Blog Has Moved!!

We've taken the blog to our main website now that we have an updated format on the capability. Click HERE to be taken to our new blog page.

Should We Pray for a Video Game?

Have you ever prayed for a video game? It sounds just a little bit silly at first, but at CGO the idea of praying for a video game seems to come naturally. To let you in a bit on how we do things around here, let me first tell you CGO plans to host a Call of Duty Black Ops server when it comes out in November. How can we pray for this game? We first and foremost pray as a reminder that we will use this game to glorify God. We pray that this game will enable us to reach out to gamers who might not yet know God and the Salvation offered through Jesus; to bring the "good news" so to speak. We pray that the developers of Black Ops will have given us tools to administrate the game to help us keep the gaming environment as friendly as possible. We pray that God will energize our efforts and provide us with the wisdom to compellingly present the Word of God to those who so desperately need it. We give prayers of thanks to the Lord for all He has provided to us, including the volunteers, computer skills, and fellowship of our Christian brothers and sisters.

How Do We REALLY Know if there is a Heaven?

We don't. If we could know for 100% that there was a heaven and hell, if we could absolutely prove that God was real, then we wouldn't need faith. God has provided for us ample evidence of His existence throughout creation. Indeed, our very uniqueness as humans separates us from the rest of the creation (and should since we are the only beings made in the image of God). But, in the end, it's a step of faith. Not of blind faith, but faith never-the-less.

[This is an actual post from the CGO discussion forums. Join this discussion here.]

Battlefield 2 Is Back!

Dust off your Battlefield 2 discs or go buy it new (it's cheap nowadays) and join us for some old school action on our new BF2 server. Saturday nights have been busy when +CGO+ members and friends have gotten on the server and played most of the evening.

So many of our members and regulars found CGO through our hosting of BF2 in the past several years. As most know, we have a busy COD4 server at present, which now serves as a main contact with our CGO community. Have played them both for more hours than I care to admit, one thing I've noticed is that the slower pace of play in BF2 allows for more communication in the in-game chat. No wonder it was such a great gateway of fellowship in the pre-COD4 days.

The Bible is Meant to Be Read!

Philosopher John Locke claimed that we are born with a tabula rasa or "blank slate," and that all of mankind is born with an innate understanding of morality. This can be easily seen simply by looking at the moral similarities throughout cultures. No culture has ever existed that has embraced cold blooded murder, stealing, lying, or cheating as virtues while at the same time condemning courage, integrity, and honor as vices. All of us "know" that what Hitler, for example, did was wrong. This is because we're all born with an understanding of morality. The source of this knowledge comes from the character of God. It's part of what goes into being made "in the image of God," as the Bible reads.

A person can have a basic understanding of morality, and can even go so far to think that humanity itself is not intrinsically "good." These conclusions can be made apart from Scripture. However that's really only a starting point. The Bible is necessary. One cannot witness to people and lead people to faith without heavily relying on Scripture.

People have been led to Christ because of the example of a believer. As Christians, we should shine the light of Christ in everything we do. The Holy Spirit can convict people and open their eyes to their sin simply through the example of another believer. These are all important things.

We can look for a formula but God is bigger than that. He doesn't just work in one particular way. However, it is clear that Scripture - the Bible - is the primary way in which God communicates. Indeed, Scripture is a gift from God, and out foundation for everything as Christians. Everyone is encouraged to read the Bible regularly and to pray that the Holy Spirit will lead you to a true understanding of your salvation in Jesus Christ.

Is it Hard to be a Christian?

I think for those people who haven't yet accepted Christ and started on the path of being a Christian, it can be a daunting decision to take that leap of faith. There's potential ridicule from friends and family who aren't yet believers. There's perhaps a feeling of unworthiness in contemplating being the "perfect Christian." And of course there is the worldly pull of sin and distraction that wants to keep hold of us, especially young people.

For those who fear losing the friendship and love of others if you do choose to accept Jesus, I would say: "The love of Jesus is far greater than any other love you have know. You will not suffer from a lack of love if you accept Christ in your life."

For those who fear that it is hard to be a Christian, I would say: "The reward we receive is far in excess of any cost we might incur in our lives. The cost of our reward was paid for by somebody else - Jesus Christ." I would also suggest, "Yes, being a Christian can be hard. Thus, the sooner in your faith you learn to trust in God, and the strength He provides, the better."

If you have questions about accepting Christ and becoming a Christian, talk it over with a Christian friend, relative, or pastor. Feel free to post your questions or observations about being a Christian. If you have had these questions and overcome them, please feel free to post about your experience as a Christian. Click HERE to visit the CGO Forums.

Do You Have Time to Tithe?

When we hear about "tithing" it is usually in the context of giving a portion of our income, our money, back to God. We often hear references to the the Old Testament verses that relate a full 10% is the minimum amount of our income to devote to tithing. Paul wrote in the New Testament that we are to set aside a portion of our income to support the church. Clearly, almost every Christian would agree that providing part of our financial blessings to ministry is Biblical and a blessing to us.

But what about our time? I would venture to state that God wants our time more than he has use for our money. 1 Corinthians 10:31 Paul tells us, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." What was that Paul? How much time? The answer is that God wants ALL of our time.

Some may say that if God wants to be in on ALL of our time, that seems just too much. After all, God created us to perform tasks in our lives. Watch over the earth. Raise our families. So we can't just stand around "worshipping" all the time, right? I believe that God wants us to live full and happy lives doing meaningful things. Enjoy the outdoors. Enjoy your family and friends. Support yourself and family with your work. Even Paul was a tent maker.

I have a verse taped to the shelf at my desk which reads,"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,...It is the Lord Christ you are serving." (Col. 3:23-24). This tells us exactly what and how much time you should be giving to the Lord. "Whatever you do," it says. How much more plain can this be stated? God wants to be with us always! In the good and bad. He won't shy away. Whether we're performing boring yard work, or on an exciting fishing trip; or even playing a video game, we are told to do it as for the Lord.

Does this mean we are free to engage in sinful behavior so long as we fool ourselves it is done for the Lord? I don't think even the best doubters would believe that. I think what it means is that we all need to evaluate our daily lives, and make our plans and lives according to what brings glory to God and what doesn't. The Bible tells us exactly how to keep our lives on track by going to God in prayer on a regular basis. In John 14:13-14, Jesus states that we are to pray for "anything" in Jesus' name and He will do it. There is nothing too big for God.

Make time for God to be with you today and every day. He wants to be with you. He wants you to be with Him now and always. Give generously to God with your time.