a great season on FOX. House's drug addiction has finally caught up to him after a cop began investigating him (after being jilted in the waiting room). Can't wait to see how this story plays out.
4. The Office (Thursday on NBC) - This comedy reaches new heights this season as several new faces began work at Dunder Mifflin. Steve Carell is at his best. The best comedy on television.
5. Bones (Wednesday on FOX) - The sophomore season of this show has been no disappointment. As tension continues to rise between Booth and Bones, the mysterious continue to get better and better as well as the deepening story lines between Bones family history and some of the uncaught killers.
Not Looking Forward To...
1. Grease: You're the One that I Want (NBC) - for the love of everything, why ruin a great movie with this reality show?
2. Summer - Is it just me, or does it keep getting hotter and hotter?
3. The inauguration of MA Governor Deval Patrick. I wonder how the people who elected him will react once he raises our already high taxes and gives free passes to illegal immigrants.
Looking Forward To...
1. Beauty and the Geek (CW) - One of the better reality shows out there that is funny, sweet and actually seems to teach some life lessons to the contestants.
2. Summer - Is it just me, or is there a TON of stuff to do in New England?
3. December. I will finally be finished with college!..until I begin work on my Masters that is.
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Well there ya have it. Robert's (New) Land Year in Review. It was all done in fun and I hope you enjoyed it. Hope everyone has a safe finish to 2006 and a blessed and healthy 2007!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Merry Christmas!
This is the first year that the chosen card has been featured on my blog. I find this to be a welcome addition to the contest after nearly 10 years.
Allow me to provide a brief history. One Christmas Eve, my sister and I were hamming it up for the camera. My sister is all her creativity, pulled out all the Christmas cards and we pretended to host an awards show of sorts. We selected what we thought was the best card of the bunch, had a laugh, and then ate junk food. Little did we know that this would be such a big hit. We continued to do this even after she went off to college, and then I kept up the tradition after we moved to Colorado. I brought this fun event into my marriage and luckily for me, my wife enjoys it.
Congratulations to this year's winner. It was a backdoor entry that came in a box of gifts shipped to us. Just so everyone knows, when selecting the chosen card, we do not look at the names. No playing favorites in this contest. It's a serious business. So without further delay, the winner of the 2006 Christmas Card Contest is....
Joe and Jerri in "Festive Christmas Tree". We liked the vibrant look of this card and the fun feel it gave to the traditional Christmas tree. Well done.
Finally, our Third Place Winner goes to Pat from Curry with "Snoopy and Woodstock's Christmas". This card featured various textures that would make it enjoyable to people of all ages. Add that with the enduring Snoopy and you have a winner. Well, a third place winner anyway. I hope that everyone had a very merry Christmas and that you take time today to say a prayer of thanks for the real reason we celebrate!
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Worth Repeating
This is a blog I wrote in December 2005 over on Windows Live Spaces. I felt it was worth sharing again with a new audience and I hope everyone enjoys it.
Robert
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I just finished watching the film “The Polar Express” for the second time. Technically, it was the 2 ½ time I viewed the movie (once when it came out in 2004, once this past evening and the ½ came as I skipped through it in order that I could jot down a few notes).
For those who haven’t seen the “The Polar Express”, it is a truly outstanding movie. If you only watch one Christmas themed movie this season, watch “The Polar Express”. Along with the outstanding visual effects, this is hands down one of the greatest Christmas stories ever produced (as was the book).
What struck me the first time I saw this movie was the strong spiritual undertone throughout the entire film. It was not only amazing, but moving as well. A year later, I was still in awe over this aspect. What a life lesson this movie provides! Whether you celebrate the Christ of Christmas or are simply a “Happy Holiday’er” who enjoys Santa and decking the halls…this is a movie you need to see.
First allow me to say that I hope you finish reading this blog if you haven’t seen the movie yet. I will try not to ruin anything, but I feel what I have to say is more important than you knowing the end of a film.
Quickly, the movie is about a young boy who is struggling with his belief of Santa Claus. To believe or not to believe…that is indeed the question. He has collected worldly evidence that supports that Santa is not real (newspaper clipping of store Santa’s on strike, a picture of Santa with his fake beard being pulled down, a textbook stating that the North Pole is “devoid of life”, etc.). The world he lives in seems to support his idea of Santa not being real.
He lays down on Christmas Eve a shattered and broken child. A few moments later, the Polar Express arrives to pick him up. The Polar Express is a very magical train which is en route to the North Pole, more specifically, to Santa’s workshop. Along the way the boy witnesses many magical and spectacular things and meets numerous people. Yet he still struggles with his belief. He must see Santa in order to believe. Once they arrive to the very large North Pole, he sees Santa’s entire village complete with an express transportation system, millions of elves, a huge toy factory, and even flying reindeer.
Despite all that he sees around him, he can not believe because he has not seen Santa. He can’t even hear the bells ringing on the sleigh. The big man finally comes out of his home and the crowd goes into a frenzy. Our little boy can’t see Santa though. He can’t, that is, until he chooses to believe. It is in this moment that he can hear the bells. And it is in this moment that Santa comes to him.
Maybe you can identify with this child. You want to know God, you want to believe…but you can’t. You want proof. You won’t believe until you see God with your own two eyes. So often, people overlook the evidence of God around them.
“Well mister preachy guy…what about all the bad things? Where is God in all that?” Great question! Allow me to answer: We live in a fallen world full of sin (I will talk more about this later in the month). It’s a world where people choose to do evil instead of good. Just like we choose to believe or not believe. God gave us free will to choose Him. He truly wants your love…not forced worship.
Now, back to our regularly scheduled lesson; there is so much around us that we should see as evidence of God. I think people are looking for huge miracles, a divine message spoken aloud, or for a conquering king who will rid us of all things wicked. You know, that’s what happened the first time Jesus came to us. People were looking for some one to over throw the Roman government and set up an everlasting kingdom. They missed the baby who was born who would grow into a man who later died for the sins of the world. They missed it then, and people still miss it today. They miss how He touches the lives of millions, they miss the profound affect He has on the hurt, the lonely and the lost. They miss what things He is doing in the lives of others, often dismissing it as ‘untrue’ or ‘misled/informed’.
They miss it because they don’t see it. We live in a world that demands proof. To borrow a line from the movie “…sometimes seeing is believing. And sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.” Looking in the Bible in the book of John (chapter 20, verse 29) Jesus says to Thomas (who doubted Jesus was raised from the dead) “Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed.’”
Let me ask you, would seeing Him really make you believe? Or, once you saw Him, would you ask “Well how do I know you are really Him?” Believing is not something anyone else can make you do. It comes from within you. You choose to believe.
Maybe you still have questions. There is nothing wrong with having questions…just don’t let your questions keep you from The Answer.
The first true Christmas gift came when God sent his one and only son to earth. Our sins (and yes, we all have sin…whether is be a white lie or storing illegal nuclear arms in you closet) separate us from God. The punishment for sin is death (Hell...thus the separation). In order to fix this problem, God gave us His son. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and then became sin for us. He took the sins of all who ever lived, are living and will live and died because of them. As I said above, we all deserve punishment and separation from God for the things we’ve done. But Christ took that punishment for us. Jesus defeated sin; he defeated death and provided a way to God.
But, you must choose to believe. And this Christmas, I truly hope you would.
"One thing about trains: It doesn’t matter where they are going. What matters is deciding to get on.”
Copyright 2005
In His Image Productions

