Jay Pea

Chosen but Free, by Norman Geisler, is a fantastic book that offers answers to controversial topics of Christianity. The book is very interesting and a decent read as well. It immediately starts with the ever prevalent Calvinism versus Armenianism debate. I myself am partial to one side more than the other; however, he supported both sides accurately and appropriately. Geisler is plainly and educated individual that clearly states his points and strong arguments.

His use of scripture is also an outstanding element of his book. Nothing is stretched or taken out of context and every verse is clearly explained so to derive the appropriate meaning. He also throws in the ideas of other highly educated thinkers that contributes to his point or argues the other side of it.

However, before he explains the two extreme views he presents the features that define the nature of a sinful man.  For example he states that God is in charge of everything and that includes fallen angels, humans, and Satan. He backs up all of his points accurately and concisely. He uses scripture to support all of his ideas and beliefs. To show that the Lord is in charge he used Isaiah 46:10 “I make known the end from the beginning, form ancient times, what is still to come. I say, My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” Geisler uses this to show that God is stating his definitive control for he is God. He explains how it is hard for man who is finite to understand the infinite that is God. Though, the comprehension of the Lords sovereignty will assist in the presser a proper understanding of God. Geisler continues on to expound on the sin nature in every human. He concludes by saying that every sinful person will seek God. This is shown in Romans 3:11 and that we cannot attain our salvation by work. The grace of God is the only thing that will lead to everlasting life. My favorite statement that Geisler made was that god didn’t create us to force us to love him, because forced love is not love at all.

I agree with most of what Geisler had to say. I found his points insightful and interesting. The best part about this book is that it gives the reader the ability to answer a nonbeliever’s questions on the subjects presented. It also helps explain the differences between the two presented ideologies and helps one decided which one to identify with. 

When the word worship is heard by a Christian the first thing that normally pops into their mind is music; however, the problem that is facing today’s churches is the issue of what is acceptable worship. Some churches have a set style and pattern which they do each service by every Sunday and other churches let the congregation lead.  Also, the music selection is an issue in some churches. Some churches stick to the hymns only while others only do praise music; then there are churches that do combinations of both. The music in a church should be used to offer up praise, love and gratitude for God. Churches today are not struggling with the issue of Chris Tomlin versus “Old Rugged Cross”; it is more about what is acceptable during the service. The churches of the past had the same problem as well. Martian Luther expressed this problem in his list of grievances. The music in the church should be applicable to it audience; for example “In the Garden” would not be an effective song to play or sing in China. Church worship should also be open to all forms of worship. If a person wants to dance, sing, spin, or do whatever to praise God then they should be allowed to, as long as it is a reasonable action. The choice of hymns or praise music is a heated argument; though, both should be in a church’s worship. Praise music is necessary for it allows one to sing thanks and gratitude to God and the hymns are important because they inform the unsaved about Christ and the impact that he could have on their lives. The issue of what is to be considered proper worship for a church is an ever evolving topic that has been around since Gregorian Chant and the first forms of worship. As the congregation changes so should the worship, it is and always will be an adaptive part of the church.

When I was fourteen I heard a man from MTV’s Real World show speak at a conference the summer before my senior year of high school. His name was Chris Graebe and seemed to be describing my small town life exactly when he was telling his life story. So immediately he caught my attention. Then he proceeded to talk about how he followed that life style and it almost led him to suicide. At first I was excited about what he was describing and all the fun that it seemed to be until he got to that suicide point. Then he told me about how all of his actions and how his life style wasn’t pleasing to God. He said that it was all bad and because of it he couldn’t get into heaven and that when he died he would have gone to hell for all of the bad things he had done; however, he told me that there was a way out. He said that there was a way out. He told me that God sent his son Jesus to earth to die for me so that I may join him in heaven. I he said that Jesus died to erase all the bad that I had done in my life and had made me worthy but the only way to receive this pardon was to give my life up and follow Jesus. I felt like this was something that I must do and that night I said a prayer to God asking him to forgive me and come into my life.

Today I attended the Concert in the Courtyard at Liberty University in the courtyard behind the Demos Learning Center. The concert was sponsored by 90.9 The Light and it was their way of kicking off their new programming for their station.

The bands that played were IvoryLine, Emery and Anberlin; they took the stage at 8pm, however, the station was open to the public all day to give their listeners a behind the scenes look at the workings of a radio station. The concert was fantastic with extreme lights and high energy bands it captivated everyone’s attention all night. The show was packed, despite the cold, at one time there was 1,500 people there.

The Light used this as an opportunity for their listeners to see and hear some of the new bands that they plan on playing. Some of the DJs and sponsors of the station were in the crowd so that the listeners could get to know the faces behind the broadcasts. I spent some time talking to DJ JP, he is a great guy and one of my favorite DJs at the station. Also, this event was broadcast live by The Light which they used to gain attention to announce the big changes to the station.

Some of the changes, other than the new music, are new shows that will focus more on what students want to hear. Also, there will be a Hispanic show to help add some diversity to the programing. The Light débuted a great looking new logo last night, in my opinion this was a the best way to have spread the word about all their new changes.

Jamie Hall, station manager, said “I am more than excited about the new improvements to our station and what better way to inform the public of the new programming changes than to show them the bands.”

Overall the show was amazing; however, the crowd made the show incredible and unforgettable. They danced and sang along to every band all night. They were so involved that the bands just fed off of their energy making it one of the best and biggest concerts to have ever been held at Liberty University.