Are You A Martian?

On November 13, 2007, the Fox News website headline read, “Life On Earth May Have Come From Mars.” It seems that scientists performed a test to see if life molecules embedded in rock could survive in space and through the fiery entry into earth’s atmosphere. Strapping a rock full of fossilized microbes onto a rocket launched into space and returning it a few days later, some of the microbes survived the ride.

This test was conducted to see if there might be any validity to the theory known as Panspermia, the concept that Earth was “seeded” by life from outer space. Apparently the belief is that a rock from Mars (thrown?) with some life forms onboard made it to Earth, fell into a pool of water where the little creatures began to swim, grow and thrive. Over billions of years those little Martians developed gills, legs, and the desire to breathe with lungs and walk on dirt. After billions of years we Martians invented radio so that H. G. Wells could scare us all to death by tricking us into thinking that our ancestors had come for a visit.

Actually, I believe the Panspermia theory has a basis in fact. Life on Earth was seeded from outer space. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth…Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.’” (Genesis 1: 1 and 26). Which explanation is more plausible?

Imagination and Salvation

When I was about five years old we lived in Mississippi. Sherry lived across the street and we played together a lot. As it is with most children, much of our playing involved considerable imagination. Once during a storm a tree fell in our yard. For several days it became our home while we were stranded on a deserted island. It provided our shelter, the way to cross high waters and our weapons to ward off dangerous animals. For most of a day we really believed we were on that island.

On another day I was sitting in Sherry's carport. It was a very hot day. Sherry asked me if I wanted some flavored ice cubes. That sounded wonderful and I asked, “What flavor?” She told me she had several flavors and that she would bring me lemon. After that piece she brought me grape. When I asked for another grape flavored piece Sherry began to laugh. “Can you really taste the grape?” she asked. “Of course” I said. She laughed even harder and told me the ice was plain and had no flavor at all.

Often we are told things which are incorrect but because we either trust the source or want to believe them, we accept those things as truth. In the 1800’s doctors often did not have a pain killer to administer before surgery. They would give a patient a placebo (“sugar pill”) telling them that it was a powerful pain killer. Often they could perform the surgery while the patient was awake and still, feeling no pain.

Could it be that there are those who think they are saved because they believe the message of a preacher who is actually teaching error? In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” Did these people believe they were saved? Yes, they did. Were they? Not at all. Jesus said to them, “I never knew you.” These were religious people who felt they were saved and expected to be in heaven, but Jesus said, “Depart from me…”

If it is possible to think we are saved only to find out that it is not so, can we be certain of salvation? Yes, we can. We can have confidence. The key is to depend upon the written word of God, not the spoken word of a preacher or the teaching handed down from our parents.

What does Jesus say about salvation and freedom from sin? In John 8:32 He said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” In His prayer to God Jesus said, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17). So truth makes us free and the source of truth is God’s word.

In regard to salvation, Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). He also said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16. Which of those statements do you believe? Your preacher may preach John 3:16 to you and tell you that all that is necessary for salvation is to believe in Jesus and say the sinners prayer. Has your preacher ever preached on Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, 1 Peter 3:21?

The truth on any subject is the sum of all the information from a reliable source. The Scriptures are certainly a reliable source. One must believe (have faith) that Jesus lived, was crucified and was raised from the dead as proof that He is the Son of God (Romans 1:4). However, faith alone will not save (James 2:24). One must also repent (turn away) from the sin in his life and be baptized (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). Baptism is “for the remission of sins” and is the point at which God removes sin from the penitent believer (Colossians 2:11,12). One must have faith in God’s working at baptism or his baptism accomplishes nothing. To put it plainly, if you believed that you were saved before you were baptized, then you were not baptized scripturally and are still in your sins.

I really believed that those ice cubes were flavored lemon and grape. However it was my desire to believe an unreliable source that led me to an incorrect conclusion. A practical joke played by a little girl is very different from incorrect teaching by a man who claims to preach the word of God. Carefully examine the Scriptures above. Contact me to discuss this further. Whatever you do, don’t just imagine you are saved, be confident of it. Examine the word of God. “The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.” (Psalm 119:160).

Dyslexai, AADD, and Serving the Lord

Some time back one of my doctors quizzed me after I complained about a couple of problems. After answering his questions (did you test well in school? are you disorganized?) he concluded that I probably suffer from dyslexia and adult ADD. He suggested I go have some tests run. When I found out the main purpose of testing was to see if I needed to be on drugs, I decided to skip the test. After all, I don’t test well!

One of the many tale-tell signs of both dyslexia and AADD is counting stuff and seeing life through numbers, even if they do come up backwards at times. It occurred to me that I do tend to see life through numbers.

For example, a few years ago I hit 250 pounds. A quick calculation revealed that I was half way to 500, a place I did not want to go. Now, at 270, I’m pleased because I generally see the number as 207.

A more serious set of numbers that I began to focus on a few years ago was my age. Again, doubling the number I soon realized that at 45, I am half way to 90, an age I seriously doubt I will live to see.

That got me thinking about just what I have accomplished and how many more years I will have to do what I feel is important to do, especially in the Lord’s service.

Nan and I used to talk about going to a city where no church of the Lord exists and spending 5 years there working intensively to start a faithful group. Assuming that we were successful, we would move on and start the process again in another city. Five years doesn’t seem like a long time and we ought to be able to do this multiple times. But at age 50 (coming up next), if I have 25 more good years ahead of me, I can only affect 5 cities. Wow! That’s not many. And besides, I am not going to be in a position to make that transition anytime soon – maybe not until 60. Now I am down to 3 cities.

My point here is that we all need to be thinking about how we can have the most impact right now, where we are, not way off into the future in some other place. If we are not thinking in that way, we don’t understand our vocation! (Ephesians 4:1 – see the KJV). The new Christians in Bible days, being persecuted for their faith, went everywhere “preaching the word.” Acts 8:4. The Thessalonians were very busy people in the kingdom. “For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.” 1 Thess 1:8. Paul was not writing to paid evangelists. He wrote that letter to individual church goers like you and me. Are we so busy that the preachers need not preach?

How old are you? How many more good years do you have in you to spread the news? When was the last time you said, “I need to get busy because my life racing by quickly,” only to let a few more years slip by? We cannot wait for retirement! We can’t wait until we have the money! When those things come we will either have too many aches and pains or our affections will have been drawn away to other matters by our wealth. Today is the day that we must start the Lord’s work in our lives.

What Will You Do With 37 Extra Days?

“Life Expectancy in US rises” blazed the headline. It’s true. According to US statistics our life expectancy rose from 77.8 in 2004 to 77.9 in 2005. That means you may get an extra 37 days on this earth. What are you going to do with your extra days?

Time management. The way we use our days is important. The Scriptures emphasize this again and again. Paul said, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15, 16) Once we wise up and begin following the Lord, there is much to do. We must redeem, or buy back, the time we wasted living for the world and its pleasures. Perhaps you’ll have an extra 37 days to live righteously instead of sinfully.

Evangelism. Jesus’ disciples were trying to get Him to eat some food they had brought. He replied, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” He was in the process of teaching a whole town about the salvation God was bringing them through His life. He referred to that effort as “my food,” meaning that what really energized and sustained Him was taking care of God’s business. Do we have that same appetite for the will of God? Will your extra 37 days be spent telling others about His saving grace?

Child rearing. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” The investment we make in our children’s lives, molding and shaping them into godly people, is worth every minute we spend. Placing other pursuits ahead of their spiritual well-being may insure that they will never follow after the Lord’s ways when they grow up. Your last 37 days may be spent contemplating the wonderful lives of your righteous children and their godly families. Neglecting your duty as a parent may mean that your extra 37 days will be spent wringing your hands in despair because your children will not listen to your pleas for their return to the Lord.

Eternity. We may eek out another 37 days in this life by eating right, exercising, etc. While there is nothing wrong with being healthy, we need to be certain that we put bulk of our effort on taking care of those things that lead to eternal life. “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26

What's A Christian to Do?

I read an article today about a proposed crackdown by the Venezuelan government on parents who name their children unusual names or names that may expose the child to ridicule. The government is even proposing to develop a list of “no fewer than 100 names” from which parents may choose.

I must admit that my first thought was, why can’t we adopt such a law in the United States? As an employer I’ve gotten to the point that I don’t know how to pronounce many of the names of those applying for employment at my company. Some names are just silly, in my humble opinion, and I feel sorry for the child who has to type it on a resume.

Then I thought about freedom. It really is nice to live in a country where parents are free to be total jerks and embarrass their children for the rest of their lives. While unfortunate, it is after all, freedom. Remember the story about the inventor of the Lear jet naming his daughter Chanda? It’s true. Click here. What a great country we live in!

But then I thought about the many Christians in Venezuela. What if a nice couple has a new baby boy and wants to name him Sewell because of their great appreciation and admiration for Sewell Hall? Sewell will not likely be on the official list and yet I see very good reasons for wanting to name a child after a godly man like Sewell Hall. Should they defy Venezuelan law, claiming their “right” to name their child whatever they wish?

Because we have submitted ourselves to the will of God, we must let God answer that question. Peter addressed this question in 1 Peter 2:13-16 where he says, “Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men-- as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.”

You see, Christians in any country don’t decide what laws to follow based on the convenience, logic, or even fairness of the law itself. They submit to all laws simply because God says to submit. The only exceptions are those laws that oppose the very will of God. In Acts 5:29, when Peter was told by the authorities to cease preaching in Jesus’ name, he said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”

Living in a country like ours it is easy to get the idea that we are free to do pretty much whatever we want. That attitude is prevalent in our culture. If a law is passed that we don’t like, we can demonstrate and exercise civil disobedience to make our position known. While that freedom may be afforded to Americans, it is not afforded to Christians. The people of God are to obey all laws that do not conflict with the law of God. If our countrymen demonstrate and remove an unfair law from the books – great! But Christians are not to take part in civil disobedience.

Resisting the government’s laws is tantamount to resisting God. Romans 13:1,2 “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.”

Actions and Words Have Consequences

Lesson Learned? This week has seen the outrage and furor over the racial and insensitive comments by Don Imus, a radio talk show host who has been dubbed America’s first shock jock. I have only heard the Imus in the Morning show two or three times. Those were enough to settle in my mind that the radio station needs to be changed when Don Imus is broadcasting.

It seems that our culture has adopted an “anything goes” attitude toward radio and TV. Even with Imus’ firing from both his TV and radio shows, I have to question whether the firing was truly because he said something wrong or was simply a cave-in to the pressures brought to bear by special interest groups. Whatever the case, I am glad that Imus’ comments had consequences. They should have. His comments over the last several years needed to be reined in.

In Ephesians 5:3,4 the apostle Paul said, “But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.” Some things just should not be said. Paul teaches that some things “are not fitting.” Our “free speech” society needs to learn this Biblical lesson.

Paul also said in Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Imus and many others fill the airwaves with corrupt words that do not edify or impart grace to the listeners. Perhaps his firing will cause some to think twice before speaking.

Even if Don Imus’ comments had not resulted in the outrage and furor, he was still guilty of sin and in need of repentance. If no one had taken him to task over the comment, he will still be accountable for those words. Jesus said in Matthew 12:36, “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. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.”

Lessons Not Learned. This week saw two other events that suggest that clear lessons flew over the heads of the media and the public.

Duke Lacrosse Players. To the delight of nearly everyone commenting, the three Duke Lacrosse players had all charges against them dropped. I’m not in favor of false charges being pursued against anyone. Justice must be served. For that reason I, too, am glad the charges did not stand. These players were described by one talk-show host as upstanding and outstanding young men who should serve as role models for others their age. Really?

An important lesson seems to have been lost in all the talk about the accuser’s false charges. These young men would never have made the national news had it not been for the fact that they were engaged in a drunken party to which they had invited two strippers. Young people need to learn that lesson that actions have consequences. They invited the accuser to their party for immoral pleasure.

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits.” In Galatians 5:19 he said that lasciviousness (the participation in watching or performing sexually suggestive movements) and drunkenness are works of the flesh. In verse 21 he said, “that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

In all the rejoicing over the dropped charges, I hope those boys parents haven’t forgotten to take them by the ear, stick their noses in a Bible and “bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” according to Ephesians 6:4.

Their actions have eternal consequences that did not go away because the State attorneys general dropped the charges. They are in need of repentance.

Larry Birkhead. This week we also saw Larry Birkhead raising his arms high in a V-shape for victory upon the announcement that DNA tests proved that he is the father of Anna Nicole Smith’s illegitimate child. The crowd that gathered around him cheered. Where is the shame that such an act should bring upon him? Why were so many other men willing to publicly and shamelessly state that they might be the father of the child?

The bottom line is that Larry Birkhead, Anna Nicole Smith, and the others who thought they had a shot at being the child’s father are guilty of fornication. Based solely upon the reports of her lifestyle, the nature of her death and the illegitimacy of her baby girl, Anna Nicole probably lost her soul to Satan’s hell. The same fate awaits these men if they are unrepentant. Read Galatians 5:19-21 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 for the divine thoughts on their actions.

For several to publicly claim to be the father of an illegitimate child, to give a victory sign at the announcement of the DNA results, and for the crowd to cheer at the announcement is a sad commentary on the total lack of spiritual values in our culture.

Conclusion. For many it doesn’t appear that spiritual lessons are being learned from these events. Rather, the world is looking on in pleasure and approval. After listing the many sins that the world of his day had pursued, including sexual immorality, Paul said, “who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of (have pleasure in – KJV) those who practice them.” Romans 1:32.

To be pleasing to God we cannot be either those who practice such things or those who look upon them with pleasure or approval. May it only be said of us, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” (emphasis mine - Bill) 1 Corinthians 6:11.

What About Global Warming?

With all the current “hot air” (pardon the pun) regarding global warming, I thought it appropriate to write on the subject. The fears promoted by the global warming crowd express a lack of faith in God. Let me be more plain spoken. A Christian cannot accept the ultimate conclusions of global warming theories which are, if man doesn’t change his ways he will bring about the end of his own existence and perhaps even the end of the world as we know it.

Global Destruction Will Occur. God has reserved for Himself the ultimate destruction of the planet. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10. Man will not destroy the earth. The Lord will at a time when He sees fit.

Human Destruction Will Occur. Man’s environmental actions today will not result in the destruction of human existence as some claim. God tells us that man will be around to witness the return of Jesus Christ at the end of time. The destruction of the earth occurs “…when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 8. Mankind will witness this return right here from the earth. “For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17.

Lack of Faith. Christians who buy into the idea that mankind will somehow destroy the earth or his own existence have either forgotten the words of the Lord or they do not have faith in Him. Such thinking is similar to those scoffers in the New Testament days who said, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 3:4. Do we believe His words or not? If so, then we cannot accept the conclusions of the global warming crowd.

Teach Your Children. One of the groups targeted by global warming proponents is school children. Pictures of stranded polar bears have been shown in classes to play upon children’s sympathies for animals and create a belief in global warming and in the dreaded future if we do not act. Parents, we must teach our children about the promises of God. They must know and believe that Jehovah is in control of this world and that man cannot usurp, even through neglect, the authority that God has placed in Himself to destroy both mankind and this earth. While our schools may be promoting the fear of man, we need to teach our children a healthy dose of fear in the One of whom it is said, “in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17 NASB.

Environmentally Unfriendly. If we reject the hysterical conclusions of the global warming crowd, does that mean we should not be concerned? I don’t believe so. This creation is the home the Lord gave us to live in. Just as we are to care for our bodies (Ephesians 5:29) and be humane to animals (several Old Testament passages come to mind), we need to be conscious of how we treat the earth, which is one of many gifts the Lord has given us to enjoy. However, we need not lose sight of our ultimate responsibility – to love and care for our eternal soul, and be concerned about the eternal soul of others. After all, Jesus came “to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.

Noah Was a Failure

The world of Noah’s day was quite evil, so evil, in fact, that “the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the LORD said, ‘I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.’” (Genesis 6:6,7).

Noah was divinely warned. Noah was different. In contrast to all the evil people around him, He “walked with God” (Genesis 6:9). Because of this, God decided to save Noah and instructed him to build an ark that would keep him safe while the flood destroyed the remainder of the world’s population. Verse 3 probably means that God decided to allow the earth to stand another 120 years before the destruction came. So Noah had perhaps 100 to 120 years to construct the ark according to God’s plan.

Hebrews 11:7 says Noah was “divinely warned” by God and “by faith” built the ark and saved himself and his household. In 2 Peter 2:5 we read that Noah was “a preacher of righteousness.” During the years of ark building Noah was also trying to convince his neighbors that they should acknowledge the God of heaven, change their ways, and get on the boat.

We have been divinely warned. Paul tells us that Jesus will return one day “in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 1:8). He reasoned with Felix about “righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come” in Acts 24:25. Romans 3:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The word of God, preached by righteous men, tells us how we may be saved. Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” The truth is the source of freedom from sin as John 8:32 says, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

The truth teaches us that we must believe in Jesus (John 3:16), repent of our sins (Luke 13:3), confess Jesus as Lord (Acts 8:37) and be baptized for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38). Upon genuine obedience to those steps Jesus washes us from our sins, making a distinction between us and the evil world around us (Revelation 1:5).

Noah was a failure. Having preached for 100 or more years, Noah was able to save only his wife, his three sons and their wives. Only eight people! Surely he could have done more.

As we look around the “Christian” world today we begin to see why Noah was a failure. Noah preached the wrong message. Noah preached righteousness when his goal should have been to fill the boat. Rather than a message of change, Noah should have preached, “come as you are.” Rather than repentance, he should have preached “tolerance” and built an “inclusive” ark. Rather than harping on people’s sins and running the risk of keeping them off the boat, he should have advertised shuffleboard, “ark socials” and ark league softball, ark league basketball and ark league volleyball. Of course, once the people got on board he could try to slip in a little of God’s word every now and then to try to make a difference –once they were in.

We have to wonder why God allowed Noah to be such a failure. He had spoken to Noah instructing him on how to build the boat and make it seaworthy. He told him the formula for bringing animals aboard. Why didn’t God tell Noah about the mechanics of “ark growth”? By modern day church standards, Noah was a miserable failure.

When I started preaching for a small church a friend suggested that we print some door hangers and go around the neighborhood inviting folks to an ice cream supper. “Admittedly,” he said, “it is sort of like bribing them to come with something other than the ‘word,’ but, hey, it gets them in the door.” Yeah, it is sort of like bribing then, isn't it?

The bottom line. When it started raining and the waters began to rise, do you suppose any of the folks outside Noah’s ark were wondering if Noah had a shuffleboard court onboard? Do you suppose they would still refuse to go onboard because there would be no “mother’s day out” program, “paintball ministry,” or celebration of Jesus’ birthday complete with cake and ice cream?

Noah’s goal was not to fill the ark. His goal was to change the hearts of sinners. When one realizes he is in sin and he is doomed to destruction without salvation from the Lord, he’ll get onboard God’s plan of salvation without a bribe or a gimmick.

The social gospel, with its appeal to the flesh, its appeal to the appetite, its appeal to “entertainment,” isn’t the appeal God used in Noah’s day and isn’t the appeal He used in Jesus’ day either. Did Jesus say, “Come to Me, all you who want to play church league ball, all you who need to lose weight, and all you people who need a break from your kids, and I will give you what you want.”? No way! He said, “Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He wasn’t talking about physical problems, He was addressing spiritual problems - sin. When rest for the soul is desired, the plain ol’ gospel will satisfy, and no gimmicks are necessary to get one to stay aboard.