There Is Something About That Name

My name is JOE. It's a common name. I have heard it often used, even misused, and sometimes abused, to describe plain, old, run-of-the-mill ordinary people, as in "Joe Blow," "Joe Cool," and "Sloppy Joe." (In fact, it wasn't too many years ago that I had two little boys running around the house yelling "G. I. JOE!").

Actually, the name JOE is just about as common in our day as the name JESUS was on that first Christmas day 20-centuries ago. And yet, according to the Word of God, that was THE name that was to be given to the Son of God on the day He entered the world of man, and was laid to rest by His mother, Mary, in a feeding trough in a Bethlehem stable. The angel said to Joseph, "You are to give him the name Jesus" (Matthew 1:21).

But make no mistake about it, names are important. The 18th-century European poet John Wolfgang von Goethe wrote, "A man's name is not like a mantle which merely hangs about him, and which one per chance may safely twitch and pull, but (it is like) a perfectly fitting garment, which like the skin, has grown over him, at which one cannot rake and scrape without injuring the man himself."

Those words ring especially true with respect to the Name of our Lord. In fact, in the words to the title of a well-known Gaither song, "There's Something About That Name."

His Name is WHO He is and His Name is WHAT He does. His Name is His NATURE and His Nature is His NAME. His Name reveals His WORTH and His WAYS.

For example, this name "Jesus" reminds us of our Lord's HUMANITY, and His personal identification with the human race. It reminds us that He participated in the human experience. As a man He hiked difficult mountain trails and walked along the Galilean shore. The tongue that called forth the dead was a human tongue; the hand that touched a leper had dirt under its nails; the feet upon which the woman wept were calloused and dusty. And the tears that He shed at the grave of His dear friend Lazarus flowed freely from a heart that could be just as tender and broken as mine or yours.

As JESUS, the Bible says, He was made "like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God. . . . Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those (of us) who are being tempted" (Hebrews 2:17-18). Yes, "There's Something About That Name." His Name JESUS reminds us of His HUMANITY.

Secondly, this name "Jesus" clearly speaks to us of His life MINISTRY. For "Iesous" (JESUS) is the Greek equivalent of the Old Testament Hebrew name "Yeshua" (or, Joshua), which literally means "The LORD Saves." And so the angel went on to say in Matthew 1:21 that "He will save his people from their sins." That is His divine MINISTRY - to be a Savior!

In these most familiar words of John 3:16-17, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, what whosoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son (JESUS) into the world to condemn the world, but to SAVE the world through him." In fact, later in His life, JESUS testified of Himself that He came into this world "to seek and to SAVE what was lost" (Luke 19:10). Yes, "There's Something About That Name." His Name JESUS not only reminds us of His HUMANITY, but it also speaks to us of His MINISTRY.

And, finally, it also reveals to us His divine DESTINY. The angel Gabriel said to Mary, in Luke 1:31-33, "You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name JESUS. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

JESUS - "There's Something About That Name!" It reminds us of His HUMANITY. It speaks to us of His MINISTRY. It reveals to us His DESTINY.

So, how should we respond to this revelation of our Lord?

First of all, everyone needs to ACCEPT the gracious Name of Jesus. It's the only way to be saved! The Bible says in Acts 4:12, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

Now, obviously, when I talk about accepting His Name, I mean that we, in reality, accept Him - who He is and what He has done (that is, we accept His person and His work on our behalf). The Bible says in John 1:12, that "to all who (receive) him, to those who (believe) in his NAME (you see, there's a sense in which believing in His Name is the same as receiving Him) - (to them) he (gives) the right to become children of God."

Have YOU accepted the gracious name of Jesus? Do you believe in Him and have you received Him as YOUR Savior? I hope so. If not, why not? He is JESUS our SAVIOR. We need to ACCEPT that gracious name.

But secondly, not only must we ACCEPT the gracious Name of Jesus, but we must also RESPECT the glorious Name of Jesus.

In his book titled Growing Deep In The Christian Life, Chuck Swindoll tells the story of “a commercial venture of one of the largest department stores in our nation, (which) proved to be disastrously unsuccessful. It was a doll in the form of the baby Jesus. It was advertised as being unbreakable, washable and cuddly. It was packaged in straw with a satin crib and plastic surroundings, and appropriate biblical texts added here and there to make the scene complete.

“It did not sell. The manager in one of the stores in the department chain panicked. He carried out a last-ditch promotion to get rid of those dolls. He brandished a huge sign outside his store that read: JESUS CHRIST - MARKED DOWN 50% - GET HIM WHILE YOU CAN!”

You know, when I read that story, I couldn't help but think of how it so aptly and accurately illustrates how much of the world today tries to diminish and devalue, underestimate and undermine the worth and work of JESUS our SAVIOR. Like Rodney Dangerfield, His Name gets little if any respect. Too many people today play fast and loose with the Name of JESUS, misusing it to cut some deal; abusing it to lash out in anger. Others incorrectly think that just because salvation is free, His grace is cheap. But nothing could be further from the truth. For it was purchased and paid for in full by the precious blood of JESUS our SAVIOR. It cost Him His life. And the incredible and inestimable value of that personal; sacrifice of JESUS our SAVIOR can never be marked down.

Yes, that gracious Name, which needs to be accepted, is also a glorious Name that must and one day WILL INDEED be respected. For the Bible says that God "exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11).

So, "what's in a name?" mused Juliet from her balcony window. That IS a good question. For, you see, when it comes to my name, JOE, it seems as though there is nothing really special about that name. But, when it comes to His Name, JESUS - well, "There's Something About That Name." I trust that you have already accepted it, and that during this holiday season you will respect it, for the Bible says in Psalm 138:2 (NIV) that "you have exalted above all things your name and your word."
Exalting His Name and His Word this Christmas, 2007.

Those who honor Me I will honor . . .

Congratulations, Tim Tebow, winner of the 73rd Heisman Trophy Award, and a young man who unashamedly gave all the glory to God. You blessed us by the way you honored your family as well. Your mom and dad and siblings must be so proud of you. I know that Jesus is! Obviously, the Lord has taken great delight in honoring YOU today. This day, Saturday, December 8, 2007 is your day, Tim Tebow.

Expletive deleted! or "As a man thinks, so IS he" - and so SAYS he!

The term expletive is commonly used to refer to any "bad language" or “profanity” that has been censored by the author or by a subsequent censor. The word became popular in American culture during the 1970’s, when transcripts of the late President Richard Nixon’s (now declassified) internal tapes were made public. The phrase "expletive deleted" was put into the court record whenever the notoriously profanity-laced discussions with H. R. “Bob” Haldeman and other Watergate insiders went beyond the bounds of common decency.

Profanity is defined as “the quality or state of being profane”. The term relates especially to the use of profane language, or any desecration or disrespect toward an object of religious veneration. It can be a word, expression, gesture, or other social behavior which is generally interpreted as insulting, rude or vulgar. Other words, besides “expletive,” commonly used to describe profane language or its use include: cussing, cursing, swearing, obscenity and blasphemy.

Anyone who confesses to be a believer in Jesus and claims to advance His Name and reputation in this world, needs to understand that profanity does not belong in any Christ-follower’s vocabulary, and thus should never flow from his lips or from his pen. Those who speak it or write it betray by their spoken words and written weblogs that they really don’t know Jesus. He was never insulting, rude or vulgar. In fact, that was the very testimony of those who were graced with the privilege of seeing and hearing Him in person: “So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” (Luke 4:22).

But, of course, the Bible says that He was “full of grace and truth” (John 1:18). No wonder that what overflowed from His heart and then fell from His lips were words of grace and truth! Indeed, Jesus Himself explained, “. . . For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things” (Matthew 12:34-35). It’s been said – and I would agree – that people who have to resort to profanity when writing or obscenity when speaking have very small minds. Jesus would add that they have very corrupt hearts. One of the wisest men who ever lived said about every man, “For as he thinks in his heart, so IS he” (Proverbs 23:7). Jesus would add, “As a man thinks in his heart, so SAYS he!” The heart of the matter is that a man’s speech is really a matter of his heart. Whatever is “in” a man’s heart is eventually what comes “out” of his mouth (or pen).

Furthermore, a cussing man who claims to be a Christian needs to know that a cussing Christian is an oxymoron. James, the half-brother of our Lord, wrote in that central passage on the “tongue,” “Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so” (James 3:5-10).

The Apostle Paul alludes to that same incongruity when he writes to the Colossian Christians, “And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That's a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God. It's because of this kind of thing that God is about to explode in anger. It wasn't long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. But you know better now, so make sure it's all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk” (Colossians 3:5-8) The Message.

Similarly, he admonished the believers in Ephesus, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen . . . Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving” (Ephesians 4:29, 5:4).

Frankly, I am deeply saddened by some young people today who have so much potential to make a difference for Christ in this world, but who are trying to change the world apart from their obedience to His Word (especially when it comes to issues like this one), and apart from their dependence on His Spirit. They are just deluding themselves if they think that by becoming obscene and profane in their speech they will produce anything of eternal value in anyone else’s life, not to mention the fact that they will also have to give account for themselves at the judgment seat of Christ. What a colossal waste. The devil really has them duped . . .

How I wish they would have the wisdom to heed the admonition of the Apostle Paul to his young protégé, Timothy, when he wrote, “But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:16-21).

It’s not unusual at any time (in many cultures) for the younger “Christian” generation to pick the “speck” out of the older generation’s “eye,” and to label them as hypocritical old fools, accusing them of not being able to “walk the talk.” At the same time they either fail to see or refuse to admit that there is a “log” coming out of their own eye. Not only do they sometimes fail to “walk the talk”, but resorting to the most obscene and profane language – insulting, rude and vulgar speech – they can’t even “talk” it! To me, that is the epitome of hypocrisy for one who claims to know, love and serve Jesus Christ.

There is absolutely no way anyone – young or old – can justify profanity in light of the admonition to “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2).

No, the way to reach and change this obscene, profane world is NOT to become like them in our walk and talk. Rather, in the words of the Apostle Paul, we are to “walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, (not “peppered” with profanity) that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Ephesians 4:5-6).

The bottom line? All expletives need to be deleted . . . from the mind as well as the mouth.

Finally, once again, from the pen of one of the wisest men whoever lived,

“The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool shall swallow him up.” (Ecclesiastes 10:12)

Let's wise up!

"Letters From War"

Win and I just returned home tonight from San Antonio, TX, where we were thrilled to witness our son's (TJ) graduation from his basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base. TJ was an honor graduate (he was in the top 5% of all 500 graduates), and received four ribbons (the most one can earn during BMT). We were soooo proud of him. On Sunday, August 26, at 8:00 a.m. (0800 hours) we attended a "high energy" chapel with him. The following video, by Mark Schultz, was played just before the service began. Among the many guests there today there was not a dry eye in the place! The trainees absolutely love this song, and go "wild" whenever they hear it. Take a look/listen, and I think you will understand why . . .

A man's BEST friend[s]

It's been said that a dog is a man's best friend. Having been a dog-lover all of my life, and a dog-owner for nearly 30 years, I think if I would be honest I must admit there probably is some truth to that statement. Indeed, it was undeniably confirmed for me by one of my dogs in particular - a black lab we named "Shadow." Now, we didn't necessarily give him that name because he was black, but, rather, because of the way we got him. You see, he was a stray that I found back in the mid-90s when we lived in the California desert. Actually, he found me. He was sitting next to my truck one day when I left the church office to go home for lunch. I didn't see any collar or tags on him, and because he seemed friendly enough, I opened both doors to the truck and asked him if he wanted to go home with me. He didn't budge. So, I got into the cab, shut the doors, threw the truck into gear and headed out of the parking lot onto the main road (Bubbling Wells Road, in Desert Hot Springs, CA). When I glanced into my rear view mirror I couldn't believe what I saw. The crazy dog was following me home, running behind me in the middle of the road, keeping pace with the truck. I pulled over to the shoulder of the road, stopped, and once again invited him into the cab with me. He still didn't budge, but he began wagging his tail when I opened the rear tailgate, picked him up and placed him in the back end of the vehicle. The boys were so excited when I pulled into our driveway blasting the horn. They came running outside yelling, "Daddy's got a dog! Daddy's got a dog!" Win followed them out the door, and just stood there giving me a look that said, "What in the world have you done?" Well, to make a long story short, we "adopted" Shadow, and for the next eight years he was not only MY dog, but he was also one of my best friends. He was mischievous, stubborn, self-willed - and absolutely loyal.

Perhaps that is one reason why someone else once said, "The better I get to know people, the more I love my dog." The tragic truth is that many people just don't get the concept of loyalty. Shadow did. For example, it never bothered him if I came home "late" from work - even if I failed to call ahead and warn the rest of the family. He was always at the door waiting for me, and letting me know how happy he was that I was finally home. And if I ever "barked" the commands, "Shadow, sit!" or "Shadow, down!" or "Shadow, go to your room!" he never seemed to hold it against me. But he would wag his tail and lick my face when I finally released him from his confinement. (He was like a Marine . . . Semper Fi!).

(Come to think of it, as an aside . . . I believe my younger son T.J. may have learned loyalty from Shadow, because I have yet to meet a young man more faithful and loyal than him. His heart often goes out to the "underdog" - and he will stick by and defend that person to the end).

Well, I must admit, the better I get to know some people, the more I love my . . . GOD! The prophet Jeremiah declared "Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed . . ." And then he went on to add, "Great is thy faithfulness!" (Lamentations 3:22-23). The Psalmist exclaimed, "I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever" (Psalm 89:1). In both instances the English word "mercies" is a translation of the Hebrew term "chesed", which is sometimes rendered "lovingkindess" in our English Bibles, but may be even more literally translated "loyal love." Yes, God is the epitome of loyalty. Indeed, the Apostle John writes in John 13:1 that Jesus, ". . . having loved His own who were in the world, loved them to the end." That is loyalty. Later in that chapter, in the discourse that followed, the Lord said to His disciples, "Greater love has no one to this, than to lay down one's life for his friends . . . No longer do I call you servants . . . but I have called you friends" (John 15:13, 15). His words remind me of an old gospel sing we used to sing,

Earthly friends may prove untrue, doubts and fears assail;
One still loves and cares for you - Jesus NEVER fails!

Then there was this song written by John W. Peterson in the second half of the twentieth century,

I would love to tell you what I think of Jesus,
Since I found in Him a friend so strong and true . . .
No one ever cared for me like Jesus,
There's no other friend so kind as He . . .

It seems to me that when believers demonstrate loyalty, they best emulate the very nature and character of Christ. (And when they don't . . . well, let's just say they best emulate the
"adversary," who doesn't have a clue as to the true meaning of loyalty).

Thankfully, there are a few believers who understand what real friendship is all about. That is why I also need to say that the better I get to know some people, the more I love my . . . TRUE FRIENDS!

Mike Eberstein [a.k.a. Captain Mike], Bill Fikse [a.k.a. Sir William], Marvin Jepson, Steve Lewis, Jim Newman, Earl Radmacher [a.k.a. Dr. R], Marshall Swoverland - these are some of my true friends (along with my wife, of course - who is my very best friend). To be sure, a couple of them are already with the Lord (Marvin Jepson, Marshall Swoverland). Others I would consider my "mentors" (Bill Fikse, Earl Radmacher). None of these men are/were just "fair weather" friends. No, they have been loyal to me and have stood up for me and stood with me through the worst of times as well as the best of times. I love THEM, too, and would do anything and everything I can to demonstrate my loyalty to them.

Moses had Aaron (his brother) and Caleb's young son, Hur (Exodus 17:12) who stood by and supported Moses at a time when he was physically spent and needed help. They didn't say, "Too bad, old man. Maybe you should retire. We need a leader who is stronger. Sorry, but we just can't support you anymore. We're outta here!" No, they stood by Moses' side, held up his arms, and encouraged him in his ministry.

David had Jonathan, who came to him when David's life was threatened by Jonathan's father, King Saul, and "strengthened his hand in God" (1 Samuel 23:16). As the saying goes, "a friend in the time of need is a friend indeed!" I know that I am and will be eternally grateful for my loyal friends.

Finally . . . okay, I need to admit it . . . the better I get to know some people, the more I love my . . . DOGS!

I'm pretty well convinced the Lord brought Shadow to our family so that he would be there for me during one of the darkest times of my life. When some of the people that I loved and trusted the most conspired against me and then betrayed me, and when the accompanying "stress" nearly killed me (see the August 5th blog, "A near death experience"), it was almost as though that dog understood what I was going through and knew what I needed. He was always there for me, at my side from the time I came home, until I went to bed . . . (Actually, he usually was still at my side through the night as well). I started referring to him as my "Old Faithful." Yes, he was loyal! However, he was also old. (We were never really sure exactly how old he was because he was a stray). As I began to heal from my massive heart attack and regain some of my strength, he seemed to be getting weaker and weaker. He began "crying" through the night. We finally took him to the vet, and on Friday, September 24, 2004, we had to give the vet our permission to put him down. He was suffering from and was in the final stages of bone cancer. I am not ashamed to say that I held his head in my lap and cried as he went off to sleep, never again to wake.

The Anglo-Scottish poet Lord Byron (1818-1885) had a fondness for animals, and especially loved a Newfoundland dog named "Boatswain." Upon the dog's death from rabies, Lord Byron wrote an inscription which has become one of his best-known works. He titled it, "Epitaph to a Dog." He wrote,

Near this Spot
are deposited the Remains of one
who possessed Beauty without Vanity,
Strength without Insolence,
Courage without Ferosity,
and all the Virtues of Man without his Vices.
This praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery
if inscribed over human Ashes,
is but a just tribute to the Memory of
BOATSWAIN, a DOG . . .

He also described his dog as "the poor dog, in life the firmest friend, the first to welcome, foremost to defend."

That was my Shadow. He was a "friend" who remained loyal to me to the end. For me, his life serves as an excellent illustration of loyalty.

I know I have some other "people" friends (such as those mentioned before) who have and will remain loyal to me as well. For me, their lives also serve as excellent demonstrations of loyalty.

And then there is Jesus, the ultimate illustration and demonstration of loyalty - indeed, the very incarnation of loyalty. In fact, the thought has occurred to me that one can find no better model of loyalty than the Godhead. Every member of the Trinity - Father, Son and Spirit - is absolutely and eternally loyal to the others. Therefore, it seems to me that when we believers identify with a local church fellowship, and then begin to interact with each other in ministries of leadership, worship, discipleship and stewardship in that local church, we best reflect the very nature and character of God when we demonstrate an unflagging loyalty to one another. But when we don't, we do the devil's work, at the same time dividing, devouring and destroying our brothers and sisters in Christ. May God have mercy on us . . .

Almost exactly five months ago I had an opportunity to travel to southern CA for a one-day conference. I took a few vacation days as well, and when the conference was over I drove my rental car to the Coachella Valley, where we lived for eight years. I parked it on the shoulder of a quiet road not too far from where we owned our home, and then began a short climb into the foothills ahead of me, carefully avoiding the cholla and beaver tail cacti that dotted the landscape. Eventually I came to a large, flat boulder where I used to take Shadow on our evening walks. I remembered how I would sit on that huge slab with Shadow at my side, and together we would look at the lights of Palm Springs ahead of us, and then the thousands of stars in the desert sky above us. I would often talk to Shadow, and he would sit silently, looking as though he was intently listening . . . I refer to that place as Shadow's Rock. That night I missed my friend. I thanked my God for Shadow, for my people friends, and for Jesus . . . and I prayed that when I eventually have to give account of my life to Him, that He will find me loyal - to my wife, my sons, my friends, my Lord - and to His Church and His work.

Semper Fi.

X-Theology

Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA was the venue for X Games 13 last week (August 2-5, 2007). The X Games is an annual multi-sport event with a focus on eXtreme action sports. The games are broken into seasons: the Winter X Games are usually held in January or February in Aspen, Colorado (through 2010), and the Summer X Games are normally held in August in Los Angeles (through 2009). Competitors perform in many different categories and styles, trying to win bronze, silver and gold medals, as well as prize money. The competition often features never-before-seen "extreme" tricks.

Out of curiosity I "googled" the word "extreme." In .14 seconds that "extreme" search engine displayed 298,000,000 matches - identifying every kind of extreme one can imagine - from the extreme sports channel to extreme videos to extreme trivia to extreme pumpkin carving to "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." (Okay, I'll admit it - it is one of our favorite "reality" TV shows that Win and I watch religiously).

One site defined the word "extreme" as . . . "most remote in any direction; outermost or farthest: the extreme edge of the field."

That got me to thinking . . . I've got one to add to the list. I call it "X (extreme) theology." (Although, according to Google, apparently I am not the first one to coin the term).

For example . . . Recently a well-intentioned individual (at least I think he was), who left the church I pastor over major "theological differences" (those were his words), apparently felt led of the Lord to send me some papers written by someone he referred to as his "teacher." One of them had to do with the purpose of the local church. In this paper the author criticized local churches that emphasize the importance of "winning souls," which he called a "misdirected effort" obviously based on what he would deem erroneous statements such as "Jesus loves sinners" and "Christians are to love the lost." Then the author made the following statement: "A careful examination of Scripture shows that Jesus saves no one . . ."

I could not believe what I had just read. So, like the Bereans of old I knew I needed to search the Scriptures to find out whether these things are so (Acts 17:11).

Here is what I discovered . . .

The angel Gabriel said to Joseph, "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).

Then there was this angelic announcement to the shepherds on the hillside outside of Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born, "Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10-11).

In fact, when He walked this earth, Jesus said of Himself, "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).

That is why the Apostle Paul could say in 1 Timothy 1:5, "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief." And then the Apostle Paul refers to Him as " . . . our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13).

In the light of these passages - and many others - how could any "teacher" make the statement "a careful examination of Scripture shows that Jesus saves no one?" At best that statement is misleading, even with the following "qualifying" phrase in the context: "He provided the work necessary for salvation."

The truth is that Jesus saves from the penalty of sin. Indeed, the Bible says that "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Jesus also saves believers from the power of sin. Hebrews 7:25 says that "Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost (extreme?) those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them."

And one day He will save us from the presence of sin when He comes for His "Bride". The Apostle Paul explains in Philippians 3:21, "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself." (Maranatha! Even so, quickly come, Lord Jesus!).

Jesus saves NO ONE? What kind of convoluted, distorted, perverted and twisted teaching is this?

It is X theology (extreme theology). And there is a lot of it out there today . . . from the old ultra (hyper/extreme) dispensationalism that Harry Ironside warned the church about in the early 20th century to the so-called "evangelical postmodernism" of this early 21st century.

We'll pick up from here in a future blog. But for now, I will soon retire for the night with a song on my heart. It's an old gospel song that goes like this . . .

Christ has for sin atonement made - What a wonderful Savior!

We are redeemed the price is paid - What a wonderful Savior!

What a wonderful Savior is Jesus, my Jesus!

What a wonderful Savior is Jesus, my Lord!

Actually, it would not be an overstatement to call Him an X (EXTREME) Savior!

A near death experience . . .

Three years ago today, August 5 (it was a Thursday), I experienced what some would probably refer to as one of the "defining moments" of my life.

My wife, Win, and my younger son, TJ, and I arrived in Salem (OR) the previous night. I was candidating for the position of Senior Pastor at North Salem Baptist Church. The pastoral search committee had scheduled several meetings for us with various individuals and groups on Thursday-Saturday, and I was to preach twice on Sunday (morning and evening).

At 5:30 a.m. on that unforgettable Thursday I left the motel where we were staying and walked a half-mile north to a family restaurant where I was to have breakfast with the former pastor, the chairman of the deacon board, and the chairman of the pastoral search committee. The former pastor began the morning by reading the devotional of the day from Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening. The verse on the top of the page that morning was "We know that all things work together for good to them that love God" (Romans 8:28). Spurgeon's commentary began with these words, "Upon some points a believer is absolutely sure. He knows, for instance, that God sits in the stern-sheets of the vessel when it rocks most. He believes that an invisible hand is always on the world’s tiller, and that wherever providence may drift, Jehovah steers it. That re-assuring knowledge prepares him for everything." (Spurgeon, C. H.: Morning and Evening : Daily Readings. Oak Harbor, WA : Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1995, S. August 5 AM).

We had a wonderful time together, and approximately three hours later I began the half-mile walk back to the motel where Win and TJ were waiting for me. Win and I had a 10:00 a.m. meeting with a realtor in town, and TJ was going to spend the day with one of the families of the church. As I walked I began to feel a strange pain in both of my arms, unlike anything I had ever felt before. I labored up the steps to the second floor of the motel, entered our room and collapsed on the bed, informing Win and TJ that I wasn't feeling well. I wondered if it was something I ate. TJ thought I needed some potassium. Win asked if I had taken my medication for the day (a pill for my hyptertension along with a baby aspirin). I had forgotten all about my meds, and once I downed them I began to feel better. Minutes later I assured Win that I was well enough to keep our appointment with the realtor. We said good-bye to TJ, headed out the door and into our rental car, and were in a matter of moments headed south on the I-5 freeway. Suddenly the pain returned, much more intense than before. My entire upper body felt like it was in a vice. I was beginning to think that I might be having a heart attack. I didn't want to frighten Win, but as soon as I exited the freeway I stopped the car and asked her to drive as I climbed into the back seat. She said, "Where?" All of a sudden I noticed a little blue hospital sign at the side of the road. "Follow those signs!" I yelled. Providentially, we were only minutes away from the Salem Regional Medical Center. Win pulled into the emergency room parking lot, and I managed to walk into the building, where I saw a nurse sitting at a desk positioned under a sign that read "Triage Nurse." I walked up to her and said, "Excuse me, mam. Could you please help me? I think I am having a heart attack." Suddenly I was surrounded by a group of medical personnel, placing me a stretcher, wheeling me into the ER, stripping off my clothes, hooking me up to IVs. The pain became excruciating, for which I was administered a good dose of morphine. I remember trying to answer questions, and feeling rather confused and disoriented. Everything seemed so surreal.

While I was laying there, the thought suddenly occurred to me, "So this is how it happens. This is how people die. I am going to die, and I can't even say 'good-bye' to Win." I was scared. I knew I was ready to meet my Maker, but somehow I felt I wasn't ready to leave my wife and family. I was only 53. I thought the Lord had more for me to do.

To be sure, my near death experience wasn't like others I had heard and / or read about. I mean, I didn't see any bright shining light at the end of some long, dark tunnel. In fact, later I would joke about it and remind people that there is a motel chain that promises to "leave the lights on" for its guests. I would remark that apparently the Lord didn't even "leave the lights on for me."

It was as though time stopped for me and everything became a blur. In reality, it was several hours later when I became aware that I was indeed in a room with bright lights, and several people dressed in white clothes. My first thoughts were that I had died and gone to heaven. I figured that if my body was indeed alive, what in the world was I doing in this room with bright lights and everyone dressed in white? On the other had, I asked myself, "But if I am dead, why do I feel like I have to throw up?" Win tells me that I indeed did throw up all over myself there in the recovery room.

I was released from the hospital the following Monday, after a visit by my cardiologist. I wanted to know how badly my heart was damaged. He answered very frankly and without emotion, "Joe, your heart attack was massive and extensive. When you arrived at the hospital, you probably had no more than five minutes to spare."

Well, I am still here, three years later. I believe with all my heart that the Lord had (and still has) more work for me to do for Him. I preached my candidating sermon on August 15th (instead of August 8th), and the following week the church membership voted unanimously to call me as their Pastor. We accepted the call, sold our home in Michigan, and after an eventful cross-country journey (perhaps that will be the subject of another blog), we finally began our ministry at North Salem Baptist Church in early November, 2004.

The text I preached on my candidating Sunday was taken from Acts 20. I had a whole new perspective on its truth following my heart attack. And now today, three years later, it means more to me than ever: "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24).

I pledge allegiance . . .

Several years ago at a Pastor's conference in Chicago, I heard Dr. George Sweeting, former President of Moody Bible Institute, tell about a recent trip he had made to Scotland. Dr. Sweeting had gone there to preach, but he also loved to golf, and was ecstatic when he was invited to play the famous St. Andrews course. Unfortunately, he did not play well. He sliced the ball. He hooked the ball. He hit the ball into sand bunkers and lost the ball in water hazards. By the time he finished the 18th hole, he was utterly embarrassed. He apologized profusely to his caddy, who replied very graciously, "It's okay, Dr. Sweeting. In fact, I have caddied this course for fifty years, and today you have taken me to places I have never before been."

That's how I feel about the stage of parenting my wife and I have recently entered. We are parents of two adult sons, and in recent days they have both "taken us to places we have never before been" (as parents). For example, just yesterday we went to a place in Portland called MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Command). We were there to witness our younger son (just less than two months shy of 21-years-old) raise his right hand and repeat the oath of enlistment. (See the picture below, and check out the video in my previous post "Proud to be an American [Dad]"). Today he has already begun his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. His contract specifies that he will train for the USAF security forces.

While fighting to hold back the tears and trying desperately to swallow whatever was choking my throat, I could not help but think of these words of the Apostle Paul: "You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:1). If you are familiar with the text, you may recall that the Apostle Paul then uses in verses 3-6 three powerful word pictures to portray some crucial elements of the Christian life. He asks Timothy to consider the illustrations of a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer.

It seems to me, first of all, that the point of the "soldier" figure of speech in verses 3-4 is that of ALLEGIANCE, which has been defined as "loyalty or devotion to some person, group or cause." The operative word here is LOYALTY. One dictionary lists the words treason and treachery as antonyms of allegiance. That being the case, I must say that during the half-century I have been a believer in Jesus, I have come across several fellow Christians who are guilty of treason. Some of them have betrayed the faith and their Lord. Others have betrayed their spouses and families. And, sadly to say, some have committed treachery in the local church. I'm not sure that there is any emotional pain greater than that which accompanies betrayal. (Our Lord certainly knew that agony). I have discovered that some people are "loyal" only when there is something in it for them. (As the saying goes, "with friends like that, who needs enemies?"). Indeed, how quickly they will turn on you and back-stab you if things don't go their way, or they no longer get what they want or what they think they deserve. James (the half-brother of our Lord) is good with a hammer. He hits the proverbial nail on the head when he writes, "Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war" (James 4:1-2).

Secondly, I think that the point of the athlete figure of speech in 2 Timothy 2:5 is all about OBEDIENCE, or, as someone defined it, "dutiful or submissive compliance." For me, this is really an issue of INTEGRITY. It's not only about doing what I'm told to do, but it is also about doing what I said I would do. I've met a few young people in recent days who think they can fast track to success by cutting some corners, by going back on their word, by failing to keep their commitments. I think they are only kidding themselves. They love to sit in coffee shops with all of their blue-tooth wireless gear, forecasting how much money they will make and how quickly they can do it, even if it means sacrificing their own reputation and integrity. They are so short-sighted and earthly-minded. Again, it is James who speaks so poignantly to the issue in James 4:13-15, ending the paragraph with these words in verses 16-17, "But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. Therefore, to him who knows to do good, and does not do it, to him it is sin."

Finally, I think that the point of the farmer figure of speech in 2 Timothy 2:6 is all about DILIGENCE, defined as a "constant and earnest effort," and a "persistent exertion of body or mind." I call it TENACITY. It is the ability to keep on keeping on; a stick-to-it-tive-ness with a never-say-die attitude. It is what the Apostle Paul described when he said that "love (agape) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails . . ." (1 Corinthians 13:7-8a). It is common knowledge that the cheetah is perhaps the fastest land animal in the world. But what many people don't know is that he cannot run fast for very long. He has no "staying" power. The reason? He has a disproportionately small heart for his long, sleek body. He tires too quickly. As I have watched people give up and walk out, "throw in the towel" and/or go AWOL, I have observed that in many cases it is because they don't really love the Lord and His Church (that is, His Bride, His People, His Flock), along with the work He has called them to do. It is because they have disproportionately small "hearts."

Allegiance. Obedience. Diligence.

Loyalty. Integrity. Tenacity.

In the words of the officer presiding over TJ's swearing in - "Every day, every time. Every day, every time. Every day, every time." Allegiance, obedience, diligence; loyalty, integrity and tenacity - every day and every time!

Or, in the words to a song that TJ used to love to sing (and we loved to hear him sing) -

I pledge allegiance to the Lamb
With all my strength with all I am
I will seek to honor His commands
I pledge allegiance to the Lamb

Those are the marks of a mature man and/or woman of God.

Now, where I have just taken you should be familiar territory to all of you who have believed in Jesus Christ for everlasting life. However, if you feel that through this blog I haved taken you somewhere you have never before been, then you would do well to heed the very last verse of the opening paragraph of 2 Timothy 2 (verse 7): "Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things."

It is time for you to "man" your (spiritual) battle station and fight the GOOD fight of the faith!

Proud to be an American [Dad]!

On Tuesday, July 10, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. our soon-to-be 21-year-old son, "TJ", took this oath of enlistment into the United States Air Force (Security Forces) in Portland, Oregon. (He is at the far end of the second row).

When my journey as a dad began . . .

I love this song . . . "Undo" by Rush of Fools

My Little "Princess of Nothing"

I wanted to call her "Sadie," which means "princess, member of a royal family."

My wife wanted to call her "Dakota," which means nothing - as far as we know.

So, we compromised and named her "Sadie Dakota," which being interpreted is (according to one of my friends), "the Princess of Nothing."

She came into this world one year ago this July.

She came into our world about eight weeks later, just before Labor Day weekend, 2006.

She was a "gift" to me from a friend who wanted to show his gratitude for some help we had given him. Win was opposed to having another dog (we've already got two labs - a 12-year-old yellow lab named "Max", and a 10-year-old chocolate lab named "Lucy"). I was finally able to convince her that we needed a black lab puppy, too. As I saw her resistance weaken, she finally blurted out in resignation (and desperation?), "I'm just glad they don't come in any more colors!"

At first we thought we might "breed" Sadie and raise other black lab puppies (incredibly, that was Win's idea). I mean, we thought we had the perfect puppy. But when we tried to find out from her breeder what her exact birthdate was and who her "parents" were, because we wanted to make sure we had all the right "papers" - well, she never returned our calls. After several weeks passed, Win and I began to realize why the breeder was willing to give her to my friend so she could be given to me. It became painfully clear to us that our sweet little lab would probably never be a blue-ribbon champion show dog. The fact of the matter is that she has way too many, shall we say "imperfections", not the least of which is that she must have been the "runt" of the litter. She's just about a year old, and is still a petite little lady lab, no where near as big as her "siblings" (or, at least the one sibling that we know . . . she belongs to that same friend who gave me Sadie). I suspect that anyone looking for a show dog, guide dog, helping dog, and/or bird dog might not have chosen Sadie to be their dog. But, do you know what? I am so glad she is my dog. I love her just the way she is. And don't think for a moment that she is just a "Princess of Nothing." Oh, no, she is definitely a "Princess of Something." I mean, just visit my home and you may get the distinct impression that "Sadie Rules." She has her "master" wrapped around her little finger . . . er, paw.

Come to think of it, I guess that from the world's perspective I, Joe Lombardi, would hardly be considered a blue-ribbon, gold medal-winning kind of person - in any category. Talk about imperfections . . . I'm overstocked with them, all in a short, squat 5'6" body. Although I was not officially named "the least likely to succeed" in high school, I'm sure there were those who would have at least nominated me for the title. (As I recall, whenever we divided up for teams, I was usually the last person left. And even then I wasn't really "chosen" - I was just sort of given as a consolation prize to the other team).

But do you know what? My Heavenly Father loves me the way I am. In fact, there isn't anything I can do to make Him love me any more than He already does. (Not only that, there isn't anything I can do to make Him love me any less than He already does). To be sure, He loves me enough not to let me stay the way I am, but to transform me (slowly, sometimes almost imperceptibly) into the image of His Son. But beyond that, He actually chose me to be a servant of His Gospel. Isn't that incredible? Oh, make no mistake about it - I know He did not choose me because I deserve it. In fact, I can totally relate to these words of the Apostle Paul, "To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ" (Ephesians 3:8). In response to a comment on a previous blog, I even suggested that Ephesians 3:8 should be my life verse.

Why did He give me this glorious privilege? I know that ultimately it is for His glory. Again, it was the Apostle Paul who said, "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.”

As I said in my very first blog entry, for me, the main thing about my life is that it must bring glory to God. I am motivated to live that way not only because I believe it is the most reasonable response to His grace in my life, but also because it is the best tangible indication of both my gratitude to Him and my love for Him.

But there is one other thing that motivates me to live a life that gives Him pleasure. You see, the Bible makes it clear that those servants who faithfully persevere and endure will also "reign with Him" (2 Timothy 2:12). Just the thought of the possibility of being able to have a part in His reign during His millennial kingdom boggles my mind. I know that when I stand before His judgment seat to give account of my life and work, I want Him to find me faithful.

Just think: Out of His love for me and because of His incredibly amazing grace which He has already made abound to me, He might actually take this ribbon-less, medal-less, and trophy-less unknown preacher, and make him a "Prince of Something!" Imagine that. "Jesus rules" . . . and Joe Lombardi might even get to rule with Him, too!

I am STILL amazed by His grace.

Who's Who?

Some time ago I received a very interesting phone call from someone I had never met before. My caller basically wanted to ask of me a favor. Now, over the past two dozen years or so I have received several calls that have been similar, but never with the kind of appeal that this particular individual made. He told me his name and then went on to tell me about his church. As I recall, he said it had about 1500 members, and that they had just completed building a brand new $6 million facility, situated between two beautiful lakes and right next to a gorgeous 18-hole golf course.

When I inquired as to the reason for his call, he said, "Well, we have a problem at our church, and we've been told by somebody that you're the man to fix it." (Now my curiosity was really picqued).

"So, what's your problem?" I asked.

"We need a new Senior Pastor," he replied.

"What makes you think I'm the man to fix your problem?" I pressed, beginning to wonder with a slight twinge of excitement (I confess) if I was about to be "translated" to "paradise."

His reply, which was spoken tongue-in-cheek, caught me off-guard. "Well," he said, "we're located in Wisconsin (not too far from Green Bay) - and you just happen to have the right last name!" (That's a good reason to call a man as your pastor, don't you think)?

For those of you who may be recreationally-challenged, my caller was alluding to Vince Lombardi, of course, the legendary head coach from 1959-1967 of the Green Bay Packers, winners of the NFL championships in 1965, 1966 and 1967, as well as the first two Super Bowls. Although Lombardi stepped down as head coach of the Packers in 1967, and then succombed to intestinal cancer in 1970, his name and fame are still celebrated by "cheeseheads" throughout "America's Dairyland" state of Wisconsin.

My caller was kidding, of course - but it got me to thinking . . .

It seems to me that just about everyone in this world is looking for some sort of "fix-it man" for the world. For good reason, too - for humanity is broken. (Indeed, the Bible makes it clear that mankind has been that way ever since the "fall" in the Garden). In fact, next year, many of my fellow Americans will cast their presidential ballot for whichever man (or woman) they believe has the ability to fix everything. Others are looking to the sciences (including the so-called "soft" sciences) - from anthropology to biology and cosmology to psychology - to find this talented fix-it man. Still others may turn to religious figures for the ultimate solutions to mankind's problems, whether it be the Catholic Pope, a Jewish Rabbi, a Moslem Imam - or even one of America's notorious tele-evangelists.

That reminds me that the Bible talks about a time when there will be a man who will convince the world that "he's da man" who can fix everything! In fact, if this blog (and others like it) are still posted somewhere in cyberspace when this man (the son of perdition, the man of sin, the antichrist) ascends to world domination, I suspect he will do everything he can to track it down and then hit the delete button.

The truth of the matter is that in the "Who's Who" book of people who can truly fix this world, there is really only one entry: the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible says that "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist" (Colossians 1:15-17). And again, "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). You see, you just cannot substitute anyone else for Him - Who was, by the way, the one and only substitute for YOU! "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

Jesus really is the Answer. To be sure, if He doesn't return soon, I have some well-intentioned friends and colleagues who would wish that when the history of the Church (and the world) in this 21st century is written, there might be at least a whole chapter devoted solely to them. Honestly, I rather doubt that my name will even appear in a footnote. In fact, there are several "Lombardis" (maybe a dozen or so) listed in "Who's Who in America" - including Vince Lombardi - but I'm not one of them, either. But, then, it has never really been about me. Indeed, it is all about Him. "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" (Colossians 3:17).

Obviously, we never did go to that church. In fact, things took a serious turn for the worse when I informed my Wisconsin caller that my wife, Win, is a diehard Chicago Bears fan. So much for my "translation" to "Paradise."

But, hey, now I get to live in the Pacific Northwest. I ask you, dear reader, is there any other place on this planet that is closer than Oregon to "heaven on earth?"

I'm STILL amazed by His grace!

Baby steps . . .

As a new bloggerI feel like a little baby learning how to walk. For example, someone (actually, it was my wife, Win) pointed out to me that when she clicked on the link to view "About Me," the profile that appeared included my astrological sign and zodiac year. You know, I never answered those questions . . . that info just appeared "automatically" on my blogspot when I gave my birthdate. I've decided it's just not worth allowing people to view the profile if the presence of those two categories troubles them. (It troubles me . . . I could care less about the Astrological Sign and my Zodiac year. The only thing that matters to me is that I know the One who is the Alpha and Omega - from "A-Z" in the Greek alphabet)! Besides most of you reading this blog right now (at least, initially), are people who know me fairly well. (But, in case you don't remember, my birthday is November 15, 1950)! :-)

Secondly, I've changed the "comment" setting so that ANYONE can leave a comment. You do not have to have a Google account.

Finally, I've added the link to CEF (Child Evangelism Fellowship). They know how to present the Gospel to boys and girls clearly and effectively, and the Lord is using them mightily to reach children for Christ.

So, I'm learning . . .

My Journey with Jesus - the first steps . . .

I was seven years old when I believed in Jesus for everlasting life. I was attending a weekly after-school club for children sponsored by the ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship. It was called a "Good News Club." I can still picture that day in the fall of 1957 when I left my second grade classroom in West End School at the sound of the closing bell and walked the short distance to a large white house located at 517 Greenbrook Rd in my hometown. Our club met in the basement of Mrs. Lyons home. She was our teacher. She taught us about the Savior. Sure I was young. But I was old enough to understand that I was a "sinner" and that apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ I was lost forever. That dear, white-haired, grandmotherly-type lady told us the "good news" of John 3:16. She even suggested that we place our own name in the verse: "For God so loved JOE LOMBARDI that He gave His only begotten Son, that [if] JOE LOMBARDI believeth in Him, JOE LOMBARDI should not perish, but have everlasting life." I believed . . . and at that moment I knew that I was forgiven and one day would go to heaven. I was convinced that Jesus Christ alone could and in fact did guarantee my eternal destiny. I had become a child of God, and He had become my Heavenly Father. This year I celebrate my 50th birthday since I was "born again." When a person becomes the recipient and beneficiary of "good news," they usually want to share it with anyone else who is willing to listen. That is how I feel about the Gospel (the "good news") of the grace of God. I want to share it with the world. I guess that is one reason I began this blog on the worldwide web. By the way, if you want to know more about how to start your own journey with Jesus, I would like to suggest you visit this site created by a good friend of mine: http://www.believeinJesus.com.

A New Road

My first blog . . . and the man who is usually NEVER at a loss for words doesn't even know how to begin. I've kept a personal journal for 27 years - but no one else has read it (yet). Blogging is different because the blogger is allowing his life to become an "open book." So, how do I want this book to begin? I have a friend who attended our church in the desert in southern California (my third pastorate, from 1992-2000). Every Sunday he was there he would send me a note on our "Communication Card." He would remind me week after week, "Joe, keep the main thing the main thing." For me, the main thing about my life is that it must bring glory to God. So, whether I eat or drink, blog or surf, or whatever I do, I want my Lord to be glorified. That's it . . . the first thing I want you know. There will be more in days to come. But right now, I need to get my rest, because tomorrow morning I have to preach - and once again I will try to be diligent to keep the main thing the main thing!