Ode to Arlen Specter

Though I may not be physically present in the city of Philadelphia and the wonderful state of Pennsylvania, I am an avid news watcher for the state and city. I keep up with everything going on just as though I was still there. I miss my home.

Today the news broke that Arlen Specter, total clown senator, switched parties. I am reminded of the last time this joker ran for office. He is what Rush Limbaugh calls, “a RINO…Republican In Name Only.” The only ramification for the switch is the filibuster proof senate. Other than that, the boy is doing nothing he didn’t do before. He’s been laughable as a Republican.

The polls are showing that Pat Toomey (who almost took the position from him in the last primary) was destroying Specter in the polls. His only way of surviving was to switch parties. His act is old. It also makes me happy I voted for Toomey last time.

What this does tell us is the continued slow spread of liberalism and post-Christianity coming down from its home in New England. The last few elections have shown PA slowly becoming more and more liberal. They are becoming more like NY, MA and NJ. The moral decline of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh carry the rest of the state.

Another thought is more proof for the reason why pastors and church-planters must strategically target the heart of the beast- New England. If the church wants to shut off the fountain, they need to go where this is breeding. No longer can we run from Boston, NYC and Connecticut. If we refuse because “it’s too hard” then we are only holding back the liberal tsunami that is going to overtake the Northern USA. The church can run to rural areas and the Bible belt and it only postpones the inevitable. Get with the program pastors and church planters.

The church has been holding on to our political power for years. It’s become painfully obvious that we are slowly losing power as religious right. Politics can’t change an immoral people. The gospel can and must. We can do our best with politics, but our hope is not in DC but JC. Politics control the outward behavior of men, but it does not transform the heart.

ESPN NFL Superbowl Pick...the Eagles?????

Story
OK...I'm a die hard fan, but really. Who are they kidding? We still are weak at WR. Donovan is unpredictable still. Westbrook is the only consistent thing on the whole team. And against the Patriots again? They going to cheat their way back? Granted they have the easiest schedule in the NFL, but I think Favre is going to be fired up and a nemesis to them.

Quick Detour - Phantom Cell Phone Vibrations, Arlen and More

Phantom Cell Phone Vibrations
Alright....this is driving me mad.

The other week, I went for my left pocket because I felt my cell phone vibrating. I pulled out my Razr and checked to see who was calling. No one was. I put my phone back in my pocket. 5 minutes later, it happened again. Then on top of it, I felt a phone vibration and my phone wasn't even in my pocket. My leg kept vibrating. It continues to today. It is maddening.

This has been reported as "Phantom Cell Phone Vibration" and is a conditioned response. Your leg gets so used to feeling vibration from your phone that it gets triggered even when the phone isn't in your pocket. Yes...I'm going insane. This is crazy.

Thank You Arlen Specter
Now that Roger Goodell has compromised what he said he would bring to the NFL by not continuing punishment on the New England Patriots cheating tactics, Arlen Specter...who I never voted for...steps in to get a professional inquiry into the scandal. I used to have high respect for Belichik and the Patriots. The man seemed like a genius to me...now...I question it.



Final Notes
-I'm growing in my respect for Calvary Chapel even though I may not see eye to eye on their charismatic gifts belief. I am starting to be drawn to exegetical preaching again, if it is done well and made practical. I have no issue with topical. I think I'm moving to a hybrid of topical and exegetical.
-I started in on Systematic Theology by Norman Geisler. I am pleased to read something with someone I line up with closely. Every other Systematic I've read has been good, but has had flaws theologically (Grudem, etc). This will be a great class next week as tired as I'll be.
-I've started thinking post-Liberty. I think I may be opening up to the idea of a teaching pastorate, college prof or college pastor. I love student ministry and don't want to leave it, but I wonder if I've served my time. As for education, I've played with the idea of getting my MDiv from Gordon-Conwell, Bethel or a handful of others. I'm mainly looking at something more open in theology. I know where I stand, but I want to be challenged by those who don't hold my beliefs. Doctorate is still debatable. I don't know what I'd get it in or what good it would do me.