On The Frontlines: The Bible Dude

What does Spiritual warfare mean to you?

We are told that we do not fight against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness (Ephesians 6:12, KJV). To me this is what spiritual warfare is all about. I believe that while we live in a physical realm, there is certainly a spiritual realm with things going on that we cannot see (or understand). When we pray and intercede on the behalf of others, I believe that we are actually influencing things in the spiritual, and are literally attacking that "spiritual wickedness."

What do you believe to be your purpose in life?

To love God with all my heart, soul, and mind. To love others as myself. And to go into all the world and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that He commanded us.

What Bible passage is your favorite?

John 11:35... "Jesus wept." The simplest verse in the Bible tells us more about the humanity and relational-nature of God Himself than other entire books of the Bible. The fact that His heart broke when a friend died, and that He experienced the same emotions that we do speaks of His love for us. Get your head around that one... Amazing...

Who is your favorite Bible character apart from Jesus?

Favorite? Peter... that dude cracks me up! I cannot wait to meet him face to face! However, I find myself identifying more with Paul than anyone else. Can't wait to meet him too...

Other than Biblical figures, who have been your heroes of the faith?

While there are many who have influenced my faith a great deal, I just cannot get over the impact of Billy Graham. I haven't even heard much of his teaching, but his influence on modern Christianity is undeniable. He is such an incredible man of God, and I really appreciate his heart for evangelism.

In your mind what event has had the greatest effect upon the moral degradation of America?

Television, but not from the way that most people think. I think that much of the programming is simply a reflection of what society already is. The biggest problem that I have seen with it is the advertising that has become so common through it. Basically, there are people that get paid big bucks to think of ways to tell us that (1) our lives are miserable, and that (2) we can only be happy if we purchase whatever product is being sold. This has led us into a commercialism that has been overwhelmingly destructive, and only feeds a self-centered perspective that creates even deeper issues.

In a nutshell. what are your end times views?

Be ready.

How role(s) do you believe that Holy Spirit plays in our lives as Christians?

The Holy Spirit is our connection with God now in the church age. I believe that when God works in our lives today, it is by the Holy Spirit. It may be as simple as illuminating the Word in our hearts and minds, or giving us peace in times of trouble. I also believe that the Holy Spirit manifests Himself through miraculous events like healings and other "gifts of the Spirit". I also think that praying and talking to God is quite simply talking to the Holy Spirit (who is fully God).

To what degree are you responsible for your own sanctification?

Responsible in the sense that no one else (humanly) can do it to or for me. I also believe that as I make a free will decision to become more sanctified, that the Holy Spirit is the one that actually does it to me. It is sort of like being a car going into a car wash. We've still got to drive the car in, but it can only be washed by the Spirit.

What does baptism mean to you?

To me it is a laying down of the old, and rising up of the new. I've actually written on my own baptism, which probably describes my thoughts on this topic pretty well...
http://bibledude.net/WordPress/?p=40

How do you feel about the death penalty?

I pray that no one will have to experience it. I try to think of the root of what gets people in that position, rather than the end-result of it as a form of punishment. Bottom line to me... I also pray that the church do a better job of reaching people before they commit heinous crimes that lead to that for of punishment.

How do you feel about physical war?

War happens. God led people into war. But that still doesn't make it pretty, or positive. I think that because of humanity's self-centered nature, people are always going to "look out for number one," and this will always lead to conflict. I was just reading in the book of Judges about a war that broke out in Israel over a concubine that was raped and killed while passing through a certain territory. It has made me think a lot about the idea of fighting wars over principles, and doing "what is right." This is actually a pretty deep topic. However, after serving in the US Marine Corps, I do have a strong sense of standing up for something that is bigger than all of us.

What is your take on the Iraqi war?

Considering that much of the media has greatly influenced everything about our perceptions on this war, let me put it this way. I believe in standing up for freedom. I also believe that the lack of evidence of WMDs only means that there was plenty of time to get rid of them before we ever moved in. I have hope that Iraq can land on it's feet, with the proper support. I hate to see people die, but I know that the troops that are there believe in the mission. And that speaks more volumes to me than anything. Remember... these guys are not being drafted, so they are there fighting for something that they believe in.

What do believe about the New World Order conspiracy?

It doesn't change my responsibility as a Christian. Christians have had to live under bad governments before, and this would be no different. When Paul wrote the letter to the Romans, and told them to submit to government authorities, Rome was under the rule of Nero. He was the first to start state organized persecution of the Christians, and it wasn't pretty. Paul, a Roman citizen, would have certainly been aware of this when writing that statement. My point is that no matter how (good or) bad it gets, Christians still have the same set of responsibilities.

How do you feel about the Patriot Act?

It doesn't change my responsibility as a Christian...

What are your thoughts on the 2008 presidential election?

I heard someone (a Christian) complaining that they didn't like any of the candidates, and again remember thinking that (...say it with me now...) it doesn't change my responsibility as a Christian. I certainly have my preferences among the remaining candidates, but regardless of who wins, I will pray for them regularly (and maybe even more earnestly).

In your opinion, which political system is most compatible with Christian spirituality?

Any system that allows the free practice of religion. However, Christianity does seem to thrive in nations where it is actually forbidden. Hmmm.... chew on that one for a bit...

Can Christians truly be tolerant?

Considering that we are not the Judge... I think that we need to respect people's heart to make their own choices, just as we have been given the opportunity to make our own, and ask that people respect our choices. That doesn't mean that we have to agree. But if I also look at people with the heart of God, and see people rejecting Him, then that should move me into a heart of evangelism. God accepted me just as I was, and imagine that He would do the same for others. Then it is up to His Holy Spirit to work change in them. It is up to us just to love, as He loved us...

What is your favorite movie?

No movie moves me like The Passion of the Christ does.

Which 5 posts from your blog(s) do believe to be most significant?

life is short... http://bibledude.net/WordPress/?p=53
coming back new... http://bibledude.net/WordPress/?p=40
what is truth?... http://bibledude.net/WordPress/?p=25
for the least of these... http://bibledude.net/WordPress/?p=22
The Evolution of Lice... http://bibledude.net/WordPress/?p=11

What other blogger(s) would you like to see interviewed?

Marlo from Joyful Christian Wife
Lance at Lance's Soul Searching
Nathan at Not Typically Christian