Dumb Idols - Spiritual Thoughts of Daniel J. Clausen

"And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?' which is, being interpreted is, 'My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?' . . .  And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost." - Mark 15:34, 37 The last words of Christ dying on the cross are disturbing to many. They look and say, "See? Even Jesus despaired in that great hour," or "See? Even Jesus felt like God had abandoned Him."  No doubt, the travail of the crucifixion would be enough to break even the best of us, however, there is a more likely, and I daresay, a more encouraging understanding on these pained words.  First, some cultural context Back in first century Jewish culture, and even in some communities in the present day, it was the standard practice of all children to memorize Scripture, that is, the Old Testament. Scribes and scrolls were scarce in those days - not everyone had more books than they know...

"And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." (Exodus 3:14) The name of God, as revealed to Moses, has become a thing of great mystique to the world. Translated as "I AM" in most modern translations, it is commonly understood to mean, "I exist", "The Self-Existent" or "The One Who Is." It is a name that the Jews have considered too sacred to utter, and as a result, the proper pronunciation of it has been lost to time. Many transliterate it into vocalization as "Yahweh." None of what I just explained is wrong or improper in understanding. However, there is a profound meaning of the Name that stands as one of the greatest markers of prophetic significance in all of Holy Writ. In ancient Hebrew, like ancient Greek, the alphabet is multi-purpose, not merely letters, but also numbers. They had no numerical system, but each letter...

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  To name any fear a man may have, he may as well just assert that he has a fear of  death.  Either the stated fear directly leads to death, or else, the fear pales in comparison to death itself. It is the most natural of torments: the striving to be alive at all costs. What man would not admit a moment of hesitation when peering over the void? Who would deny the paralysis that comes from envisioning all fade to black before our eyes? Now, before we are consumed by such thoughts, let me bring light to that darkness by proclaiming what has been done:  "As the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death, he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them, who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." - Hebrews 2:14-15 This passage tells us something:  First, most ...

This is a long introduction that is worth your time, but if you'd like to skip to THE LIST, Click Here. Before I get into this, let me say, it has been suggested I make too much of "non-salvation issues." I will say that I do make much of them, but only because Christ said to "make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe whatsoever I have commanded." He commanded more than believing on His name, but rather, an entire moral and ethical system, a worldview, even an entire Kingdom Culture, which is to be observed by those who gain citizenship therein. I know that teachers will be held to a greater account of judgement (James 3:1), and I will not hold back to teach what I believe is the whole counsel of God. (Acts 23:20) Recently, I came upon the name of a movement that is what I essentially believe, having never known before that there was a "group" of people who thought as I did. Now, I won't go so far as to throw my weight...

"Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?"  I don't use the word "miracle" lightly. Discover God's faithfulness in every step of this story. Our daughter Ariel was born at home Nov. 29, 2012. She was 12 lbs. 15 oz.  We had a planned home birth with two midwives, my pastor's faithful wife, and my mother-in-law. Her name means "Lioness of God." I want to tell this story to extol the great glory that belongs to our God through the name of Jesus Christ.  I don't have any great interest in just "sharing" our experience. All glory, honor, power and strength belongs to God. The Lord is faithful, and speaks to us in diverse ways and manners. Through prayer, through His Word, His people, and prophecy. There is a daily prophetic word that we pay attention to, namely because it has been so clear, directive, timely and accurate, I have read it often over the past seven years...

Should Christians Abandon Christmas? Disclaimer I celebrate the birth of our Savior. This is not meant as a condemnation on any.  I am a questioner by nature, and as such, I think about, and examine, many things that are perhaps taken for granted. My inquisitive spirit is not meant to be a slight or offensive to any, for my thoughts are often detached and without feeling. I know this is sacred ground to some. Consider these words a thought experiment. Rather than dismissing the matter before hearing it, just consider what I have written on its own merit. If it fails, continue on your way, without giving another thought. Please read the entirety of this entry so as not to misunderstand, misrepresent or unduly dismiss me. If after everything, I am still a fool to you, let it be so, only let us be kind to one another. Should Christians Abandon Christmas? The answer to that question will be one of your own conscience, and I will not force the issue. How...