Christians should Rejoice in Election Outcome!

Sorry Joseph, I let ya down!

Immediately after the presidential election my first instinct was to throw up a blog about how the Christian Right is in bed with the Republican party and how fear, materialism, and pseudo-nationalism seem to be the driving force behind the right-wing machine…But I didn't...I waited. I wanted to see how and where everything landed once the dust settled and buttholes ceased to pucker. That being said- I’m still waiting.

Contrasting Desires

Sometimes all I hear in my head is the resonating refrain of my own wants and desires.

I want to lose weight.

I want to have more time to read.

I want to have more time to write.

I want to spend my days languidly drinking coffee and discussing literature with my husband.

I want to have more some peace and quiet.
    I crave peace and quiet.

I want the words I speak to sink in and mean something to the person I speak to.

I want more energy.

I want my family to visit more.

I want a baby.

I want a maid.

I want to matter.

I want my mother to be healed.

I want more patience.

I want less challenges and more relaxation.

I want to sip more wine.

Offering up Anger

Last month you were either angry at Chick-fil-a, or you were angry at the people who were boycotting Chick-fil-a. Well at least that’s what everyone was angry about the first week of August. By the third week most people had transferred their rage to something else. Some people are mad that Mitt picked Paul and that they both wear pleated khakis. Others are angry that Obama keeps talking about anything besides the economy. Either way, everyone is pissed off and chances are everyone feels righteous in their indignation. If you’re pissed, and you’re righteously pissed, it seems that you can be both hypocritical and rude in your anger- but never wrong.  No one is ever wrong in their anger. It’s cool, everyone is doing it, so go right ahead, be an asshole to those you disagree with. Your point of view is, of course, right and anyone who has a differing point of view is, of course wrong, and deserves to endure your spewing vitriol. But that seems to be all anyone has to offer. If you are angry that the rights of a group of people are being infringed upon, you can offer your anger. If it’s obvious Paul Ryan blatantly lies at the RNC, you can offer your anger.  Everyone spews their opinions all over facebook, twitter, and the blogosphere. People who disagree are disrespected, threatened, and made fun of. But it seems that all anyone has to offer is their poorly framed, hate –filled statements. No one takes any action. No one risks anything but an unfriending  and some angry comments on the internet. No one moves. Everyone sits idly slinging insults at faceless opponents. No one actually takes a stand. It is so much easier to sit around and stew in their anger.

We Need more Martyrs

Perhaps only dead men can dominate conversations in the United States these days. Licentiousness, gossip, envy, and mediocrity reign supreme, not only on the internet and airwaves, but in the pulpits as well. If I were to die tomorrow, the result of my life would be less than exceptional; much of what I have contributed or written down could be viewed as careless rants and posturing against an institution that I honestly love: the church.

Add one more rant to the list.

When it comes to the church, I'm in a love hate relationship. It is my love that keeps me pining at its doors hoping that a church of Acts revolution breaks out upon the world; it’s my hate, upon seeing its true face, that makes me want to burn it to the ground! It is not enough these days for people to simply hate the church…if that were the case, we might as well just cut our wrists or become atheists. Conversely, it is not enough to sit idly by and watch the church remain in its present state, which is awful! The only way out seems to be to both love and hate the church enough to change it. This love/hate has to be akin to Christ’s love of mankind, and hatred of sin: a transcendental purpose without any earthly reason.

If the church is to be “saved” from its current state, that’s all well and good…I have bought my ticket, and I’m willing to show up to the burning and/or barn raising. But if there is to be emancipation, then I must ask: By what means and what way? A religious movement needs to be biblically based otherwise it is a sham! That being said, the emancipation must come about through martyrdom-a bloody or bloodless sacrifice. The sacrifice is a spiritual commitment and a non-compromising attitude. Now there are those who wish to save the Church by secular and worldly means (i.e. no martyrdom), they have bastardized it through politicization and self-serving agendas. This rightwing political infusion is currently the bane of the modern day church. We love our wars, we love our guns, and we love our money. Hail prosperity at all costs!

So I ask: what does it mean when we continue to behave as though the Church is as it should be? How can we call ourselves “Christians” when the ideals of the New Testament have gone out of life? I personally believe that you have to both love and hate something to change it. We need more martyrs! The only alternative is the paralyzing realization that the world has outgrown the Church...and possibly Christianity.  

The Big Let Down

Mark and I promised after our last extended hiatus that we wouldn’t leave you high and dry again. Then we delivered you 2 blogs and disappeared again. We broke our blogger promise to you and to ourselves. And I’m sorry, though I’m not really remorseful. I’m not remorseful for two reasons, one, because we’ve experienced a lot of change in our personal lives lately, and two it gave me a good topic for a blog return.  And the truth is, every human being you meet in this life will eventually break a promise they made to you. Whether they do so purposely or life just gets in the way of their obligations, everyone will eventually let you down. Can you count on and rely on your loved one? Absolutely.  But we are all fallible and your friends, your family, your co-workers, your politicians, leaders, pastors, the institutions you put your faith and money into will let you down in this twisted world we live. And that is why it is crucial to have a relationship with the One who will never go back on His Word, who will never break His promises to you, and who will always be waiting for you with open arms if you choose to follow Him.

^“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-9

“Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

“… and I will have love, pity, and mercy for her who had not obtained love, pity, and mercy; and I will say to those who were not My people, You are My people, and they shall say, You are my God!” Hosea 2:23

These are just a few of the promises God gives us in His Word. Those of you who know Him well, know that there are many more. Regardless of our level of intimacy with Christ, whether we know Him not, or continually strive to grower closer to Him all of us at some point falter under the weight of human disappointments. But when broken promises seem to abound, all of us need to know and heed that the Lord will never leave or forsake you. Christ is always available to talk to, His comfort is always there when you seek it.

Dear readers, we have broken our blogger promise, but God’s promises abound. We hope that even though we have been absent you all will readily read and comment as we figure out what our new blogger normal is for us. We promise not to leave you again J. 

The Salvation Equation

You're in trouble if your salvation message looks like this

I once thought that Christians of all backgrounds, denominations, and doctrinal teachings could unite on fact that we are all saved by Christ Jesus. That the forgiveness of sin through Jesus’ death on the cross and our faith in Christ and His eternal salvation could unite us all. I’m not saying I thought it did, but I always believed that it could; that two unlike minded believers could at least start on the foundation of the saving power of Jesus. But these days I’m noticing a lot of people have some very different ideas on how to get to heaven. And that, my friends, is not only disheartening, but a little frightening.

The FEAR FACTOR

I have stated several times that I do not believe that fear based conversions to Christianity are healthy and/or desirable. That being said, many Christian denominations have made the fear of “hell” the linchpin for turning one‘s life over to God. While I do admit that physical and spiritual torture, via fire and brimstone, ranks right up there with forced sodomy in the- “Please God! Noooooo!!!!”- department….I do not believe that the fear of eternal punishment is the best way to enter into a relationship. 


We all acknowledge that any human relationship built upon the premise of: “do what I say or I will punish you!” is dysfunctional to say the least, yet when it comes to a relationship with God, this is often the status quo. I don’t believe Joe Rogan (or anyone else for that matter) would want to host an eternal punishment game show where you either fear God and win prizes, or not believe and die screaming and burning in the smelly sulfur pit. Call me crazy- but besides a few select churches- I cannot envision too many advertising sponsors anteing up for those infernal time-slots!?!


I’m not here to debate over the existence or non-existence of Hell. My point is that churches who focus solely on believing in God so that they don’t go to hell are missing out on the entire ministry of Jesus Christ and the sacrificial-relational message contained within. Loving and serving one another is where we truly begin to evolve beyond the dogma of religion and arrive at a Christ centered ministry. The only thing hindering us is that we tend to love ourselves more than others. Ah, damnable state indeed!




So what is your opinion of Fear Based Conversions?

How do you define "fearing God"?

Guest Post: Misunderstood, Misused, and Misrepresented

Today we have the honor of having Matt Rose author our first ever guest post on 3-Foldcord! I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with him via the interwebs over the last year. He is a devout believer and relentless seeker of the most High God. He is also a very cool cat and sports an awesome green shirt in his Twitter profile picture (which I earnestly covet!) Be sure to visit Matt's blog-  An Open Book  and follow Matt on Twitter @MatthewSRose. Be sure to show him some love (or disagreement) in the comment section as well. 

Misunderstood, Misused, and Misrepresented

You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. (Exodus 20:7, NIV)


When I think about the traditional Ten Commandments, this is one that just seems strange. It makes sense that we shouldn’t murder. It makes sense that we shouldn’t worship other gods. But what is all this talk about not misusing God’s name? Does it just mean that I need to say “OMGosh” instead of “OMG”? The ancient Hebrew people—the ones who first received this command from God—were so concerned about violating it that they wouldn’t even use his name. Essentially, to them, he was G-D. Or “The Lord” or “The Almighty One” or some other variation. I’m not saying we should never think twice about the words we speak or the way we speak them, but I am saying I believe there’s much more to this command.


In his book, It’s Not About Me, Max Lucado tells a story about an exchange he had with a rabbi. An exchange where Max did all the listening and walked away changed forever. Imagine, says the rabbi, a large corporation. The average worker doesn’t know the CEO personally, but most of them have met his daughter, because she works with them. She isn’t her father. She isn’t the CEO. But what the workers see of her shapes what they think of him. For better or for worse. And that, says the rabbi, is how we can misuse the name of the LORD our God. It’s all in how we live. It’s all in how we represent—or misrepresent—him.


So let’s ask the painful question: do those who know you see an accurate representation of God through your words and actions? Or are you misusing his name?


Do you study theology because you long to know God? Or do you just want to be known for knowing much? You might be misusing his name.


Do you show love to—and even defend—those whose lifestyle or culture is different than yours? Or do you justify your hatred—your lack of love—by calling it “righteous indignation” instead? You might be misusing his name.


Do you use your resources to help those in need? Or do you complain about the big government that is only trying to do what you should have been doing all along? You might be misusing his name.


In the end, misusing God’s name is not so much about what we say. And yet it’s all about what we say. Because our actions speak too. And they speak louder than our words.

Book Review and Giveaway!!!

Our latest review is entitled:  Pursuit of a Thirsty Fool by T.J MacLeslie.

I admire any Christian author who is brave enough reach inside themselves and dig into their soul and psyche, even at the risk of incommoding, and ultimately publicizing, his/her own vermin. That being said, MacLeslie not only digs, he travails and hacks at the roots of sins that have inundated his mind, body, and spirit. Of course none of this digging would be possible (or tolerable)  without the guidance and divine hand of the merciful God and Savior Jesus Christ AKA:  “The Master Gardener”.

This is Not a Blog about Birth Control

When I was 16 I found out my older sister was on birth control and I called her a slut. I was young and outspoken. I was new to a relationship with Christ and I hadn’t quite formed my own opinions yet, but I loudly shared what I thought I knew. And it was hurtful to my sister. Even though the only physical contact I had had with the male specimen was holding hands and I didn’t truly understand the weight of the word slut or anything about sex, my ignorant exclamation, even in it’s wrongness,, still stung when it fell on my sister’s ears. The fact of the matter is that I was upset that my sister was having sex outside of marriage- but my expectations were entirely unfair. The funny thing is, the expectations I had as an immature, not Biblically educated teenager, reflect the expectations of Christendom as a whole on today’s society.

Religious Despotism

Show me a man who is only devoted to a set of religious principles and I’ll show you a tyrant (or a despot in the making). There is a vast difference between a devotion to a set of principles and a devotion to a person. The Lord Jesus never proclaimed a cause; He proclaimed a personal devotion to himself. Now this does not only apply to man…it can also apply to a church or institution too.

My Criticism -My Judgment- My Fault

It is hard to admit that the average Christian is one of the most penetratingly critical individuals there is on the face of the earth; oftentimes there is nothing in me that resembles Jesus Christ. I must confess that I’m often guilty when it comes to being critical of others. Over the past couple weeks the Lord has shown me that having critical disposition is in stark contrast to His teachings. I have found that when I’m being critical of others…it is impossible for me to enter into communion with the Lord. The truth of the matter is: when I criticize another person, I have basically put myself above the person I’m criticizing. In this self elevation of ego, I have separated myself from another human being and made myself superior to him or her. I should never in any way take this position with another person, for it grieves the Holy Spirit.

Relational Regression

John 6:66,67 (Amplified Bible)
66 After this, many of His disciples drew back (returned to their old associations) and no longer accompanied Him.
67 Jesus said to the Twelve, Will you also go away? [And do you too desire to leave Me?]


Oh, the pain and abandonment Jesus must have felt! When it comes to relationships- I think we can all 'relate'... 


Are there certain relationships in your life that are so far from where you would like them to be that it often brings you to tears? When you contemplate these relationships do you wonder whether your friends and/or family ever think about you? Or if they even care at all? Yeah, me too.

Our Redeeming Judgment

Adherents of the Prosperity Gospel?

If you’re reading this blog and you’re not a 3-foldcord virgin, then I’m guessing you already know that Bible allows us to judge the actions of our brothers and sisters in Christ. You understand that it is allowed to correct poor doctrine and speak to someone about his or her sin. But where does that judgment stop? Where does Christian exhortation go beyond the limits of “Judge not, lest ye be judged”? I think it perhaps goes beyond the scope of Christian love and the need to stand up for abusive behavior and correct bad doctrine when we decide that our doctrinal disagreements are a barometer of salvation. 

The Real Elephant in the Room

The Outcome of ER2

I was going to write a detailed post concerning the recent Elephant Room-2 (ER2) conference and subsequent fallout- which mainly revolved around the admittance of T.D Jakes and his Modalist doctrine (as well as his Prosperity dog-n-pony show). There were also those who refused to participate, and individuals that were denied admittance and threatened with arrest. The “Race-Card” also seemed to play a prominent role in the event too. All in all ER2 seems to have devolved into a doctrinal circle-jerk and bromance of the lowest common denominator. It also appears that the ER2 desired to benefit from some of that Prosperity Doctrine $$$ too.

Schism Sunday XIV: The Way We Worship

I used to love Sundays. They were my favorite day of the week. I reveled in the ritual of it all. We would go to church for our 1.5 hours of worship, fellowship, and good Bible teaching and afterwards we would go out to breakfast, drink too much coffee and discuss the sermon. We would eventually find our way home and into our bed for a traditional Sunday afternoon nap. I love naps and I loved Sundays. Mark asked me to marry him on a Sunday. I even enjoyed Sundays in college, I would dress up to go to Mass (if I wasn’t too hung over) and afterwards I’d go to the campus cafeteria which was still pretty empty because everyone else was sleeping off the weekend. I’d have an omelet and read the bulletin, it was one of the very few times I enjoyed being alone. And afterwards, you guessed it, I took nap.

A Christian Conundrum in a Political World (redux)

I don't think so...

I have always wondered why so many Christians have such a sickening love affair with the government and war? I have heard it said, “The word Christian makes a great noun, but a lousy adjective.” If you think about that statement one has to ask themself: is America a Christian Nation?

Miracles, Healing, and the Church (Time to raise the dead)

John 14:12-14
Amplified Bible (AMP)
12 I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father.
 13 And I will do [I Myself will grant] whatever you ask in My Name  [presenting all that I AM], so that the Father may be glorified and extolled in (through) the Son.
 14[Yes] I will grant [I Myself will do for you] whatever you shall ask in My Name presenting all that I AM].


Much speculation and controversy has resulted from the verses above. There are various individuals and denominations that believe that the power of miracles, healing, and raising the dead- died with the disciples and apostles. Could this really be the case?

More PLEASE?

John 21:25

Amplified Bible (AMP)

25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did. If they should be all recorded one by one [in detail], I suppose that even the world itself could not contain (have room for) the books that would be written.

Over the past couple days I have been thinking about John 21:25 often. Even though I understand that the Bible is complete and able to stand on its own merits, I cannot help feeling a bit selfish in wanting more. I mean- who wouldn’t want more details concerning the thoughts, words, and actions of Jesus Christ? I must confess that I do feel a bit like Oliver Twist here: 'Please, sir, I want some more.' 

Anyway, I’m going to keep it short and sweet today and simply ask you a question/s


If there were more Biblical books written, concerning the life of Jesus, what would you want them to contain? What more would you want to know about our Lord and Savior?


We look forward to your responses!

Schism Sunday XVIII: Cute Desperation

Have you seen those commercials with Sarah McLachlan’s In the Arms of the Angel playing and all the sad puppies and kitties? I’m sure you have. They get me every time. Every time I see one of those commercials pleading with me to save these animals who only know abuse and neglect by donating to the ASPCA I feel a small tear forming in my eye. The sad kittens and the one-eyed dog really send the message home and I find myself feeling emotionally connected to these animals. I find myself moved by their cute desperation. And then I remind myself of all the human children who only know abuse and neglect and I know it’s not cute and there are no commercials for them.

Total Depravity: A Depraved Christian Concept

Now go share this with someone you love!

 Every time I hear a Christian say: “I am the chief/worst of all sinners” my butt hole puckers up like it just got turd-splashed with ice cold toilet water. Of course these “chiefs” are aping the Apostle Paul, Ala 1 Timothy 1:15, but the reality is that they are either being disingenuous, self deprecating, or worst of all: braggadocios. Can you actually believe that someone would brag about being a sinful piece crap? Well, a lot of Christians do (it's novel don't ya know?) Now being all humble and “Pauline” may seem admirable, however, I highly doubt a little drinking, swearing, and premarital sex, before/after being saved, automatically awards a sinner with the title of “The Chief of all Sinners”. If Paul was living today, I think he would go slap-happy on any Christian making such a preposterous claim. The truth about Saul of Tarsus (Paul) was that if he visited your Christian-church, back in 1st century, he wouldn’t be bringing his famous green bean casserole for the potluck; he’d be bringing a heaping helping of chains, pain, and humiliation! Chief of all sinners? Yeah, I’ll put Saul/Paul in the “chief” category.

Does Forgiveness Require Amnesia?

When you forgive, do you always forget? Is it always a rule to forgive and forget? In my family I’ve heard a lot about old grudges that have been forgiven but not forgotten. I always thought there was a flaw in this logic. If you forgive someone a wrong they have done, shouldn’t it be like the wrong was never done? Shouldn’t you be able to move on with your relationship with love and kindness and not anymore thought to the pain or betrayal or wrong done to you? After all, when Christ forgives us, aren’t we made new? Are we not purified from our sins because they are forgiven? Was it not Paul who said he had wronged no man?