Where to draw the line?

How many times do we go through life asking the question... how far can I go with this? How do I draw the line for what's appropriate for me? Some things are obvious - don't kill, don't steal, don't lie, don't cheat on a spouse... but what about the fuzzy areas where there is no distinct answer from the Bible such as internet, movies, music, drug use, and so on?

When we come to the "I don't know" areas of life and we look for Biblical advice, there is a lens we can look through, the Philippians 4:8 lens... 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

So when we face the unknowns from the Bible, this lens can help us navigate through what hasn't been addressed specifically. So TV, movies, and more can all be put through this lens and if we find for ourselves we can't handle the situation, use the 1 Corinthians 10:13 card -13 No temptation[a] has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted[b] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,[c] he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

So where do we draw the line? Is it uniform for everyone? No. Everyone is different on issues, for some eating something may be a sin for them, but for others it's not. I know, it's complicated. Let's focus on what we need to do so we don't violate ourselves and cause us to sin. Let God worry about others!    :)

Pastor Andrew
Ask The Pastor Wednesdays at 8, Announcer at LIFE 100.3 - afternoons 1 - 4, Saturdays 12 - 7, LIFE speaker at different churches when asked to go! :)

When the mp3 file drones on

I thought I'd update the whole record player - tape player - CD player thing by going straight to digital files - the mp3 player. This is not a tech talk, but rather how we respond to when the mp3 file drones on with the same messages that bring us down. Fear, emptiness, loneliness, anger, bitterness, feeling inferior, sadness, and more. All these things the enemy loves to bring to our minds to distract us from living for God. He likes to bring up the past to prevent you from serving in the future. 

Like the mp3 player that contains your music files from whenever you load them onto your device, your mind is something the Devil uses to bring up the past and play it over and over as long as you listen to it. This is why we need to be on our guard because we know the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Unlike the mp3 player, we can't erase what we did, but we can choose to move past what we did, learn from it, and move ahead in Christ. 

For me personally I have to remind myself that some of the things that go through my mind are things that have happened but they do not need to have control over me. They don't need to ruin my life. In the power of Jesus' name we can reject the thought and gain victory. That is so cool! So the next time the mp3 player kicks up with a hit list to try and distract you with your past, know that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world right? Ask God to wipe the mp3 player clean and start over! 

How do you survive the cold?

We have had record temps lately in parts of Canada that have been compared to the surface of Mars for how cold it is! Yeah, that's right, MARS. 

The average temperature on Mars surface? −55 °C.

The temp in northern Ontario yesterday and parts out west? −52 °C. 

So with these record cold temperatures, I have to ask... where exactly IS this whole global warming thing? We could use it right now! If there really were aliens flying by us and if they were to look down at us and see what we live in, I'm sure they'd scratch their heads and ask, "What's with those humans?"

At any rate, how do you keep warm in temps like these? Don't go out unless it's necessary, lots of blankets, long sleeved shirts and pants, hot drinks like coffee, tea, hot chocolate. Let the cars run a little before driving but not long and drive slowly when starting out as your car warms up faster when having to drive experts say.

I'm just glad that no matter what the weather outside is doing, I know who's got my back - our Lord Jesus Christ! But still - please God... shed some heat this way? Thanks!

Pastor Andrew

The real meaning of the 12 Days of Christmas

On Ask The Pastor, this comes up almost every year at Christmas, and people have asked me for this, so here it is... the real meaning of the 12 Days of Christmas...

It dates from a time of religious persecution. The song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas," was written as a kind of secret catechism that could sing in public without fear of arrest - a learning or memory aid to Christians in fact. The song can be taken at two levels of interpretation - the surface meaning, or the hidden meaning known only to the Christians involved. Each element is a code word for a religious truth.

1. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus.
2. The two turtledoves are the Old and New Testaments.
3. Three French hens stand for faith, hope and love.
4. The four calling birds are the four Gospels.
5. The five gold rings recall the Hebrew Torah (Law), or the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament.
6. The six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation.
7. The seven swans a-swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
8. The eight maids a-milking are the eight Beatitudes.
9. Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
10. The ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments.
11. Eleven pipers piping represent the eleven faithful Apostles.
12. Twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles Creed. 

If you think Jesus being symbolized as a partridge in a pear tree sounds blasphemous, remember: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thou wouldst not have it so." (Luke 13:34 and Matthew 23:34) The "true love" in the song refers to God Himself. The "me" receiving the gifts is every Christian. So that "silly" song we sing at Christmas time has more meaning than we thought.

Funny Christmas videos

I love a good laugh, and there are some videos that make me laugh right now as we approach Christmas, here's my list:

Mr. Bean's Nativity scene

The Skit Guys The Brothers Marley

The Santa Clause with Tim Allen - it's the trailer, but the movies make me laugh! All 3 of them!

There are others, but these are my favourites. If you haven't seen the movies of the Santa Clause (yes all 3) and Mr Bean's Christmas? You have a lot of catching up to do!

Yes, I know Christmas is all about Jesus and his birth, there is some fun we can have too though. Merry Christmas!

Dealing with loss at Christmas

This thought came ringing true this week while I was on the air. A listener had heard the song by Chris Tomlin "I Will Rise" and called in about it. It was touching to him as he had just lost his mother within the past week. It reminded me that there are a lot of people this time of year who deal with loss - whether as our listener this week with very recent loss, or as others who I know are remembering someone they lost about this time of year in the past. 

Some churches have memorial services to remember those who have gone on before us at this time of year to help ease the pain of loss so that Christmas isn't a sad memory for them, but rather a celebration still of Jesus and of the life of the person they lost.

How can people have peace this time of year when dealing with loss? The loss of a loved one or a job or something else? We turn to God. Only we as believers have hope beyond the pain, it is a hope that only Jesus can give through the power of the Holy Spirit. As John 14:27 says, 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

We are given a peace in times of trials and loss that the world simply cannot understand apart from Christ. So to those who are dealing with loss this time of year, of loved ones or employment or something else, may the Lord be with you at this time. I don't say that as a pat answer, but to encourage you that there is hope and peace that you can claim in Jesus today. 

God bless.

Giving Tuesday

We've had Black Friday, and we'll have Cyber Monday soon. But here's something new to try out... Giving Tuesday! I know... what? Giving Tuesday. I heard it on one of our commercials and thought what a great tradition to start! it's defined as (by Giving Tuesday.ca) "a new Canadian movement for giving and volunteering, taking place each year after Cyber Monday. The “Opening day of the giving season,” it is a day where charities, companies and individuals join together to share commitments, rally for favourite causes and think about others."

So why not start this with your home? I think we'll do it with ours! Sounds like a great idea, and very Biblical as believers we're called to look after those in need - widows, orphans, the poor and destitute. Giving Tuesday helps put Christmas back in focus after the madness of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 

I like it! If you want to go to the Giving Tuesday website, you can donate to Life by typing in the charity name of Trust Communications Ministries, Barrie, ON, and you can enter any donation amount. We will be notified by them. Cool!