As some of the readers of this ‘blog (blog is short for weblog – weblog shops at the Big
and Tall store while blog shops in the junior section of Mervyns) are aware we are in
the throws of a church search.
Not just any church mind you, but one that is worth going to for the following reasons:

• Good doctrinal stance
• Good teaching
• Good leadership

We tried another church today – it didn’t meat the second qualification and had some shady
areas in the first category.
You’ll notice that music is not on the list.
While it used to be, I’ve found that I am so anal about the music that I have to ignore it
or the only thing that I’ll find suitable will be me leading – which isn’t going to happen
on a first visit.
We went to Calvary Chapel, Fort Worth.
Its not that the teaching was heretical, its just that it was really nice.

What’s wrong with ‘nice’ you ask?
Well, I’ll tell you.
We’re anti-foofationists (which means that we’re against fluffy teaching of most sorts, this
term was coined by the ‘most right reverend’ Rusty Cobb) and so the light nature of the
message, in combination with the ‘fill me Holy Spirit’ songs turned both Jessica and I off.
Nice teaching is teaching that is palatable to the ear, but lacking in content.
It’s not Cotton Candy, its sponge cake.
It’s somewhat nutritionally better, but not a lot.

And, sorry to some of you readers that are more charismatic in your theology, but I have a
hard time with the ‘fill me Holy Spirit’ songs.
Once again, you ask, “What the heck is wrong with you Randy? Why?”
Well, I’ll tell you.
I believe that the Holy Spirit is given to us as a gift and seal of a believer’s salvation.
This means that the Holy Spirit doesn’t come and go like a poorly behaved dog, he is with
us, even in our times of sinning.
So, when you sing, “Come and fill me up,” you’re singing something that only an
unregenerate (unsaved, lost, hell-bound, sinner, pagan, and other words that incite
folks) person could say, which they’d say as part of a prayer acknowledging their new
savior (“sinner’s prayer”).
So, in short, I don’t want to sing that sort of thing since its bad doctrine.
Some folks believe in a ‘second baptism’ of the Holy Spirit, where he comes a second (and
often more times), which would also fit into that sort of song, but since I don’t, once
again the lyrics are out of place in a normal theological context.

So, we didn’t really care for it, but I hope that the folks there grow and learn God’s
word, even if it is at a slower pace.
We did however walk away with something.

Walking Away With Something

“Well, Mr. Picky-poopy-pants, what did you walk away with,” you ask?
I walked away with a good sentence.

Don’t try to live like Christ did while he was on the earth, live like he is now.

Agast, you are probably thinking, “Christ is in heaven, I am not! Peterman, you’re a nut.”
You’d be right on one account, I am a nut.
But, think about this in a biblical context.
You’ve been given a position in Christ: You’re raised up with Christ, who is seated in the heavenlies (Colossians 3:1-7).
That’s right – you are raised up with Christ.
Christ did many things that were pre-cross, he did many things that were miracles that
only God could do.
But, he did send His disciples and apostles out to teach good doctrine to equip you with
the tools and knowledge (not to mention being indwelt with the Holy Spirit) to be a
bond-servant of Christ.

When you find yourself feeling clich? and asking, “What would Jesus Do?”
Stop.
Think about what the passage in Colossians says.
Set your mind on things above.
Make sure you’re abiding in Christ.
Make sure that you’re looking at things from a heavenly perspective.
Romans 12:2 teaches us that if we’re abiding and our minds are being renewed in Christ
that we’ll be able to test and prove what God’s will is.

The Greek word for ‘prove’ (dokimazo?) used in Romans 12:2 means to test or make sure
something is fit.
Therefore, it doesn’t mean that by our actions we’ll show (by our will) what God’s will is,
but that our actions will be inline with His will as we test what our actions could be
by His word.
This teaching is powerful.
Not because we’re empowered with might, but because He’s in power in our lives.

Anyway, I’m spouting off stuff that is hopefully helpful, but I could also be somewhat
longwinded about.
Email me if you’ve got questions.