By Josh Weidmann on Monday, April 17, 2006 1:00 AM

On the fourth page Friday’s Chicago RedEye (a Chicago Tribune newspaper), Rob Tong's article entitled, “Doubts Can Sometimes Lead to the Truth," can be found. The title snagged my attention as I skimmed the thin pages, so I decided to read further, soon finding within this man's dry sense of humor a bold statement and even perhaps a nugget of truth.

 

Tong’s article addressed the controversial release of The Da Vinci Code movie and the National Geographic Society’s recent discovery of the ancient manuscript called “The Gospel of Judas.” He explained that one of his co-workers expressed that the release of these two new media attention-grabbers would “cast doubts on Christianity’s credibility.”  However, contrary to his co-worker, Tong states, “I expect things to go completely differently. All this controversy should actually help fuel fact –finding that supports traditional Christianity.”

 

I totally agree.

 

As you skim along the timeline of the Church you will find many movements that began in controversy, but eventually climaxed to make a stronger case for Christianity. Justin Martyr is a great example. Martyr was one of the greatest apologists – some would claim the most important – in the second century. He wrote his “First Apology” after Polycarp (a disciple of John, Christ’s disciple) was murdered for the faith. In Martyr’s “Second Apology” he addressed Romans in an effort to stop the unjust treatment of Christians.

 

Though The Da Vinci Code and “The Gospel of Judas” are not bloodthirsty attempts to kill Christians, they are attacks on the core of our beliefs. It would be foolish for us to curl up in the corner of our society, remaining silent as culture beats us with their doubts or counterfeit findings. Let’s keep declaring truth, finding clearer ways to communicate our faith to this doubting generation by exposing the jagged misinterpretations of the media. We can be sure that doubt will be found to be the skeleton that faith can grow on.

 

“Yes, the 'Gospel of Judas' and The Da Vinci Code film are promoting typically religion –averse people to initiate snickering discussions about Christianity,” Tong states, “But instead of these discussions casting scandal around Christianity, it should hopefully lead to clarification.”

By Josh Weidmann on Saturday, April 15, 2006 1:00 AM

I’m sitting here at a local coffee shop reminded of just how wonderful life is. Too many times I get caught up in the tornado of To Do’s, and I forget that life in and of itself is a gift.

 

It was my newfound friend, Tanya, who reminded me life’s joy. I was just sitting here working on some writing assignments when I had that sort of feeling someone was watching me. I looked to my left to find a little African-American girl no taller than three and a half feet was standing next to me, watching me type. She had never seen a computer before, so when curiosity got the best of her, she wondered away from her “granny” to take a closer look. When I caught her eyes they lit up with excitement and a grin grew on her face. I extended my hand and said, “Hello, my name is Josh, what’s yours?” She looked at my hand with perplexity and slowly raised her hand to grasp a few of my fingers. She softly muttered, “I’m Tanya.”

 

I invited her to sit down, and we shared in simply delightful conversation. She told me about the day ahead of her; her granny was going to take her to McDonald’s for pancakes, sausage, orange juice and a biscuit. Her excitement for that breakfast was contagious. We sat and talked about how each item would taste and as we did, you might have thought we were talking about a meal fit for a king. I suppose in her mind it was as great a banquet as any kingdom could serve.

 

The conversation concluded quickly when her granny told her to "stop bothering that man." I assured her she was not a nuisance and that I was grateful for her visit to my table. I smiled at her, told her that her braids were lovely, and bid her a good day. As mature as a proper princess, she told me to have a good day as well.

 

Thank you Lord, for the serendipitous meeting I had with six-year-old Tanya. Perhaps it was children like her that you encountered when you said, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it (Mk 10.14-15).”

 

Jesus, please help me to always receive the Kingdom of Heaven (your daily and eternal presence) like a child – like Tanya.

By Josh Weidmann on Saturday, April 15, 2006 1:00 AM

There is no denying it. I am worn out…from just doing what I know I need to do. As I was explaining my grave desire to give up to a friend, he took my school paper and wrote on the top:

“Discipline is doing what must be done, in the manner that it must be done, when it should be done, regardless of how I feel about.” (Dr. Sauer)

 

My friend was quoting a professor, and he was right on with this reminder to my weary heart.

 

Is this just a big game of mind over matter? Perhaps. More likely, discipline is the working out of grace. Another close friend once said that discipline is “Practical Grace.” When we feel like we just can’t go any further, we must remember that God will practically give us grace to put one foot in front of the other.

 

One last quote comes to mind (and then I must return to studying). When Henry Blackaby spoke of the relationship that we have with God, and its wearisome state at times, he said we must remember that “Love is the disciple.” he is right; we don’t push through to do our best so that we can be the best. We do it so that we may work out our faith in love for our Lord! It is because of my love for God that I must be disciplined.

 

John said it best, "And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it…8 Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. 9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son." 2 John 6, 8-9

 

 

 

 

 

By Josh Weidmann on Friday, April 14, 2006 4:00 AM

In a recent email from a listener, Roger recieved this special email. Ron is Jonathan's father, and he had hear the Honest to God Radio episode "Dad, Please Listen." Thanks for the kind words Ron. We are praying for you and Jonathan.

Roger,

 I just visited Josh's home page and subscribed to his PodCast. What an amazing kid! Again I'm going to break my rule about reading more books and buy Josh's book tomorrow! I think I can probably read it in a day, in fact, I don't think I should go another day without reading it.

 Listening to one of the archived PodCasts "Dad, please listen" touched my heart. Just today, Jonathan (all 100+ lbs of him) sat on my lap while I was working in my home office. There wasn't anything in particular he wanted to say, or ask...he just wanted to be with me. In all my ignorance, I gave him a hug and immediately looked for reasons why I needed to get back to work. He headed out of the room for a short time only to return again. He asked when I can take a day off, maybe Friday. I told him that I could plan a day but didn't take the time to look at my calendar and commit. Would I have been that passive with a client? I don't think so. Why would I be that way with my own son?

 A few nights ago, he asked if I would take him to an archery range. I asked him what prompted him to want to visit an archery range and he didn't answer. Then he asked if I'd take him horseback riding. I agreed and asked again what had brought these ideas into his head. His answer was "I just want to do manly, guy stuff with you". Wow. My son wants to spend more time with me, doing guy stuff. He wants to visit me while I'm working, just to spend some time with me. He wants me to take a day off of work to be with him. Dad, please listen.

 Part of being an effective communicator needs to include the art of listening, not just hearing, but listening. Josh and Jonathan have reminded me of how poor of a communicator I really am. My son has been calling to me, begging me to listen and I've neglected the request too many times. I'm ashamed to confess how apathetic I've been when it comes to spending time with my boy. He's going to be leaving before I know it and my chances to have an effect on him will be reduced to those times when he has the time to call, or email, or visit. I'll regret not having spent more time with him while he was still young, while he was still interested, while he was still asking...Dad, please listen.

 Thank you Roger, thank you Josh. Thank you Jonathan for coming to me and asking that direct question which pierced my heart. I pray that I act on this conviction and not let my heart grow hard again. Please pray that tomorrow morning when I have the first chance to see my boy that I immediately apologize for not listening.

By Josh Weidmann on Sunday, April 02, 2006 1:30 AM

I’m pretty sure that if you locked me in a room for the rest of my life I would never get bored. My mind goes about a-million-miles an hour, and I have a rare talent of visiting far-off dreams without ever leaving my seat. If my mind goes that crazy locked in a room, you can only imagine how restless my mind gets when the weather is nice outside. It’s the last stretch of the school semester, the weather has been wonderful, and I want to be anywhere but here.

In an email I receive from a close friend yesterday he states, "Discipline is delayed gratification.” I have been pondering that phrase for the last 24 hours, and it is slowly beginning to sink in. He was right, if I will just discipline myself now, I will be able to more fully relish in the joys of later. This can be practically applied to schoolwork, or even more greatly applied to our walk with Christ.

I think that is what Paul was getting at in 1 Corinthians 9:27, “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”[1] Paul was fond of using athletic metaphors to get his point across. In this chapter he talks about “running in such a way as to win the prize.” When he speaks of disciplining his body and keeping it under control, he is saying that I pummel my body – making it my slave not allowing it to do whatever I feel like but staying committed to the larger task at hand – glorifying God.

Surely Paul used this term ‘disqualified’ with the Greek games in mind. “At the Greek games, there was a herald who announced the rules of the contest, the names of the contestants, and the names and cities of the winners. He would also announce the names of any contestants who were disqualified.”[2] I’m with Paul; I don’t want my name to be (metaphorically) on the “disqualified list.”

Press on. We can make it. We’ll get through this plague of spring fever. Remember, do your very best today for today is all you’re promised. Tomorrow will take care of itself – Matthew 6:34.

 

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[1]The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (1 Co 9:27). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

[2]Wiersbe, W. W. (1996, c1989). The Bible exposition commentary. "An exposition of the New Testament comprising the entire 'BE' series"--Jkt. (1 Co 9:15). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.